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Orts 45, 1997, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

Various unexpected events have delayed the final planning of this Conference. As a consequence it has not yet been possible to circulate full details. However the Conference is still planned to take place at Westminster College, Oxford from June 26th-28th.

Orts 42, 1997, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

The extent to which email and the internet, in the past year, have supplanted the traditional forms of communication at a distance, is almost beyond belief. Few of us had realised how our specialist interests can blossom when a form of world-wide communication becomes available which reproduces the situation in a neighbourhood special-interest club, where members communicate informally with one another several times a week. The MacDonald Society's web site has not yet started to flourish, but that is only because J. J. Flynn who manages it, has been seriously ill. We wish him a speedy recovery. There is, however …

Orts 43, 1997, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

We have attempted to catch up on our publishing schedules. This issue is only one month late and number 44 should be on time. The brief period since Orts 42 however has meant that we have received few contributions, and the issue lacks the 'lighter' material necessary to balance two serious reviews. Please be sure to send us any material you have for the next issue.

Orts 38,1996, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

Robin Brooks's play Fav'rite Nation which ran at the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith, London, from the 3rd to the 20th of January is about the relationships between George MacDonald, John Ruskin, Octavia Hill—and Mrs la Touche and her unfortunate daughter Rose. MacDonald tried to assist when Ruskin developed a hopeless passion for Rose—the story is told in the 1924 biography of MacDonald and later in William Raeper's. Octavia Hill's work for the National Trust and other good causes is even better known. One of our members comments that the play was competently acted and rivetting throughout, bringing out well the conflict …

Orts 40, 1996, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

The Annual General Meeting of the George MacDonald Society will be held on Friday 27 September 1996, at Freda Levson's flat, 58A Westbourne Park Villas, London 'W2 5EB, at 6.30 for 7 pm. Deirdre Hayward, who is currently exploring the background of MacDonald's religious and philosophic thought, will give a talk to members. There will also be a short tribute to the late Raphael Shaberman, and it is hoped members of the Lewis Carroll Society will join us on account of his long and close connection with Carroll studies.

Orts 39, 1996, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

The Society planned a rather unusual meeting for 26 March this year, designed for mainly social purposes and without business discussion, or any specific lecture topic. It was hoped to attract some members who were not generally able to get to meetings, to hear something of what MacDonald meant to a number of people, in an informal atmosphere, at Freda Levson's flat.

Orts 41, 1996, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

Our annual general meeting on 27 September provided an interesting contrast. Once the business had been dealt with, the spotlight was on one of our founder members, whose recent sudden loss was a shock to all. Phil Streeter's short talk on his friend and fellow-member Raphael Shaberman was not however a mournful obituary but a skillful portrait of a writer, scholar and artist who would probably have much disliked any public description of his personality. Raphael was perhaps best known for his work on the bibliography of George MacDonald; he was equally well informed on Lewis Carroll . He was …

Orts 36,1995, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

The new owners of 'The Farm', Huntly—MacDonald's childhood home—are the Johannesens from California as announced in the last issue of 'Orts'. Andy and Debbie are settling happily into life in a small town in northern Scotland, according to reports and their own correspondence. They welcome visitors and overnight guests as far as the fairly limited accommodation allows, and can supply a leaflet giving their charges. Running the place as a guest-house is not of course their main aim! From a letter written in June we learn: "Every transaction has gone smoothly. Our great and glorious Lord has seen that we …

Orts 35, 1995, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

An almost forgotten trace of the MacDonald family is still visible in Asheville, North Carolina, U.S.A. This is a weatherworn stone plinth, part of a memorial to Louise, the wife of George MacDonald's son Ronald, in Riverside Cemtery. Ronald had become headmaster of a local episcopal school in Asheville; Louise was taken ill soon after they arrived in America and died not long after. Lilia MacDonald came over in 1890 to act as her brother's housekeeper.

The subject has been investigated by Dale Slusser who lives in Asheville and hopes to have a plaque put on the plinth which still …

Orts 37, 1995, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

The 1995 A.G.M. was held on 13 October, this time in Freda Levson's ever-hospitable flat in West London. John Docherty, Secretary for many years, has now resigned. The members are deeply grateful for his tireless hard work over these years, when he played a vital part in the Society's development, not least in keeping people in contact with our work in this country and overseas. On this occasion one visitor from outside England was present, J. J. Flynn from California, one of the American publishers of MacDonald reprints. Our distinguished poet-member, John HeathStubbs, attended also.

Orts 32, 1994, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

NOTE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

It’s a great pleasure in this new edition of ORTS to introduce William Webb and Roy Bricknell, who are now responsible for its production. Different editors and production artists instinctively brand something of their personality upon what they are producing – such is the uniqueness of creativity. For this reason I look forward to this new phase of ORTS existence. A myriad thanks to our previous editor, Nicholas Bolton, who performed an excellent job both in layout and content.

Orts 34, 1994, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

Some members of the Society enjoyed a sunny afternoon in Hastings on the 24th. September, viewing the places where MacDonald lived and one or two associated with him and his family. If the numbers were few, that made it easier for Edward Preston of the Dickens Fellowship to guide us and even read extracts from relevant material without holding up the passers-by. Mr Preston had worked hard getting his information together and checking doubtful assumptions by previous writers, (which tend to be repeated indefinitely if not corrected). His kindly guidance was much appreciated.

Orts 31, 1994, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

FUTURE EVENTS

LITITH CENTENARY SYMPOSIUM. A joint symposium with the Inklings Gesellschaft at Cologne from April 28th to May 1st 1995. Further details will be available soon. The Inklings Gesellschaft have recently hosted very successful J.R.R. Tolkien and Dorothy L. Sayers centenary symposie. WORKSHOP ON THE FAIRY TALES OF GEORGE MACDONALD AND LEWIS CARROLL, April 22nd-24th 1994. Full details available from the Secretary or from Hawkwood College, Painswick Old Lane, STROUD, Gl6 7QW

Orts 33, 1994, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

On Saturday, September 24th we welcome all members and interested friends to join us for a day at Hastings, East Sussex. Edward Preston, a society member and Int. President of the Charles Dickens Society, will be conducting a walk around the houses and locations connected with George MacDonald during his residence in the area. Please meet outside St. Clements Church, All Saints Street, in Hastings old town, at 11.30 am. We will find a place for lunch and then proceed on the conducted walk.

Orts 29, 1993, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

The Charity Commissioners have now agreed to grant Charitable Status to the George MacDonald Society subject to modifications to the existing draft Constitution of the Society being accepted by the membership of the society. Accordingly

Orts 28, 1993, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

The recently released animated film, The Princess and the Goblin – directed by Jozef Gemes, is reviewed in the January issue of Sight and Sound by Leslie Felperin Sharman. The Review is preceded by a plot summary and a list of credits.

Orts 30, 1993, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The AGM will take place on Monday November 8th at 7.15 p.m. The meeting will be held at St. Martins in the Fields, Trafalgar Square. We hope to have an outside speaker to address the Meeting which is, of course, open to all (although only paid-up members can vote).

Orts 26, 1992, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

FORTHCOMING EVENTS * MAY LECTURE* Aidan Mackay of the G.K. Chesterton Study Centre will give a talk on George MacDonald – His Influence upon G.K. Chesterton and C.S.Lewis The lecture will take place at 6.30 on Wednesday May 13th in Room 27c King’s College, Strand WC2.

Orts 25, 1992, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

LAST YEAR’S A.G.M. was held on Friday November 22nd 1991 at 58a Westbourne Park Villas. Twelve members were present with one observer and apologies from seven members. The Chairman began by welcoming everyone warmly and thanked the members of the Committee for their recent efforts. He also expressed the regret of the Society that Kathy Triggs was no longer able to continue with the editing of Orts.

Orts 27, 1992, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

MEMORIAL UNVEILING CEREMONY The memorial, in memory of George MacDonald and his wife, is to be unveiled in Drumblade Churchyard on October 3rd. The programme is as follows: 2.30pm at Drumblade Church (some 2 miles north of Huntly) Gathering in church with eulogy and songs by choir, followed by the unveiling and light refreshments. 7.30pm at The Brander Library, Huntly Town Square. Evening gathering with talk on MacDonald’s letters. The MacDonald exhibition will also be open and there will be a bookstall. All members are cordially invited to both events, For bed and breakfast following are suggested:

Orts 23, 1991, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

1. Calendar * “George MacDonald and his Background”: a talk by Bill Raeper at Huntly Hotel, The Square, Huntly, on Wed 28th August at 8.00pm. This meeting will be used for the formal announcement of the establishment of the MacDonald Essay prizes (see para. 5). * Members are cordially invited to the Children’s Books History Society on Tuesday November 19th at 6.30pm, when Raphael Shaberman will talk on “George MacDonald: Compiling a Biography”, with special reference to the children’s books. Place: The Library Association, Ridgemount St, London (off Store St, Tottenham Court Rd, near Goodge St & Tottenham Court Rd …

Orts 22, 1991, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

1. The Library. The George MacDonald Library at King’s College has moved. It is still housed with the Charles Williams collection in the Head Librarian’s office, but that has moved and is now the last room (overlooking the river) on the first floor on the left side of the main courtyard. Of MacDonald’s works we lack Poems (1857), The Portent, Rampolli, The Gifts of the Christ Child and Other Tales, A Cabinet of Gems, Heather and Snow, the annotated Hamlet and A Threefold Cord. Unfortunately most of these were restricted to one edition and so are quite rare. Of the …

Orts 21, 1991, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

This was held on Nov 30th 1990 at Westbourne Park Villas. 15 members were present, with 2 observers and apologies from four members. The Committee was confirmed in office for the coming year, and the Chairman’s, Secretary’s and Treasurer’s Reports given and approved. The Chairman said it had “been a good year: the Huntly visit had gone well, membership was up, and several new publications about MacDonald were due out. The Treasurer reported that the Society now had a balance of £181.62, though postage for North Wind still had to be paid. The Huntly visit had made a profit of …

Orts 24, 1991, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

1. New Editor Required! Pressure of work has forced our editor Kathy Triggs to resign. She edited North Wind from its inception until a few years ago and then switched to the editorship of Orts. It was her painstaking work editing North Wind in the early years of the Society which, more than anything else, established the Society’s position in literary circles. (See note “Royal Recognition” below.) Kathy hopes to continue to contribute to North Wind and has, indeed, produced an article for the current number. ** Could YOU take over the editorship of Orts for us? ** There are …

Orts 19, 1990, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

Report on last year's AGM. This was held on Nov 24th 1989 at Westbourne Park Villas. 12 people were present, with apologies from 4 more. Chairman’s, Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports were given and approved. The Society’s account stood (after the production of North Wind) at £212.58. The Committee were ratified in their positions for the coming year, and John Docherty welcomed as a new member of same. The Committee now comprises John Docherty, Rachel Johnson, Freda Levson, Chris MacDonald, Bill Raeper, Raphael Shaberman, Philip Streeter & Kathy Triggs.

Orts 20, 1990, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

1. A Visit to George MacDonald Country. Preparations are all but complete for this event (24 – 27 Sept), and we hope the participants will have a happy and uplifting visit. A tour of Huntly is scheduled, plus coach-trips to the Cabrach (the setting for Castle Warlock); Leith House; Haddo House; the North East of Scotland Agricultural Heritage Centre (to see farming life as depicted in MacDonald’s novels); Portsoy and Cullen, where Malcolm is set; the Wow o’ Rivven at Ruthven; and Drumblade Church, where the MacDonald family are buried. There will also be an official reception, a lecture (by …

Orts 16, 1989, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

1. MacDonald and Blake. Adrian Thomas has come up with the answer to our query in ORTS 15 about William Blake. The quotation is from Plate 77 of Jerusalem, and was printed thus: Plate 77 To the Christians Devils are False religions “Saul, Saul, “Why persecutest thou me?” I give you the end of a golden string, Only wind it into a ball, It will lead you in at Heaven’s gate Built in Jerusalem’s wall.

Orts 17, 1989, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

1. Our next AGM will be on Friday 24 November at 7.30 pm. It will be held at 58a Westbourne Park Villas, LONDON W2. All members are welcome. **************************************************************************

2. Things afoot 1. The committee is thinking of arranging a three-day tour of Huntly and district in autumn 1990. The event would include lectures on MacDonald and visits to places connected with him and his family. Participants would stay at a local hotel and transport would be by bus. Guest lectures would be included, possibly a memorial service and a celebration dinner – and perhaps the unveiling of a plaque …

Orts 18, 1989, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

1. The Society held its AGM on November 24, and the Committee were confirmed in office. We hope to carry a fuller report in “Orts” 19.

2. The Society still has tentative plans for a gathering in Huntly at the end of September 1990. Costs are estimated at £120 for a shared room, £140 for a single room and £70 if you want to follow the day programme only. (Events would extend from a Monday evening dinner and welcome to a Friday departure.) Further details should reach members soon. In the meantime it is good to report that enquiries regarding …

Orts 15, 1989, The George Macdonald Society

Orts: The George MacDonald Society Newsletter

1. Annual General Meeting. A dozen people attended the AGM of the Society, held at 58a Westbourne Park Villas, London, on Friday November 18th. The evening fell into two parts, with business first followed by Rachel Johnson’s talk on the MacDonald family and Pilgrim’s Progress. The business section resolved to have a joint meeting with the Lewis Carroll Society in the coming year, and noted that North Wind had cost slightly less than last year to produce. The treasurer told the meeting that the Society now had £177.78 in its account. Tony Richardson, the architect, gave an update on the …