Holding a party with a Swallows and Amazons theme is a great idea, especially if you can be under canvas. A campfire and either swimming or archery with geo-cashing or a treasure hunt would keep your guests occupied. Everyone can dress up as explorers or pirates. If it’s wet you can always show a DVD of the film, the BBC serial of ‘Coot Club’ or organise a cinema outing to see Swallows and Amazons (2016).
There have been some wonderful cake designs. This impressive creation was put together by Evie and Sam Rose:
Over the years the most amazing ‘Swallows and Amazons’ creations have risen to fame. I have put up a few more ideas on Pinterest here
The cookery book writer and GBBO finalist Miranda Gore Browne transformed her garden into Wild Cat Island, served iced buns and a cake worthy of a pirate feast, sending everyone home with old-fashioned sweets in a tin mug. You can see some of her wonderful party ideas here
You could hang ‘Swallows and Amazons’ flags or bunting. The Gingerbread House show you how to make these:
Pippa Middelton and her family, who are related to Arthur Ransome, have a company called Party Pieces who have loads of ideas for Pirate Parties on their blog here. They cater for the younger age group but do sell chocolate pieces of eight and a retractable telescope very like Titty’s on their website for only £2.99. I liked the idea of an inflatable parrot, although properly it should be a green one.
I found these 38mm badges and fridge magnets for sale on eBay. They’ve used my own drawing of the crossed flags, without permission, but never mind. They might be something fun to award as prizes for games such as ‘Walk the Plank’ or catching crabs, which you could do literally if you live by the sea. You might find a few ideas for party games here.
I’ve been collecting further ideas for Swallows and Amazons presents. The Nancy Blackett Trust shop has some great ideas including these small porcelain mugs:
and dishes
along with T-shirts and hats for Amazon pirates of all ages:
StudioCanal have broadened their collection of movie memorabilia on offer to include cushions. They also sell mugs, mouse mats, prints and 400-piece jigsaw puzzels. I like these 300 piece jigsaws.
-A scene with the Swallows from ‘Swallows and Amazons’ (1974) –
I found this lovely design for Swallows and Amazons wash-bags made by Rachel:
She has a Swallows and Amazons bag on ebay right now
I’ve listed more gift ideas here
A year’s subscription of Classic Sailor magazine makes a gift for adults as it keeps coming all year.
Why not give a year’s membership to The Arthur Ransome Society? For information please click here.
Or chose a book. They always make good presents.
~Sophie Neville at Aldeburgh Bookshop~
