Living on Easdale Island
Living our Dream
We arrived on Easdale Island, on a bright, crisp, January afternoon. We stepped into number 47, Allen armed with: Diary of a Year on Easdale (Garth & Vicky Waite), while I hugged a £40 violin that had never seen the light of day. My head was awash with words.
Fast forward to April – Allen, who for 10 years prior to relocating, tended the gardens at 19th century author and biographer Elizabeth Gaskell’s historic home in Manchester, is now engrossed in: The Islands that Roofed the World (Mary Withall). He has also added a penny whistle to his personal effects.
I can now ‘play’ the odd (yes odd) recognisable tune on my violin. And while my head is still awash with words, the words at least resemble a plot.
During our first the three months on Easdale. we have been busy doing our own thing and settling in. More recently, we discovered that Garth (writer) and Vicky illustrator of Diary of a Year on Easdale, resided at number 47 during the 1980s, where they compiled and published their book. Something that Allen suspected, having recognised one of Vickie’s illustrations as a scene through our kitchen window. Vickie was also an accomplished pianist.
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May Highlights
May – it wasn’t just the honeybees that were busy!
We had a fantastic afternoon at the VE Day celebrations in Ellenabeich – a choir- DP played the Last Post- 1940s music and a picnic boozy.
Finally took a dip in the quarry. Still not happy to go out of my depth after getting into difficulties on Seil a couple of years ago. Perhaps that’s not a bad thing!
Stranger on the Shore?
No, it’s Allen taking a break from foraging. You will usually find him clutching a bag for life, full of Kindling!
In April we raved about The Waites illustrated diary of a year on Easdale. We were thrilled to get a visit from the American friends of the Waites son, Christopher, despatched to take photos of 47. Surreal, doesn’t even touch it!
The Royal Visit
Prince Edward and Sophie, visited Easdale. We chose to stay in the background and celebrate ‘our way’. Still we hope they spotted the flags and Royal Standard, from the slipway.
April Highlights
Fantastic night at Seil Hall.
We love the saxaphone, so to have 4 playing simultaneously was mindblowing. Wew met some really nice people too.*
We unwittingly waded into island life, rather than paddled. While I’d agreed to read a poem at the Burns Supper, I was tasked with the Immortal Memory! Bad Timing, as I had eight days to write the speech, knee deep in boxes.
April Highlights
I delivered the Immortal Memory during dessert. Again Bad Timing. Never thought Cranachan could be so noisy. Sure Rabbie Burns would have appreciated the humour, as did we. Good Timing Fortuitous for my fellow guests, that my novice rendition of Auld Lang Syne on violin, didn’t extend into the Community Hall that might. I’m sure Rabbie would agree, that was Good Timing!
*=
Our creative endeavours will no doubt contribute to the creativity embedded in number 47, by notable persons, Annabel, Garth and Vicky. And we will ensure that 47 Easdale continues to be a much-loved, iconic abode.”
Steph and Allen
The Family Way!
