Swallows and Amazons mugs – Sophie Neville

Looking back on 2020 with gratitude.

Sophie Neville in Portugal on 1st January 2020

The year 2020 began for me in Portugal. I was recovering from a broken arm and disappointed to have to cancel my annual charity ride through southern Africa. However, a lovely girl flew over from the Waterberg in South Africa to work for me and we had fun designing gifts, using the illustrations from ‘The Making of Swallows and Amazons’.

You can see more on Redbubble. The ‘Swallows and Amazons’ mugs are popular:

When news of the Coronavirus broke out, we launched an appeal to help families in rural South Africa, which proved a huge success.

Carefully monitored by a qualified nursing sister, and with the help of volunteers from St John’s Church, food packages are still being distributed to needy families, feeding about 150 people a month. Read the latest news here.

Nursing Sister Grace Ismail reporting back from rural South Africa

Tests were unavailable in March, but I might have had a light version of Covid-19 whist we were working on this fund-raising campaign. I certainly lost my sense of smell and developed a weird blister/rash on one hand and foot after spending ten days in bed with fatigue.

Sophie Neville reading Lockdown Tales while self-isolating in the garden

My talks, planned for the summer, were cancelled but I read a story for Lockdown Tales, produced by Wildbeast for BBC Radio Suffolk and made available on BBC Sounds. I took part in an online reading of ‘The Picts and the Martyrs’ by Arthur Ransome, recording a chapter at home.

As literary conferences went online, I led a workshop on photographing books for instagram, when we were joined by the award-winning author Claire Wade.

While devising exotic recipes for my next book, I began baking cakes successfully, for the first time in my life, adding cardamon and cloves.

We rolled up a circle in the lawn to make a Lockdown vegetable garden so the children could see how different plants developed. Our dancing carrots became a hit on Instagram.

I photographed one of my husband’s artichokes, winning the Create! competition, organised by the literacy charity SchoolReaders and judged anonymously by Harry Cory Wright.

The prize-winning photograph of an artichoke

I was Highly Commended for a collage made out of sea plastic I’d collected when beach cleaning, which was awarded by Emma Bridgewater. The winning entries were exhibited at the Wilson Stephens and Jones Gallery in Notting Hill. I also won a prize for taking part in a socially distanced archery match, but otherwise had a year off on the sports front.

Seascape - artwork by sophie Neville made from sea-plastic

SchoolReaders invited me to become an author supporter of their work instilling a love for books in the next generation, along with other authors including Joanna Trollop and Sophie Kinsella. We are encouraging people to make a gift in their will.

I began loading illustrations and some of my sketches onto instagram. Do follow this here.

Hailed as ‘the feel-good film of lockdown’,’Swallows and Amazons'(1974) was broadcast on BBC 2 in both April and August. It was screened in Australia in January 2021. The Radio Times used this shot of me rowing Swallow with Sten Grendon who played the Boy Roger.

Radio Times ‘Film of the Day’ billing for ‘Swallows & Amazons’

I was invited to talk about the movie memorabilia in a socially isolated edition of BBC Antiques Roadshow at Windermere Jetty, which hopefully will be broadcast in March 2021.

Writer Marc Allum with Sophie Neville at Windermere Jetty in Cumbria

It was wonderful to be able to spend a few days in the Lake District, where Arthur Ransome’s first draft of ‘Swallows and Amazons’ is on display.

Sophie Neville with Arthur Ransome’s first draft of ‘Swallows and Amazons’ at Windermere Jetty

In the autumn, a signed First Edition hardback copy of ‘The Secrets of Filming Swallows and Amazons (1974)’ was auctioned online, raising an astonishing £201 for BBC Children in Need, exceeding bids for signed copies of books by bestselling authors such as Bernard Cornwall, Jeffery Archer and Adam Kay.

Lakeland Arts organised an online event to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the publication of ‘Swallows and Amazons’, selling tickets for an evening ‘In Conversation with Sophie Neville, which you can listen to here.

Kett’s Books invited me to speak on Zoom for their ‘Books at Lunchtime’

The greatest days of this unusual year were spent on the Solent, litter picking with my extended family, who came to live with us through lockdown. Although some dreams were grounded, we had time to go for long walks and were able to explore the South Coast where we live.

We formed a pod of six, so had no visitors, but I treasured the letters that arrived. I’m collecting quotes for the 3rd edition of ‘The Secrets of Filming Swallows and Amazons’, an ebook which I plan to bring out for the 50th Anniversary in 2024. Do write in with your memories.

Reviews and photos from readers are always appreciated, especially on Goodreads and Amazon.

After Christmas, I heard that a historical novel I am currently working on was awarded a prize in the Association of Christian Writers’ novel competition and was shortlisted for the Eyeland’s Book Awards, who have offered me a writer’s residency in Crete.

As we entered Tier 3, I was recognised as ‘Beach Picker of the Year’ by Litter Pickers of the New Forest, a high accolade that marked the end of a quiet but busy year.

‘Beach Picker of the Year’ – Sophie Neville and her dog Flint on the Solent.

I’ve gained 3 pounds and haven’t been to the hairdressers for eighteen months, but we kept safe in our little bubble and are looking forward to a better future when there is no need to wear face-masks. You can find my post on finding elderly litter here

Swallows and Amazons birthday presents and Christmas gifts

The maps I drew, depicting locations mentioned in Arthur Ransome’s book ‘Swallows and Amazons’ and the 1974 film, are now available on a number of products. I though they might make good gifts.

They have large scarves, which always make a good present and sweatshirts for anyone prone to getting lost.

You’ll see cards, notebooks and prints available if you click around the site.

They have travel mugs,

Forgive me, different maps seem to fit the dimensions of each item in different ways but they offer good quality ceramic mugs .

Click around and you will find these three different designs available on the site labelled: ‘Map of Windemere’, ‘Map of DerwentWater’ and Map of Coniston Water’

They offer the same design on a tall mug here

All the items with a decorative map of Windermere can be found on Redbubble here

The map of Derwentwater is probably a better shape for an iphone cover.

Derwentwater Iphone

Items with a map of Derwentwater can be found here

This small tote bag measures 33cm x 33cm

Click here for details of the 40cm x 40cm cushion + cover

Items with the map of Coniston Water can be found on Redbubble here.

They have the phone covers, travel mug and a selection of prints

They offer three different styles of T-shirts with this map, so you won’t get lost.

The company offer secure payments, worldwide shipping and free returns but I fear they are quite expensive. Click here for this drawstring bag

Drawstring bag with map of Coniston Water

My other designs have worked better than maps. You can see some of them here.

Here is an ipad case, below

Coniston Ipad case

Presents for anyone who loves ‘Swallows and Amazons’

When I made a tradition of suggesting literary themed presents I didn’t expect to find fabulous cushions like these but they have great ideas on the Redbubble website

Did Penguin ever publish ‘Swallows and Amazons’ or was it only Puffin?

They have a whole range of T-shirts

A tote depicting Bank Ground Farm on Coniston Water (33cm x 33cm)

or a little purse with a picture of Peel Island

Peel Island purse

I’ve taken the step of launching my own range based on my maps and the covers of my own books on Recbubble

Here is my map of Coniston, drawn to illustrate ‘The Making of Swallows and Amazons’ on a 15″ x 19″ draw-string bag.

Drawstring bag with map of Coniston Water

The full range or products featuring the Coniston map of Swallows and Amazons can be found if you scroll down here.

Map of Coniston on lady's T shirt

Here is a phone case with my map of Windermere on the cover. There is also one of Coniston.

You can fine the full range of products featuring the Windermere map here

Spiral notebook with map of Windermere

This Ride the Wings of Morning tote bag measures 13″ x 13″ costs U$20

They promise to make travel mugs like these

You can see one of my attractive acrylic blocks here:

You can even buy a mini-skirt, clicking here

Since they are based in the USA and Melbourne I don’t know how long these gifts would take to reach you.

I also found Swallows and Amazons cuff links available here

And this useful waterbottle with a Jago Silver version of the crossed flags here:

I came across a case for a Kindle Fire decorated with swallows on Amazon.co.uk

and swallows on a sailor’s top from Joules with a selection available at a good price on eBay here

I don’t know if Swallows and Amazons thimbles are still on ebay

Swallows and Amazons thimble - Christmas present I am not sure Arthur Ransome’s Literary Estate know about them. They do recommend this pair of bone china coffee cups feature exquisite designs incorporating Arthur Ransome’s own illustrations from the Swallows and Amazons books and are currently reduced by 40% here:

The Nancy Blackett Trust sell these wonderful tea towels, along with other designs

You could give someone an activity, such as a sail in Swallow, the original dinghy used in the 1974 film ‘Swallows and Amazons’. She is currently in Kendal so you could ask to go sailing on Coniston or Windermere. This can be booked through SailRansome.com

A member of the Arthur Ransome Group on Facebook is asking for a new DVD that has just come out on the location described by Arthur Ransome in his book ‘Secret Water’. It is available here.

Please click here and scroll down for ideas collected in 2017

Present ideas suggested in 2016

Nothing to do with Swallows and Amazons but I have a short piece in this Christmas book, which might prove useful if you need to hold a carol service and are looking for some new readings. It makes a good present for anyone who loves stories. Check it out on Kindle, order a copy from your library or buy one online here.

Very Happy Christmas to one and all!

Swallows and Amazons birthday party and birthday present ideas

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.

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 ‘Great British Bake Off’ 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

Miranda Gore Browne mugs

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. They used to stock these small porcelain mugs:

and dishes, so may have some left.

They have 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 — *-A scene with the Swallows from ‘Swallows and Amazons’ (1974) –*

I once found this lovely design for Swallows and Amazons wash-bags made by Rachel:

She did have Swallows and Amazons bags available:

Swallows and Amazons bag made by Rachel

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.

The Making of Swallows and Amazons' by Sophie Neville

~Sophie Neville at Aldeburgh Bookshop~

Literary Christmas presents

I’ve been collecting further ideas for Swallows and Amazons presents.

Kate Lowe of Bagsymefirst has brought out these pocket mirrors carefully made form re-cycled book pages.

Kate also makes a handbags out of old books – and will make up your favourite. She says, ‘The last one was made for a bridesmaid at a sailing-themed wedding.’ Please click here for her sales site.

While a DVD of a new film or a book makes a good present, the illustrator Jago Silver has brought out some wonderful Swallows and Amazons notebooks perfect for keeping a ship’s log:

sketchbook by Jago Silver

as well as inspiring enamel mugs in two designs:

Swallows and Amazons mug designed by Jago Silver

Swallows and Amazons mug by Jago Silver

Jago’s other nautical mugs and and limited edition screenprints, which you can spot on his website here.

Print by Jago Silver

The Nancy Blackett Trust have a shop, the proceeds of which go towards the upkeep of Arthur Ransomes’s favourite little ship. Their new items including beautiful coffee mugs and lovely tea towels – can be viewed by clicking here.

Nancy blackett product shop

If you know anyone who has pierced ears you can find appropriate Literary Gifts here They also sell Swallow broaches.

swallows_amazons_typewriter_earrings_1024x1024

‘Little bookish things can make up pendants featuring your favourite book cover, please click here for the site. There are cufflinks, pendants and makeup bags can be found on Esty here.

The Arthur Ransome Trust can make up ‘Swallows and Amazons’ T-shirts

As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, StudioCanal offer a selection of mugs, puzzels, prints, mousemats and film posters on their website here. If you search around the site you can find stills from the film made into similar merchandise, click here for an example.

Otherwise, why not give a year’s membership to The Arthur Ransome Society. For information please click here.

President of The Arthur Ransome Society

Sophie Neville, President of TARS

Ideas for Swallows & Amazons Christmas Presents

book-page-brooch of swallow

Isn’t this brooch lovely?

It has been handmade out of recycled materials with pages from old books and can be purchased direct from House of Ismay

wooden_postcard_swallows_and_amazons_large

A small brown paper package tied up with string arrived in the post today, stamped in red with the words Thank you and containing four wooden postcards featuring Arthur Ransome’s illustrations. I think it makes a wonderful stocking-filler or thank you gift from The Wooden Postcard Company

CDs of Swallows and Amazons

I was also asked about CDs of Arthur Ransome’s books today; a great present for families as they can be listened to on long car journeys. Click here for the series read by Gabriel Woolf.

The Nancy Blackett by Claudia Myatt

The Nancy Blacket Trust shop has a range of books and useful things including a set of mugs by the marine artist Claudia Myatt, along with tea towels ideal for any sailor.

Nancy Blackett product

Proceeds go to the upkeep of Arthur Ransome’s well-loved yacht portrayed in his books as the Goblin. Orders for the USA and Canada need to reach them by Friday 11th Dec.

Sophie Neville with Titmouse in Norfolk — Sophie Neville on a TARS weekend in Norfolk – photo Diana Dicker

Alternatively you could give someone a year’s membership of The Nancy Blackett Trust or The Arthur Ransome Society or a subscription to a magazine such as Classic Sailor

Mugs featuring Swallow in Secret Harbour from ‘Swallows and Amazons’

StudioCanal stock mugs with photos from the film, along with jigsaw puzzles and prints. You can even order a mousemat:

Film poster

And, as Joanna Lumley says, books always made a wonderful present.

9780718894962_cover Amazons.indd

I have been signing copies of ‘The Making of Swallows & Amazons’ and other books at charity events. It can be ordered from local bookshops, Waterstones or purchased online.

Red Cross invitation

Comments on ‘The Making of Swallows & Amazons’

This post comes with a huge thank you to readers who have taken the trouble to write in, send emails or add reviews on Amazon about ‘The Making of Swallows & Amazons’

Filming on Peel Island in 1973 — Sophie Neville and Sten Grendon filming on Peel Island in 1973

‘I very much enjoyed reading about all the background and stories of what is one of mine and my children’s favourite films.’ David Hambelton, Oxford

Kit Seymour and Lesley Bennet as the Amazon Pirates

‘…an absolutely fascinating account…about a film we all thought we knew so well. Like so many members of The Arthur Ransome Society I am an utter devotee… I’m finding the background to filming quite fascinating, and if I had thought it possible, yours is the book I have always longed for to exist. I’ve been absorbed in it ever since it arrived, forcing myself to take it slowly and not gobble it up in one go. Of course I’ll be back to it soon, dodging back and forth in tune with your narrative, indenifying particular scenes.’ Jeremy Gibson, Witney

Simon West and Sophie Neville in Swallow — Simon West as John and Sophie Neville as Titty in Swallow

‘If you liked the film, you MUST read this book. “Titty” is enthralling, and the story of the film is almost as exciting as the real story by Arthur Ransome. Essential reading for devotees.’ Chloe Randall, Scotland

BW Tents — Suzanna Hamilton and Simon West on Peel Island

Children still ask me questions that never occurred to me:

‘How did it feel to be on the island by yourself?’ Alex aged 7. The truth of course is that I was never on the island by myself. Perhaps I should have been left there for a while so I could experience it. I would have relished the chance.

DoP Denis Lewiston and Director Claude Whatham in Coniston Water

Another boy asked, ‘How did you do the water?’

This took my breath away for a second. ‘How did we do the water? The water was real, and it was very cold,’ I replied, explaining that we actually shot the film on four different lakes in Cumbria, all of which you can discover for yourself.

Have your children any questions? I’d love to hear them.

Simon West and Sophie Neville on Coniston Water

For more reviews of The Making of Swallows & Amazons on Amazon, please click here.

To see more still from the film that can be purchased as framed prints or on mugs etc please click here for StudioCanal’s website.

To find out more about The Arthur Ransome Society please click here

Brenda Bruce as Mrs Dixon with Claude Whatham at Tent Lodge Cottages

Swallows and Amazons mugs make great Birthday presents or Christmas gifts

For some time now, I’ve had a Swallows and Amazons mug at home, which I use to keep my pens in. Featuring the design of the Jonathan Cape book jacket, it was given to me by Scruffie Buchanan who stocked the full set of Arthur Ransome mugs in her shop in Malta, aptly called The Museum of Childhood. I treasure it as a part of mine. It is really difficult to find these now. Thy have become collectors’ items.

Not long ago I was presented with this handsome mug from Hill Top cottage at Ealinghearth, by Stephen and Janine Sykes when they showed me around the Ransome’s last home, which they have been restoring in the Lake District.

I’ve just discovered that it is possible to buy mugs depicting scenes from the film of Swallows & Amazons (1974). This one (above) is quite fun as it resembles the cover of ‘The Making of Swallows and Amazons (1974)’ There are others:

There are various scenes, but if you want to drink to Captain Flint walking the plank, you can.

My favourite design shows the film poster of Swallows & Amazons, which comes in two ways.

There are a variety of other stills from the film to chose from. These mugs and other movie merchandise such as mouse-mats, jigsaw puzzles and framed prints can be purchased from StudioCanal, the film’s distributors, who have an online shop.

Meanwhile, Jago Silver has designed these Expresso mugs that are great for camping.

You can check the size on Jago’s website here.

Swallows and Amazons mug by Jago Silver

Just when I was wondering if there were any more ‘Swallows and Amazons’ inspired mugs, I was sent this beautiful depiction of Hill Top near Haverthwaite, showing the view Arthur and Genia would have enjoyed in their twilight years. Here are two views of the same mug:

I am not sure if they are for sale but you can rent the holiday cottage at the far end of the building. Please click here for details. Tell them I sent you!

Photos of this historic mug were taken by Craig Wadhurst.

These bone china mugs depicting Ransome’s yachts Peter Duck and the Nancy Blackett cost £10, or lessor a pair, and are available from The Nancy Blackett Trust here. They also sell a selection of books, audio books and videos for Arthur Ransome enthusiasts.

I have had decorative maps of Arthur Ransome locations around Windermere and Coniston applied to mugs available from Redbubble. these come from Australia, so take a while to arrive but are good quality.

The most popular is the mug with the map of Coniston Water, which you can find here

If you like using thermal cups with lids, the decorative map of Coniston Water can be found here

The Swallows and Amazons map of Windermere on a thermal cup can be found in a different colour-way here

A full range of items in this range including t-shirts and bags can be seen on a previous post here.

*Map showing ‘Swallows and Amazons’ film locations around Coniston Water*

Nancy's Swallows and Amazons mugs

The most beautiful range of Swallows and Amazons china including these small coffee mugs featuring the map from the book (above) and this plate, were once available from The Nancy Blackett shop but you might find they have sold out.

swallows-and-amazons-china

They do stock larger, more practical mugs depicting ‘Swallow’, and the ‘Nancy Blackett’ for £8.50 each here.