South West Region

Contact us at sec.sw@arthur-ransome.org

For more information about committee members, see Gateway pages in Signals

June/July 2026 – Seaton Tramway – a scenic ride on one of their trams along the estuary doing a bit of birdwatching.

Also available… 

The “Sparkinson” Interviews: In 2023, SW TARS were kindly given permission to read the ‘Sparkinson’ Interviews over Zoom by Brian Hopton and his fellow authors, Jill Goulder and SW member Paul Crisp. These were previously performed at the Foxlease AGM and subsequently included in the Amazon Publication ‘Ransome Centre Stage’. ‘Sparkinson’, based on Michael Parkinson (TV broadcaster), was played by Brian Sparkes, hence ‘Sparkinson’ and he interviewed six of the main adult characters in AR’s twelve books, about their imagined backgrounds and parts played in the stories.

In July 2023, after a brilliant introduction by Paul Crisp, we read three of the interviews. Arthur Herbertson as Sparkinson, interviewed James Turner, read by Paul, then Susan Gouldbourne took over as Sparkinson and talked to Mary Walker, played by Lindy Castell and Missee Lee played by Barbara Flower.

In July 2024, again via Zoom we did the other three interviews – Paul Crisp interviewed Molly Blackett, played by Liz Crisp; Susan Gouldbourne interviewed Lt Col Jolys played by Paul Crisp; Naomi Hemingway interviewed the GA played by Barbara Flower.

If you would like to listen to the recordings which have been greatly improved by Alan Hakim’s editing skills, scroll down or follow the link to the bottom of the page. Alan made a CD for Brian Hopton from the recordings, but sad to say Brian died before he could listen to them.

Also at the foot of the page, there is a recording of Alan Kennedy’s talk ‘Arthur Ransome and the debacle at Durham University’ and a YouTube video of his ‘Chasing the Blue Bird’ talk.

In Memory of Yvonne Varley – Her special Bunloaf Recipe – delicious

4oz currants + 4oz sultanas, soaked overnight in a mug of cold tea (plus a good splash of whisky for older TARS)
1 large egg
2 tablespoons marmalade (traditional Oxford recommended)
4oz brown sugar
8oz self raising flour

1.       Beat the egg and marmalade together
2.       Add the fruit, tea, sugar and flour and mix well
3.       Put mixture into greased loaf tin
4.       Cook in oven for 90 in at 1500C

SO simple! Keeps well, and is well received when served in buttered slices.

Does anyone know a Brownie or Guide group who would like to gain the Swallows and Amazons badge? Take a look at the Your Adventure on the Public site and click on Brownies and Guides.

Sparkinson Interviews

Intro by Paul Crisp

Interviews JT – M

Interviews – Molly Blackett

Interviews – Col Jolys

Interviews – GA

Here is the voice recording of the talk given for SW Region by Alan Kennedy on Ransome’s award of a MA at Durham University and why he walked out of the ceremony.

Here is the Chasing the Blue Bird talk by Alan Kennedy.