Daphne du Maurier
10 April 2009
Your Favourite Lines (YFL)
'I think Daphne sometimes became fascinated by the sound of words and rhythm of phrases occasionally to the detriment of their meaning. This always seems to me one of the charms of her writing, because it contributed to the music of her prose. I have no documentation whatsoever to support this remark but I feel in my bones that it is true. Some passages from The King's General seem to me particularly mellifluous.'
Ann Wilmore and 'Kits' Browning
So wrote Sheila Hodges, Daphne's editor and friend for over 40 years. This triggered in Festivalgoer Collin Langley the idea of creating a record of favourite lines. Immediately, webmaster John Baxendale set-up a new page on the du Maurier website: www.dumaurier.org/favourites. Daphne's son, Kits Browning and Ann Willmore of Bookends of Fowey readily gave their support and in December 2008 the YFL team started contacting Festival friends and in Kits' case, members of the du Maurier family, to elicit their favourite lines. The du Maurier online Guestbook heralded the new favourite lines page.
Quotes emerged from a wide range of books, the reasons for their choice equally interesting. Daphne's lines evoke memories of childhood; reflect her love of natural beauty, Paris, the French countryside and Fowey. Also featured are her sense of humour, literary symbolism, imagery, magical plotting and the light and shade of her prose. Daphne is remembered as mother, grandmother, friend and beloved author.
Entry guidelines are included on the website and over 70 favourite lines have been received so far. Choices may be posted via the website or e-mailed to the YFL team at yourfavouritelines@hotmail.co.uk Please add your own favourite lines and be part of this unique and enduring record of Daphne's work.

The Daphne du Maurier Festival of Arts & Literature
Fowey, Cornwall 7th - 16th May
The 2009 Festival programme
Situated on the south coast of Cornwall between Looe and Mevagissey, Fowey is not only an historic town and a commercial seaport, it is also home to the annual Daphne du Maurier Festival of Arts & Literature, which this year takes place from 7th - 16th May.
The festival began in 1997 and is now a regular fixture in Cornwall's cultural calendar. Set in and around the picturesque town of Fowey and its neighbouring villages, the Festival is a magical ten days of talks, music, comedy, drama and song. There are also guided walks, boat trips, exhibitions and more. There really is something for everyone.
The Festival is held in honour of Dame Daphne du Maurier, who lived and wrote in the area. Indeed, Daphne's son still lives in the family home, just across the river in Bodinnick.
Born on the 13th May 1907 Daphne du Maurier was the second daughter of Sir Gerald du Maurier and the grand daughter of George du Maurier. She grew up in London with her sisters Angela and Jeanne and was educated at home by her governess. She had a close relationship with her father and it was him who encouraged her when she began writing stories and poetry at an early age.
The du Mauriers visited Cornwall for holidays throughout Daphne's childhood, but it was not until 1926 that the family decided to look for a second home there. Arriving in Bodinnick-by-Fowey from Looe, Daphne, her mother and her two sisters discovered Ferryside, the house that was to become their home.
Over the years, the Festival's content has broadened to become more general in its content. There is, and always will, be events to appeal to the countless number of du Maurier fans, across the world, but you are equally likely to see star names from twin worlds of literature and entertainment.

The Festival Village by Night
The focus of the Festival is a charming Festival Village, which has two marquees, which act as theatres for the Festival's main events, a bookshop, bar and catering marquee and Box Office. This year, the Festival Village will play host to a wide range of writers, performers and celebrities including Nick Lowe, Jo Brand, Colin Dexter, Will Self, Gilbert O'Sullivan, Paddy Ashdown, Tony Benn, Gyles Brandreth, Susan Penhaligon, Roger McGough, Sir Roy Strong, Dick Strawbridge, Adam Hart-Davis, Jan Ravens, Show of Hands, Kit and the Widow, Fascinating Aida, Stuart Maconie, Arabella Weir, Fiona Millar, Frances Osborne, Susie Boyt, E V Thompson, Roy Wood and many others.
An important part of the du Maurier Festival is its many community events, which form an integral part of the unique quality of this special event. There are local drama productions, garden open days, exhibitions, guided walks, talks, tours and boat trips.
It's the Festival's eclectic mix of events that gives it such charm. The warm welcome offered by the town and its residents is another reason why Festival goers return again and again. If you've never been before, why not make this year the year to visit Cornwall for Fowey's fun and friendly festival?
Full details of all events, travel and accommodation can be found at www.dumaurierfestival.co.uk or by ringing the Box Office on 01726 879 500. Tickets are also available from David at Bookends too, call 01726 832 595