Welcome to Wellinghall

Wellinghall's Tolkien Toast Celebration

2012-01-13T22:12:00.002-05:00

Date: Sunday, January 15
Time: 1:00pm
Location: Elephant & Castle Pub, 212 King Street West

Join Wellinghall Smial as we celebrate the Tolkien Toast and the Professor's 120th birthday.

Check out our facebook event page to rsvp, or let us know in the comments section below.

Hope to see you there!

December Flash Moot

2011-12-01T23:07:00.002-05:00

Date: Saturday, December 10
Time: 1:00pm
Location: Elephant & Castle Pub, 212 King Street West

Wellinghall's next flash moot will take place on December 10th at our usual pub, the Elephant & Castle (King Street location).

As with every moot, please feel free to bring family, friends and anyone or anything else you fancy. Hope to see you there!

Autumn Moot (Bilbo & Frodo Birthday Celebration)

2011-08-25T23:48:00.003-04:00

Time Sunday, October 9 · 1:00pm - 4:00pm
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Location Elephant & Castle Pub, 212 King Street West
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"When Mr Bilbo Baggins of Bag End announced that he would shortly be celebrating his eleventy-first birthday with a party of special magnificence there was much talk and excitement in Hobbiton."

Come celebrate the birthdays of two very special Hobbits with Wellinghall Smial, the Toronto Tolkien Society —a couple of weeks later than the traditional date of September 22nd! As always, there will be friendly company, good food, plenty of discussions and laughter, and lots of cake. All Tolkien fans (and friends of Tolkien fans) are welcome to join us for this special afternoon at our favourite local meeting-place!

Visit our Facebook event page or RSVP in the comments below.

Hope to see you there!

Wellinghall Smial and the Deathly Hallows

2011-07-08T00:44:00.004-04:00

Join the Toronto Tolkien Society for a screening of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 at the Scotiabank Theatre, followed by a late lunch at 2:30 p.m. at the Elephant & Castle (212 King St. West). Feel free to come to just one or the other, if you prefer... and invite your friends, too!

Remember to buy your tickets as soon as possible (http://cineplex.com/Theatres/TheatreDetails/Scotiabank-Theatre-Toronto.aspx). We'll be seeing the 2D screening at noon, and will meet below the elevators around 11:30 a.m.

More info about this event can be found on our Facebook page.

Smial lunch

2011-04-28T22:16:00.003-04:00

We will be holding a semi-impromptu lunch this Satuday, April 30, at the Elephant and Castle (212 King Street West), at 1:00pm.

Until then...

2011 Tolkien Reading Day

2011-03-05T18:20:00.006-05:00

Hroom hroom!

Details for Wellinghall's 2011 Tolkien Reading Day are below:

Date: Saturday, March 26, 2011
Time: 1:00pm
Location: Elephant & Castle Pub & Restaurant, 212 King Street West
Reservation under: Laura

Need help picking a passage? Here are some suggestions from the Tolkien Society:
Tolkien Reading Day was set up to encourage people to get together and explore some of Tolkien’s stories at school, university, in reading groups, or as a family; the theme for 2011 is “Tolkien’s Trees”.

This year's theme, "Tolkien's Trees", is allied with the "International Year of Forests" and encourages families and library reading groups to enjoy exploring the dark confines of Tolkien's many forests as well as focussing on individual trees.

Readers might venture into Mirkwood in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings; into the Old Forest on the borders of the Shire, and the Golden Wood of Lothlorien, or meet the Ents of Fangorn. Or why not read about and discuss the importance of trees and their meanings in “Leaf By Niggle”, or the 'Two Trees' beloved of the Elves in The Silmarillion, where there are more great forests and woods to discover.

If reading time is short, then the malice of Old Man Willow, or the symbolism of White Tree of Gondor offer plenty to think about and discuss.

We have already begun saying, "Good Morning," so we should be ready to start reading some of our favourite passages (tree-related or not) by the 26th! Hope to see you there!

TWTF Last Alliance Action Alert: Earthquake in Christchurch, NZ

2011-02-23T20:25:00.006-05:00

As you're all aware, the city of Christchurch, New Zealand has suffered a terrible earthquake. The number of people who lost their lives is currently 75, but it is expected to go up and there may be hundreds more still in the rubble of collapsed buildings. In the aftermath, we have gathered some information and a few ways that you can help.

If you are trying to find someone or if you have information about someone

(In New Zealand) Emergency Helpline: 0800 77 9997
Red Cross: 0800 733 276
Google Person Finder: http://christchurch-2011.person-finder.appspot.com/
EQNZ Contact Wiki: http://tuhura.fmhs.auckland.ac.nz/mediawiki/index.php/EqnzContact
Hotline number for people overseas calling about loved ones: +64 7 850 2199
Canadians seeking information can call the Canadian Dept of Foreign Affairs: 1-800-387-3124
Google map shows damaged bldgs, closures and restricted areas, triage and welfare centres, water supply areas and other services, operational ATMs and petrol stations: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=205972314722231895961.00049cd3bc095df8c4355

If you would like to make donations

Red Cross New Zealand: http://www.redcross.org.nz/makeadonation (They request that any offers of goods and services should be forwarded to the National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC) in Wellington: operations@ncmc.govt.nz.)
OXFAM are accepting donations on behalf of the Red Cross because lines are overloaded - they will pass 100% of the donations to the Red Cross. Phoning in NZ: 0800 400 666. Donating online: https://www.oxfam.org.nz/_payment/donations.asp?code=26CC6D204F884D75
Salvation Army: http://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/research-media/media-centre/local-news/salvation-army-appeals-for-funds-for-renewed-earthquake-response (you may have to scroll down the page to find the donation section)
To donate to the Auckland University Students' Association please call: 09 309 0789
CARITAS, an NGO, supports the St Vincent de Paul Society and other Church agencies and is working with people in the greatest need. Caritas has already pledged $25,000 towards relief and recovery: https://secure.flo2cash.co.nz/donations/caritas/donate.aspx
For more information: http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/christchurch-quake-appeals-launched-4038581

For news and updates

TVNZ - Live updates: http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/live-updates-christchurch-quake-4038727
NZ Herald: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/
Stuff.co.nz: http://www.stuff.co.nz/
Radio New Zealand: http://www.radionz.co.nz/
Supporting Christchurch Earthquake 22-02-2011 (offers of food and shelter): http://www.facebook.com/#!/Support.Christchurch.Earthquake
Air New Zealand Christchurch Quake Support: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Air-New-Zealand-Christchurch-Quake-Support
To find information on Twitter search for hashtag #EQNZ: http://twitter.com and http://eqnz.co.nz/

If you have any more information, news or organizations accepting donations, please send us the information (on the effort, contact or donation info, etc.) and we will help spread the word via our site: www.whitetreefund.org, our Facebook page and our Twitter account: http://twitter.com/whitetreefund.

Thank you so much

~The White Tree Fund team
Doing what we can with time that is given to us.

LotR Marathon - report

2011-01-28T14:19:00.004-05:00

By: Laura

Within a few minutes of meeting me, it's easy to discern three things: I talk really fast, never come between me and fries, and I love movie marathons. So when one of the smial members emailed about a LotR movie marathon at the Scotiabank Theatre in downtown Toronto. I barely finished reading her email before responding with lots of capitalizd letters and exclamation marks. The next dew days mere spent in a mood of restless anticipation and barely concealed excitment.

A number of us had attended a movie marathon a few years before and realized that not even the strongest of stomachs can consume theatre snacks all day without feeling ill. I woke a bit early to prepare a batch of lembas. As you can see, Frodo tried to help but somehow was only there after all the work was done.

I can haz lembas?

After packing up the lembas (I was all out of mallorn leaves so I had to use a resealable plastic bag, the magical properties of the bag are, as of yet, unknown), Frodo and I were on our way.

It was snowing as I walked to the bus stop; Frodo was tucked away safely in my bag ... likely nibbling at the lembas. I mention the snow because it wasn't just any snow, it was what one our members calls "Narnia snow". By the time I reached the movie theatre, the same snow now seemed to be mundance, urban, regular snow, but I knew those feelings wouldn't last for long. A long line had already formed when I got there, half an hour before the first airing. Fortunately the smial members were able to find each other quite quickly, with the help of modern cellular technology and some old fashioned hand-waving (though I'm sure they've invented an app for this by now).

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When the theatre eventually opened its doors, the group outside had no problem filling its ticket queues, concession lines, and the theatre seats. We weren't able to find enough seats together but our party only had to split into two groups. I still am very surprised at how many people were there and at finding out, after a quick poll from our host, how many had read the books.

As is usual for Tolkien, the audience was composed of a wide variety of fans, some who weren't even born when the first Jackson movie was released, and some who could have seen the release of the Bakshi film. And while I didn't necessarily feel the communal/familial/cozy sense I normally would at a Tolkien convention, I had my smial Ent-buddies and they provide familial-ness in bushelfuls. I only wish the event had shown the extended editions!

Is it over already??

LotR Marathon - Saturday February 5

2011-01-27T19:53:00.004-05:00

Cineplex's Scotiabank Theatre is featuring a LotR marathon (are there any two sweeter words in the English language?) next Saturday.

Details can be found below:

Event website (LotR is found about 2/3 down the page)
Date: Saturday, February 5
Time: FotR - 12pm; TTT - 3:30pm; RotK - 7pm
Place: Scotiabank Theatre, 259 Richmond Street West
Price: $5 per film (General Film Fest pricing), plus $1 service fee if purchasing tickets online

If you plan on attending, please purchase your own ticket(s) (it'd be wonderful even if you can only make it for a single film!). We will meet at the top of the stairs, in the area just past the ticket collector, around 11pm so we can grab seats. If you cannot make it for this time, please meet us in the theatre.

As always, friends, entings, and significant others welcome.

Tell us your favourite Tolkien quote and win!

2011-01-06T01:32:00.006-05:00

Hope you were all able to raise a toast to the Professor yesterday! In the spirit of continuing the celebration, we are giving away a little bundle of goodies. Tell us your favourite Tolkien quotes here in the comments section or Silver Leaves' facebook page and we'll enter your name in a draw for a copy of the upcoming Dragon issue of SL and a Hobbit journal! If your quote is a...bout dragons or has a dragon in it, we'll throw in a gorgeous 2011 Dragon calendar!

© The JRR Tolkien Estate

How has Tolkien Inspired You?

2010-10-01T17:19:00.000-04:00

The White Tree Fund's journal Silver Leaves is looking for your help!

Tolkien’s work has inspired people to do many things such write, paint, sculpt, help the environment, help others, and even help themselves. Have you been inspired by Tolkien’s work, or by his life? Tell us how!

Share your answer (maximum 50 words) by replying to this post or emailing silver.leaves.journal@gmail.com.

Tolkien Reading Day 2010 - report

2010-06-19T15:30:00.003-04:00

This report by Jessica M. can also be found in the third issue of Silver Leaves.

When we heard that the pub formerly known as The Bow and Arrow pub had been renovated, and then opened this year as The Twisted Kilt, we decided that that’s where we’d be holding this year’s Tolkien Reading Day. Last year, we were unable to make the journey to the cozy pub located near Yonge and Davisville as we had thought that the place was closed for good (or at least that’s what I thought). And to our surprise — and joy — the pub was open, under a new name and new management.

Even though it is nestled neatly between other buildings, you can’t miss this pub while driving down the street — like it was directly imported from Scotland and placed in the middle of all the other ordinary non-descript-looking buildings. Dan and I had no problem finding the pub, ourselves. As for looking for parking near the pub, well, that was another matter.

Alexandra and Laura were the first ones to arrive at around 1:30pm, followed by Dan and myself. Gerda, Vicki, Jen, and Stephanie arrived soon after, and last but not least to arrive were Lara and Richard. Sadly, we missed the company of Jo-Anna, Kimberly, Kerri-Anne and her husband (and possibly others who were planning to come but couldn’t make it after all). Luckily, we had the back room for ourselves — a nice cozy set-up almost separate from the rest of the pub, ideal for reading our chosen passages. I had to admit, even with all the cool ‘80’s music in the background via the stereo, I thought it was going to be a little distracting for us when trying to read aloud, but we had the pub turn it off for us when it came time for the readings. Plus, there was the soccer game on the flat screen TV in the main room, which — if there had been more people in the pub that day — could have contributed to a boisterous atmosphere. However, as it was, I thought the afternoon went smoothly and the atmosphere a little more relaxing than we could have hoped for.

To start off, we all ordered drinks — I had a light, refreshing beer — and once all of us had arrived, we ordered our food. There wasn’t a lot to choose from on the menu, but I think we all got a lot of food for what we did order. Some people got bowls of poutine, others had salad, or delicious wraps or sandwiches, while Richard and I each got probably the largest dish of nachos that I’ve ever seen in a pub. Even with help from Dan, I couldn’t finish my plateful, and though Richard also couldn’t finish all of his, he was still hungry for fries later on.  We spent a great part of the afternoon eating, conversing, catching up on news and events in each other’s lives, as well as sharing a few rounds of jokes (“Lord of the Pants,” anyone?). It was quite a while before we got to our readings.

There was one major disappointment that must be noted – no dessert, coffee, tea, or chocolate!! Why they didn’t have anything on their lunch menu for dessert other than rice pudding was beyond me. Not that I have anything against their singular selection of dessert — it’s just that we had no choices, here! And, I’ve never heard of an establishment that does not serve coffee or tea at particular times of the day…but, I guess that can make for future topics of conversation (or jokes).

Anyhow, as far as the readings went, as always, they couldn’t have been better. We all listened to the poem that Gerda read aloud, but soon after, she along with Jen, Vicki, Stephanie and Alexandra had to leave early — which left Laura, Lara, Richard, Dan and myself to continue the readings (and we had a good laugh when Dan read the Tom Bombadil passages ). The five of us stayed a little longer, but then by 5:00 pm or so, we too had to leave. Dan and I ended up being the last people to leave the pub and we made the long trek back to where we parked the car.

In spite of the lack of dessert, we had a lot to eat. And if there had been more time, we all would have been there to hear each other’s chosen readings, but each of us enjoyed immensely what we read and what we listened to. Next year, we will have to out-do ourselves — hopefully with a little dessert on the side!

Silver Leaves Issue 3 available now!

2010-05-13T09:40:00.004-04:00

The theme for this issue is “Tolkien / Fantasy Art and Artists” and we are very grateful for the generosity of artists like Tim Kirk, Ted Nasmith, Colleen Doran, Jef Murray, Hyatt Moore, Anke Eissmann, David Wyatt, Virginia Lee, John Dickenson and many others. This special issue is quite a bit larger than normal (with as many goodies as we can tuck in) and will be specially bound with featured artwork gloriously presented in full-colour.

See the journal website to order your copy!

Tolkien Reading Day

2009-02-27T12:46:00.004-05:00

Hi, all!

Come out on Saturday March 14th at 1pm, to the Duke of Richmond Pub

http://www.thedukepubsrichmond.ca/

for food and great quotes! Pick out your favorite passage(s!)and prepare to read it aloud to the rest of the fans and friends. Have fun with it, and don't be shy. Come on down! The reservation is under the name "Jo-Anna".

The pub is located minutes away from the Queen subway station, on Yonge Street. It has great atmosphere and food, so you have nothing to lose. See you there!

Silver Leaves, Issue 2: The Inklings

2009-01-11T14:13:00.003-05:00

Greetings everyone!

Issue 2 of Silver Leaves journal is now available to order. The issue features a write up of our Tolkien Reading Day and our summer feast along with lots of other goodies.

Please go to http://whitetreefund.org/ to order your copy. And please help us spread the word of the journal! :)

We're always accepting "Many Branches" submissions, and it's not too late to get in your contribution for Issue 3.

The Old Spaghetti Factory Lunch

2008-07-06T09:31:00.002-04:00

Hi, everybody!

On Saturday July the 26th, we have reservations for lunch at the Old Spaghetti Factory!!

Here's the link to their website. Hope to see everyone there!

http://www.oldspaghettifactory.net/home.html

Prince Caspian and the Corsage Project?

2008-04-18T11:51:00.002-04:00

Hi, everyone,

With the new Narnia movie (Prince Caspian) coming out on May 16th, we were wondering if anyone would like to see it together, and what day would be best.

Also, we'd like to know who would be interested in participating in the Corsage Project, which is basically making formal gowns and accessories for girls in the Toronto area who are unable to purchase them for prom

Here's the link for that:
http://www.corsageproject.ca/

We were looking at the dates April 26, May 3rd or May 10th for that one, and was wondering who would be interested.

We'd love it if you could come to these events, and email the dates that are the best for you. Have a great spring!

Upcoming Events

2008-01-16T15:13:00.001-05:00

Hello Ents and Entings!
Wellinghall, the Toronto Tolkien Society smial, will once again be celebrating the Toast to the Professor (albeit a tad late to give everyone a chance to recover from holiday festivities) and Tolkien Reading Day. The events will be held at cozy and atmospheric Toronto pubs - perfect for toasts, discussions and general mooting. We would love it if you could join us.

Toast to the Professor
On the 3rd January 1892 JRR Tolkien was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa. To celebrate this event, on this day each year Tolkien fans around the world are invited to raise a glass and toast the birthday of this much loved author.
The toast is "The Professor".
Date: Saturday, January 19th
Place: Duke of Richmond, 20 Queen Street West Google Maps
Time: 3:00 pm

Tolkien Reading Day
It provides a chance for grownups and children to read together and share their thoughts about the stories by Tolkien that they may have already read, and encourages them to discover new ones.
Date: Saturday, March 15th
Place: Bow & Arrow, 1954 Yonge Street (at Davisville) Google Maps
Time: 12:30 pm
The reservation is under the name "Lara".

Wellinghall Forum Discussion

Inaugural issue of Silver Leaves

2007-12-06T14:38:00.000-05:00

We're very happy to announce that Silver Leaves, The White Tree Fund's
journal, will be released on November 24, 2007. There is a lot of great
content in this inaugural issue including art by Jef Murray and Coralie
Allan, and articles by some amazing folks including Tom Shippey,
Michael Drout, Dimitra Fimi and Janet Brennan Croft. The cost of the journal
is $15.00 CDN (plus shipping and handling for printed copies), and
we'll get your copy out to you ASAP. For further information, please visit
our website at http://www.whitetreefund.org/.

We're already thinking ahead to the next issue, so if you have ideas,
comments or suggestions, or you'd like to make a submission, please let
us know by sending an email to silverleaves@whitetreefund.org.

Thanks so much.

The White Tree Fund journal team

Lecture Photos

2007-11-19T19:10:00.000-05:00

Here's a link to photos taken at TWTF's lecture series:

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery.fcgi?p=999&gid=18296241

The White Tree Fund presents White Tree Lectures, a Tolkien lecture series

2007-07-20T12:59:00.000-04:00

Place: South Dining Room in Hart House at U of T
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Admission: $10 for TWTF/Wellinghall smial members
$15 for non-members

Thursday, September 27:
Dr. John Browne from U of T will be speaking on "Tolkien as Wordsmith: One Reader's Journey Through The Lord of the Rings"

Thursday, October 25:
A panel discussion on The Children of Húrin

Please click here to purchase tickets. We hope to see you there!

Tolkien Reading Day Report

2007-05-01T22:04:00.000-04:00

There were some new faces, some old faces there in the Pickle Barrel Grand. But what was important was that there was a smile on every face as we commandeered a corner of the restaurant. They say that thirteen should never dine together, but no one took heed, but ate and celebrated Tolkien and his works with ferocious appetites. Hobbits, elves, nazgûls or humans, everyone enjoyed the food and the delightful atmosphere.

As I sat at the table, I heard a great many “So. When did you start reading Tolkien?” Responses were varied. Some couldn’t remember when they started, but grew up reading the Lord of the Rings series. Some started later in life and fell in love then. Some couldn’t get through the books! Whatever their stories, it was a magical day.

That statement in some eyes can be seen as whimsical and terribly presumptuous, but had you been sitting where I was, listening to the various conversations around me, I believe that you too would believe this gathering magical.

Jo and Lara started off the table, which unfortunately was long and did not see to our needs very well. Having requested a round table, everyone did the best they could, either shouting down the ranks or shushing to hear. At the other end of the table, two newcomers to the gathering sat; new to the table but old hands at Tolkien, Don and Bob. They have each written for the Tolkien encyclopedia, and were happy to share the day and their love for the professor.

Talk did turn to the Professor himself, tales of how someone’s university professor was a student of a student of Tolkien, or even how someone had a professor who had been to Oxford and would see him walk his dog across campus. Envious sighs all over the table, of course.

In the middle, Oliver and Kari sat, both also new to the table, having seen the message posted on Meet-Up and wandered happily into the midst of Tolkien talk.

Unfortunately, Oliver did not stay very long but before he left, as a reading, he recited the One Ring passage in black speech, and there are people who swear that the lights flickered after he was finished.

Kari was an amazing fount of information about all things, Tolkien, Lord of the Rings and fantasy. An avid fantasy reader, she also enlightened us about C.S. Lewis and his works in amazing detail.

Kim, Jo’s daughter, sat beside me, chatting with everyone about all things Tolkien. She had thought to read a passage from The Hobbit, the funny table about the dwarves meeting Beorn two by two, but unfortunately there was no time for that. There were some amazing passages read out that day. Whether long or short, all held the magic of the works that brought us together. It seemed that no matter what passages everyone chose, they all complemented each other. Lara and Don chose to read passages from the Unfinished Tales that were close together, with vivid descriptions of Tolkien’s world. Laura, or fondly known as Frodo, chose three passages, one commemorating the Wellinghall Smial’s birthday with a description of Wellinghall. She also chose a poem with many names, read aloud by Mike and another read by Vicki.

The day was made twice as special for Kim and I. We had celebrated our birthdays the weekend before – our birthdays were a day apart – and everyone surprised us by bringing cake and cards and gifts. It was truly wonderful and extraordinary, and I would like to thank everyone for making it so.

The afternoon ended a little abruptly when the waiters at Pickle Barrel announced that they had to set up the table for the next party. By then, the group’s numbers had dwindled down, so we left to chat for a while more in the mall, but as wonderful as the day was, everyone had to go home, and reluctantly we did, though the love, laughter and words will remain until the next meeting.

Report by: Charity Y. (tenth_nazgul)

Tolkien Reading Day, 2007

2007-02-09T16:43:00.000-05:00

The Wellinghall Smial invites you to our Tolkien Reading Day on Saturday, March 24 at 1 p.m. All Ents and Entings are welcome. We will gather in a cozy, informal setting at the Pickle Barrel at Yorkdale Mall in Toronto to share some of our favourite Tolkien passages. We look forward to an afternoon of good conversation, lots of laughter, delicious food, and reading/listening to some of the most special writings ever penned. Yorkdale Mall is at the corner of Dufferin and Hwy. 401. The phone # is 416-785-8881. Reservations will be under the name 'Johobbit'. Please leave a comment on this post if you are planning to attend. Until then, Namárië.

February 3rd Report

2007-02-04T16:54:00.000-05:00

Hello! My name is Laura and I'm a member of the Wellinghall smial. I was lucky enough to be able to attend our lunch on the 3rd and thought I'd give those who weren't able to go, a glimpse of the afternoon's festivities. Enjoy!

Wonderful things can happen at a gathering of Ents (and Entings). Wellinghall's February 3rd get-together was, like all other moots, featured great friends, yummy food, and big laughs.
Unfortunately, the day was bitterly cold and stepping outdoors required putting on at least 3 layers of clothing. But it was going to take a lot more than chattering teeth and a threat of frostbite to prevent me making this moot!

In normal Laura fashion, I decided to be hasty little hobbit and meandered on the way to the Old Spaghetti Factory. Needless to say, I got lost. With much backtracking and mental mapping, I, thankfully, eventually make it to the restaurant, only slightly perspiring and out of breath. As always, I was greeted warmly by the rest of the Ents, all of whom where already seated and settled. It was like a Middle-Earthen bar where everybody knows your name heehee.

I hope our waitress wasn't too frustrated with us! She tried to take our orders but it was difficult to get everyone's attention at the same time or maintain an Ent's attention for long. It took some effort but she did managed to get everyone's order, and did it with a smile. I like to think our atmosphere was so infectious!
There were quite a number of Ents and Entings at this moot, and trying to have a conversation with those at the other end of the table was a challenge. But, always up for a challenge, we realized this set up was perfect for more intimate interactions. We had mini-moots and had no trouble moving from mini-moot to mini-moot. The Enting's moot consisted of games, both card and video, and other activites to which us older ents weren't privy.

We had some great discussions about Tolkien's works, including its many adaptations. I even found another fan of the Ralph Bashki film! Through our discussions, we decided that we had to invent the Flaming Denethor drink/dessert and the perfect time to try it out would be during a movie marathon. I'll leave out the details of the proposed drinking game to protect the dignity of my beloved Frodo Baggins.

After dessert was served, some members of the group began to leave but there were still a good number of Ents left. When the restaurant dimmed the lights and told us they need to start setting up for dinner, the remaining Ents decided to head, somewhat reluctantly, to our respective homes.

I smiled and chuckled all the way home. I mentally replayed the special moments of the lunch as I watched the darkening Toronto skyline pass by. I'm eagerly awaiting our next get-together, be it Tolkien Reading Day or a flaming movie marathon!

A DVD review: The Legacy of the Lord of the Rings by Daniel Timmons

2007-01-29T22:51:00.000-05:00

Wondering what great gift to buy a Tolkien fan, whether that be yourself or a friend? I recommend Daniel Timmons' documentary The Legacy of The Lord of the Rings. With inspiring paintings by Ted Nasmith and music that blended with the words seamlessly by Wes Prince, The Legacy of The Lord of the Rings is a well thought-out script with input and thoughts from scholars and writers on J.R.R. Tolkien's magnificent 'fairy-tale epic'. This interesting line-up includes:

*George Clark from Queen's University, department of English with a focus on "comparative studies in the early Middle Ages, especially Old English and Old Norse", and Dan Timmons co-editor on J.R.R. Tolkien and His Literary Resonances: Views of Middle-earth.
*Tom Shippey, St. Louis University, department of Humanities, Tolkien scholar and author, specialist in "medieval literature, especially the earliest literature of Anglo-Saxon England, and modern fantasy and science fiction".
*Verlyn Flieger, the University of Maryland, department of English, Tolkien scholar and author, "specialist in myth studies and comparative mythology with a focus on modern fantasy novels".
*Ted Nasmith, well-known Tolkien artist based in Ontario
*Joseph Pearce, Ave Maria University (Florida), "author of numerous acclaimed biographies of major Catholic literary "figures.
*Peter Beagle, fantasy author, based in California
*David Hartwell, Senior Editor for Tor books, New York
*Patrick Curry, Canadian-born writer and scholar
*Bill Welden, Tolkien linguist, used as a consultant in the films
*Robert J. Sawyer, science fiction author, based in Ontario
*Michael Coren, Canadian broadcaster and columnist based in Toronto
*Philippa Boyens, screenplay writer for all three The Lord of the Rings movies.
*Daniel Timmons, writer, director, producer of The Legacy of The Lord of the Rings

The documentary is divided into four sections:
Part 1, Sub-Creation
Tolkien felt strongly that we, as humans, are made in the image of God, the Creator, who has given us a deep desire to create. Since we are not God, though, we are incapable of creating, only 'subcreating'. We need to wisely use these creative juices to produce beautiful works such as art, music, literature. In that light, Tolkien wrote his epic tale, his 'mythology for England'. Joseph Pearce speaks directly and clearly to this subject of sub-creation.

George Clark gives a brief background of some of the names Tolkien used. Tom Shippey expresses his interest in Tolkien's fascination with language, and analyzing the impact of this on his creative work. (For an in-depth coverage of this subject, read Shippey's The Road to Middle-earth, 1982). And we learn that Verlyn Flieger's focus in regards to Tolkien has been the study of ancient mythology in its relation to the Professor's works.

Part 2, The Masterpiece
What makes The Lord of the Rings a masterpiece? What gives it its universal appeal? A few ideas are presented:
*the special qualities of Frodo, and the fact that he is more like an 'anti-romance hero', rather than a typical 'hero', for he doesn't care for wealth and limelight. He would prefer not to take the Ring, but understands in his innermost being that it is his responsibility. While most heroes seek a treasure on their quest, Frodo ventures to throw one away, to destroy it forever.
*Gandalf's uniqueness: he is the Servant of the Secret Fire, which belongs only to the One, Tolkien's monotheistic being, Eru. Only Eru has the ability to bring forth sentient life. Therefore, it is suggested that Gandalf is, in fact, figured as an angel of the Most High.
*the timeless theme of the ongoing battle between darkness and light
*Gollum: representation of the great pull of good and evil in every human life
*the degrees of corruption displayed in different characters' lives
*war: the devastation and loss
*the environment: our desire to keep it natural and simple, maintaining and treasuring its glorious beauty. Special mention goes to the Ents and Elves in this regard.
*the poignant beauty of Tolkien's tale: the sorrow, the joy, the deep beauty, the 'eucatastrophe' (unexpected happy ending)

Patrick Curry talks about three aspects which Tolkien combined to bring this masterpiece to fruition: his love of the natural world + his profound scholarship + his ability to tell a story = a magnificent epic tale.

Part 3, The Response
To put it plainly, the response to The Lord of the Rings has been phenomenal. It has inspired in people to enrich the world further by pouring out their creative endeavours in music, drama, dance, art, and writing. The love of this book is limited not to a particular group/race/vocation/faith. People all over the world have fallen in love with Tolkien's writing. David Harwell at Tor Books discussed fantasy before and after publication of The Lord of the Rings, in which there was a highly noticeable difference in fantasy publication in general.

Part 4, The Legacy
The themes of The Lord of the Rings are far-reaching and for every human on this planet. Fifty years after its publication, the world is convinced that it is not 'just a fad'! Ted Nasmith, in his thoughtful way, talks about the need for us to be accountable for our own behaviour, evident throughout Tolkien's tale, and another example of the timeless themes in this book whose popularity shows no sign of abating.

A few key comments come close to the end of the documentary:
Tom Shippey: "[The Lord of the Rings] is capable of continuous political interpretation in completely unexpected circumstances."
Narrator Jo Hutchings: "And so The Lord of the Rings stands like a beacon or permeates like wholesome air in the drabness and gloom of modern life."
And Verlyn Flieger resounds Samwise's famous question: " 'Don't the great tales never end?' They never end as tales but the people in them come and go."

And this is the legacy Daniel Timmons left for us. Dan, sadly, passed away in December, 2005, after a lengthy battle with ALS. Wellinghall Smial is supporting an effort by a group of Tolkien fans who have set up a live journal page on which you can post comments to encourage his dear wife, Sunny, and their young son. On this page is also the opportunity for donations. See http://timmonslegacy.livejournal.com/ .
The following is the contact information from where you can purchase The Legacy of The Lord of the Rings.

Carla Bruce
Director of Acquisitions and Sales
TV, Canada
Filmoption International
3401 St-Antoine
Montréal (Québec) H3Z 1X1
Tel. : 514-931-6180 ext. 257
Fax : 514-939-2034

From Dr. Dimitra Fimi to Wellinghall

2007-01-25T21:52:00.000-05:00

Please let me introduce myself. My name is Dimitra Fimi and I am teaching and researching Tolkien's fiction at Cardiff University, Wales, UK.

I write with regard to my online course on Tolkien, which I believe will be of interest to the members of Wellinghall. The course is entitled "Exploring Tolkien: There and Back Again", it is taught exclusively online in 10 weekly units and can be taken by students and adult learners all over the world. It is a revised and expanded version of my earlier course "The Foundations of Middle-earth: Myth, Language and Ideology in J. R .R. Tolkien’s Literature" (which ran in the academic year 2005-2006). The course has already run once this academic year, and will run on two more occasions, starting on 12 February 2007 and 23 April 2007 respectively. Enrolments are now open for both courses.

More detailed information about the course can be found on this website: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/learn/english/exploring_tolkien.php

Some Frequently Asked Questions about the course are answered here: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/learn/english/exploring_tolkien_faq.phpT

The course covers a great range of topics on Tolkien’s sources in myth and contemporary intellectual history. A detailed overview of the 10 Units of the course can be found here: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/learn/english/exploring_tolkien_units.php

I would be very grateful if you would pass this information to the members of the Toronto Tolkien Society that might be interested.

Thank you in advance for considering my request.
Best Wishes for a Happy and Creative New Year,
Dr. Dimitra Fimi

A cozy gathering in February/07

2007-01-11T14:35:00.000-05:00

We are planning another get-together, which proves to be fun and full of camaraderie, as is usual with Wellinghall. :)
Set aside Saturday, February 3 for the afternoon (1 p.m. on) at the Old Spaghetti Factory in downtown Toronto. Please let us know either here or on TWTF's forum (http://www.whitetreefund.proboards53.com/) under the Wellinghall thread.
And stay tuned for our March Tolkien Reading Day, at which we'll enjoy good company, good food, and hearing some favourite excerpts read from Tolkien's works. Trouble is, how does one choose one favourite passage?!! ;)

Jo-Anna

Toast to the Professor 2007

2007-01-03T13:24:00.000-05:00

Wellinghall is proud to join all Tolkien fans around the world as we pause for a few moments and raise a toast to the Professor. So many of us have been affected and influenced by his writing and his vision.

Thank you Professor for all that you have given us! We hope we're worthy of your legacy, sir!

Please visit the Tolkien Society's site to view toasts from fans around the world and leave a toast of your own!

Happy Holidays!

2006-12-22T13:19:00.000-05:00

A Gathering of Ents

2006-11-05T13:43:00.000-05:00

This is a loud Hmmm Hoooom call for all GTA Wellinghall Smial Ents to come to a cozy lunch and chat at Kelsey's restaurant (Queensway and Islington in Etobicoke) at 1:30 on Sunday, November 12.
Please let us know if you're joining us as we'll be making reservations. To inform us, comment here, or go to the Wellinghall thread on The White Tree Fund forum at http://www.whitetreefund.proboards53.com/

The J.R.R. Tolkien Encyclopedia

2006-10-20T11:32:00.000-04:00

The Routledge JRR Tolkien Encyclopedia is now in print, and what a volume it is! Filled with entries from contributors from around the world, it truly is a treasure. For more info see:
http://www.routledge-ny.com/ref/tolkien/introduction.html

Many heartfelt kudos to Professor Michael Drout for spearheading this great project, and congratulations to the entire team of editors for bringing it to fruition.

Jo-Anna

What's up for Fall '06

2006-09-01T11:12:00.000-04:00

Tolkien Studies

We're also studying The Silmarillion at our online study group. We're currently starting on Chapter 7 but you are free to discuss previous chapters at any time. There is also an area for discussing the various themes that arise in Tolkien's work. Please feel free to drop in and share your thoughts with us.

Newsy bits

2006-09-01T10:47:00.000-04:00

Ted Nasmith's next art exhibition in the UK...

Ted's site has been updated with info on his next exhibition:

Where Many Paths and Errands Meet

A Middle-Earth & JRR Tolkien Inspired Art Exhibition
Featuring the art of Ted Nasmith and Ruth Lacon

The dates are: Saturday 23rd September to Tuesday 26th September
And the place is: Redesdale Hall, High Street, Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire
For more information see: http://www.adcbooks.co.uk/

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Article by Dr. Dimitra Fimi

'"Come sing ye light fairy things tripping so gay": Victorian Fairies and the Early Work of J. R. R. Tolkien has been published in the on-line journal, Working With English: Medieval and Modern Language, Literature and Drama. You can read this interesting article here.

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Will The Hobbit really happen?

The One Ring.net is reporting that The Hobbit is a possible project; it was sighted on a calendar (for 2007) somewhere at New Line. Could the legal snaggles actually have been worked out by now? Guess we'll wait and see...
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T.O. says farewell to LOTR musical

This weekend is the last weekend folks in the area will be able to see the LOTR musical. It heads into the west after September 3rd. There are only 4 performances remaining before it heads off to the West end in London. If you've been waiting to see it here, this is your last chance. Check out their site for more details: www.lotr.com/main.html

A report on the Gathering, 2006

2006-08-05T14:21:00.000-04:00

What more could I desire ... three full days of speakers taking us beyond the surface and delving into the works of two brilliant, world-renowned, and well-loved authors, J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Speakers such as Michael Drout, John Bowen, Alison Baird, Jef Murray, Ted Nasmith, Mike Foster, Colin Duriez, Colin Havard (no specific site for Mr. Havard) stimulated our minds and energized our spirits. The lectures, session, and panels were phenomenal, and some very interesting and dynamic discussions ensued at The Gathering, 2006, held in Toronto, Ontario at the beginning of July.

Tolkien and Lewis were this convention's focus, and I sat greatly attentive through each session that we attended—taking copious notes—as these scholars and artists presented their material brilliantly, humorously, and with much skill. Many thanks to them for sharing their wonderful knowledge and time with us.

Some especial highlights for us were:
*John Bowen's lecture was 'The Spiritual Worldview of The Lord of the Rings', although he brought in some powerful aspects of The Silmarillion as well. Another hour+ listening to him speak would still have left me wanting more. He's so interesting, dynamic, has a great presence about him, and is obviously very familiar with his subject matter. A great session!

*Art presentations by both Jef Murray and Ted Nasmith: Ted focused on Tolkien and, believe it or not, antique cars, for which he has a special fondness; Jef focused on Tolkien and Lewis. Such talent and inspiration have been given to both men! It was also special getting to know them by sharing a few meals along the way, along with good friends from The White Tree Fund.

*Colin Duriez' talk on 'Myth, Fact, and Incarnation': Duriez' thoughts are insightful, and he's a very interesting and thorough writer. I've read a couple of his books, and it was a joy to meet him in person. If you have any interest at all in the Inklings, I urge you to read Tolkien and Lewis: the Gift of Friendship. I do hope there are other times in the future when our paths cross.

*Michael Drout's lecture on 'Tolkien's Art, Tolkien's Scholarship' was buzzing with an abundance of information and humour. And am I correct in saying that no one in the room seems to recall Michael looking at his notes hardly at all?? Did he even have any notes?! Phenomenal mind! Of course, a highlight is his entrance into the lecture room, boomingly reciting Beowulf in Anglo Saxon. I'm sure I sat there with my mouth mostly ajar, as I did in 2003, fascinated by the vibrancy and mind of this man. Yet another person I could have listened to much longer than that one hour!

*M. Colin Havard was a son of one of the Inklings, Dr. Havard, Lewis' and Tolkien's personal physician. Mike Foster interviewed him, and wonderfully drew out the memories Colin has of his dad, Lewis, and Tolkien. This was enthralling to listen to! And I must mention this: I had the great opportunity, after Colin Duriez' aforementioned paper, to stand around casually with Foster, Havard, and Duriez just chatting more about Lewis and Tolkien. I will never forget that. After mentioning that I would love to visit 'Addison's Walk' at Oxford someday (where Tolkien, Lewis, and Hugo Dyson—another Inkling—had their famous myth/Christianity talk late one night), Mike Foster strongly encouraged me to do so. 'You will do it, and you will love it', said he. The advantages of sitting in on these type of lectures is that they often aren't packed with people, so it's a very intimate setting.

*Mike Foster presented a paper on George Sayer: Sayer was a tutored pupil of Lewis', as well as becoming a friend. He wrote an excellent biography on Lewis simply called Jack, which I highly recommend. Mike was kind enough to give me a copy of his paper afterwards, because I came in partway from a marvelous panel discussion in another room on 'The Moral Worldview in Lewis' and Tolkien's writings'. It was really tough having to decide between two different—but equally interesting—sessions held simultaneously in different rooms, both of which I was itching to sit in on. This happened a few times, and I simply was only able to get in half of each.

A couple of panels we went to were:
*'Why Tolkien': a number of the guests shared their thoughts as to why Tolkien has 'hit the mark' with so many people

*The above-mentioned 'Moral Worldview in Lewis' and Tolkien's writings': This was definitely the best panel, in my mind. Michael Coren hosted it, and the guests were Jef Murray, Alison Baird, and Colin Duriez. John Bowen was unfortunately unable to attend. He would have been a great addition. The discussion was so invigorating, the questions/comments from the floor insightful, and atmosphere in the room seemed electric. Such great thoughts for the immoral/amoral day in which we live. The thoughts expressed in this panel were filled with such hope as to build our lives on.

As I re-read my notes, I continue to marvel at what these two brilliant minds—Lewis and Tolkien—gave to us to value and treasure through their writings. I've come to the conclusion that the depth and insights of their work was a divine gift bestowed upon them. These men are the subcreators (Tolkien's term), 'who may hope to reflect something of the eternal light of God'; instruments that Eru continues to use in a great way in our empty, fallen world.

"Man, Sub-creator, the refracted Light
through whom is splintered from a single White
to many hues, and endlessly combined
in living shapes that move from mind to mind.
Thougn all the crannies of the world we filled
With Elves and Goblins, though we dared to build
Gods and their houses our of dark and light,
and sowed the seed of dragons—'twas our right
(used or misused), That right has not decayed:
we make still by the law in which we're made."
From Tolkien's lecture on Fairy-Stories (delivered in 1939)

Jo-Anna/Jo/Johobbit :)

The Gathering

2006-07-01T01:23:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder to all folks in the GTA. The Gathering of the Fellowship is going on this weekend and you can register down at the Sheraton hotel on Queen Street.

Unfortunately Wellinghall won't have a table there but a couple of our Entings are there (maybe with branches ... or not) so we'll get the scoop on the proceedings and hopefully some great pics. We're sure there will be some great panels and discussions and fun stories! Hope all of you Tolkien fans attending have a wonderful time. :)

We'd like to support the effort to raise money for Dan Timmons' family by letting you all know that you can get info to order Dan's documentary at The Gathering. Ted Nasmith has kindly donated a spot in his gallery for some fliers as well as a condolence book for Dan's family. We hope as many of you as possible are able to grab a flier and sign the book. Also don't forget to drop by Dan's memorial site where you can read a message for all the fans from Dan's wife, Sunny.

And a Happy and safe Canada Day to all!

A Trip Of A Lifetime

2006-06-09T18:30:00.000-04:00

In November of 2005 this Enting decided to take a Journey. And where did this Journey lead, you may ask? A long flight to Middle-Earth. Well not really, more like the lovely land that stood in for Tolkien's fabled land in Peter Jackson's wonderful films, New Zealand. It quickly became a trip of a Lifetime, filled with wonderfull people, wonderful memories and about 650 photos taken in two weeks. Don't you just love digital cameras! After some serious editing (there are now about 300) I've put them in an online series of albums. So my fellow Entings, if you want to have a look at some beautiful scenery here are the links:

The North Island
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=9139307&uid=3951098

The South Island Part 1
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=9186620&uid=3951098

The South Island Part 2
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=9186635&uid=3951098
I hope you enjoy them.

What's up in June

2006-06-07T13:33:00.000-04:00

Alrighty Entings!

June promises to be a fun month! Our Prairie Enting, Melly is flying in to T.O. on the 14th! Six days, 20 hours, 53 minutes and 40 seconds to go!!!

We've got some fun things planned while Melly is here. On the 18th we're having LOTR Musical and Dinner night in Wellinghall. Hoom hom hmm ... promises to be good fun! If you'd like to join us for the musical and/or dinner, please let us in here or by email at: wellinghall.smial@gmail.com.

We're also planning a jewelry workshop with Melly the Master while she's here. Right now, we're looking at June 19th. Let us know if this evening will work for you. It's a Monday, but we promise not to keep you too late.

Over in the Halls, we're about ready to start our study and discussion of Chapter 4 in The Silmarillion. We have a small study group right now and we welcome everyone who is interested in any of the chapters, topics or themes related to Tolkien's work. Feel free to lurk over there and jump in whenever you'd like!

JUNE 18 UPDATE

2006-04-21T10:35:00.000-04:00

As a smial we have recently purchased tickets for seats together to see The Lord of the Rings musical on Sunday, June 18 at 1 p.m. If anyone would like to join us tickets are still available at the box office. We'd love to have you with us for dinner afterwards as well. Location and time have yet to be announced. Please email wellinghall.smial@gmail.com to let us know that you're coming.

In memory of Daniel Timmons

2006-04-10T15:00:00.000-04:00

Wellinghall is proud to support an effort by Tolkien fans to assist the family of Dr. Daniel Timmons, a well known, very respected professor and Tolkien scholar, who passed away last December. They ask that you please leave your condolences and memories if you met or knew Dan here: http://timmonslegacy.livejournal.com/. Dan had ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. He is survived by his wife and young son who have a very difficult road ahead. You can make donations to assist them at the website above.

Dan was the editor of J.R.R. Tolkien and the True Hero with George Clark, and also produced and directed the documentary film The Legacy of The Lord of the Rings, which has aired in Canada on both Bravo! and Space: The Imagination Station. There will information shortly on how to order this documentary.

Tolkien community news roundup

2006-04-10T14:26:00.000-04:00

One morning long ago...

It all began on a bright spring morning long ago in Middle-earth; the wizard Gandalf and 13 dwarves arrived on Bilbo’s doorstep for a now famous unexpected party, dreaming of retrieving the treasure that lay beneath the Lonely Mountain, and long guarded by old Smaug the Dragon. Likewise we invite you to join us for a very special springtime ‘party’ in the heart of The Cotswolds--as close an experience of Tolkien’s Shire as you could hope for--as we present an exclusive show and sale of world renowned Tolkien artist Ted Nasmith’s originals and prints, as well as the contrasting styles of guest Artist Ruth Lacon. Both artists will be attendingand throughout. You can meet and talk to them and enjoy a whole Tolkien experience including Art, Music, Readings and Fellowship.

More Info
Venue: The Redesdale Hall
Web site: http://www.adcbooks.co.uk
Contact details: andy@adcbooks.co.uk
Phone: 01608-674620
Postal Address: Andrew Compton, ADC Books, Crossing Cottage, Todenham Road, Moreton in Marsh, Glos, GL56 9NJ

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Tolkien Online Course at Cardiff University (open to adult learners) running again in May

Due to popular demand, the online Course on Tolkien hosted by Cardiff University during the Autumn and Spring Semesters (October 2005 and February 2006) will run again later on this semester, starting on 1 May. Both students and adult learners can enrol, and explore the rich background of myth, languages and contemporary ideas of Tolkien's creative writing.

For more information visit the Course’s website:
http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/learn/english/Tolkien_online.php
Or contact: FimiD@cf.ac.uk
Venue: Cardiff University

One of our members is taking this course and highly recommends it for all of those who are intrigued by Tolkien and the influences on the man and his work.

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The Gathering of the Fellowship becomes a member of Heren Istarion

The Gathering of the Fellowship has joined our friends Heren Istarion, the North East Tolkien Society, a very well-known smial located in the New York area. This will be a great partnership. Congratulations to The Gathering! For more information and all the latest news on The Gathering check out their website.

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Tolkien Society Seminar: Call for Papers

This year's theme is Politics and Middle-earth. Papers can address one or more of the following points:

Politics portrayed within the fictional world of Middle-earth
Real world political use of Tolkien's works
Tolkien's role in/influence on academic politics
Tolkien's personal politics as revealed by his life and works

Papers should be 20 to 45 minutes long, allowing for time for questions and answers. Send the title, abstract or short summary, and intended length of the paper you wish to submit to Trevor Reynolds by April 30, 2006.

The Seminar will be held at The Assembly House, Norwich, England on Saturday, July 22, 2006, starting at 9:30am and finishing by 5:00pm. For more details and booking,see the Tolkien Society's website.

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Order Tolkien Studies - Vol III now

Tolkien Studies: An Annual Scholarly Review Vol. 3, edited By Douglas A. Anderson, Michael D.C. Drout, and Verlyn Flieger, can now be ordered from West Virginia University Press. They will be in stock by May 15th.

Let's all meet to see the LOTR Musical!

2006-04-05T11:47:00.000-04:00

Hi, all Wellinghall members and future members!

We're gathering together on June 18 to see the matinee showing of the LOTR musical. Melly will be in town (yay!) and we'll all go out for dinner afterwards. We're hoping to buy tickets this week, so if you want to join us, please email wellinghall.smial@gmail.com ASAP. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Tolkien Reading Day 2006

2006-04-04T18:31:00.000-04:00

On March 25, 2006, the founding members of Wellinghall, the new Toronto Smial of the Tolkien Society (UK) held our first Tolkien Reading Day in a cozy booth at a local restaurant, The Pickle Barrel in Yorkdale Mall, a well known Toronto Shopping Centre. After a delicious lunch and delightful conversation the following passages from JRR Tolkien’s writings were read.

Paulina:
The Fellowship of the Ring, The Shadow of the Past: the climax of this chapter when Frodo draws the Ring out of his pocket as Gandalf continues to convince Frodo as to the utmost seriousness of what he now possesses. Because Paulina lives in Texas, this passage was read by Laura.

Gerda:
The Fellowship of the Ring, At the Sign of the Prancing Pony: we got quite a kick out of hearing Gerda read that wonderful, fun-loving poem The Man in the Moon.

Jen:
The Return of the King, The Tower of Cirith Ungol: the passage when Sam is wondering if the others think of them at all. In this paragraph Tolkien describes what the rest of the Company is facing at that same hour. And despite all the challenges and fears their thoughts are always turning towards Frodo and Sam.

Lara:
The Book of Lost Tales I: Lara, in her captivating voice, gracefully shared with us Tolkien's beautiful and other-worldly description of the vessel of the Moon.

Richard:
The Hobbit, Riddles in the Dark: Richard, who is Lara’s eight year old son, read the Wind riddle. It was posed to Bilbo by Gollum in one of the best known chapters of The Hobbit. Richard deserves many kudos for behaving admirably while six grown women chatted, read, and laughed for nearly five hours around our cozy table!

Vicki:
The Two Towers, Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit: Vicki got us all chuckling as we listened to her read the famous and well-loved taters conversation between Gollum and Sam.

Laura:
The Fellowship of the Ring: Laura is especially drawn to the poetry. She read the prophecy poem referring to Aragorn - 'All that is gold does not glitter'. We all tried to recite it together and, with a few stumbles, finally got through it. Another poem read by Laura—a very moving one—takes place a short while before the Company leaves Rivendell on their long journey south. Frodo and Bilbo are having a special farewell together and, with much emotion, Bilbo turns to the window and quietly recites poignant verses, ending with

'But all the while I sit and think of times there were before,
I listen for returning feet and voices at the door.'

A favourite prose section of Laura's is when Frodo passes his journal on to Sam: "I have quite finished, Sam," said Frodo. "The last pages are for you".

Jo:
The Return of the King, The Land of Shadow: Jo read a passage that has enveloped her deeply for years. On the edge of despair and utterly weary, one forsaken night Sam sees a single white star twinkling high above Mordor. Hope returns to his heart reminding him that there is light and beauty beyond Shadow’s reach, giving that faithful brave hobbit cause and hope to press on with Mr. Frodo.

Many more well-loved passages were read, these are a few highlights. As a very fitting end Lara read that final poignant scene at the Grey Havens in The Return of the King that invariably causes everyone's emotion to well up to overflowing. Lara's amazing reading talent drew us in, spellbound.

Thanks to The Pickle Barrel for allowing us to spend four hours in one of their comfy booths. Have a look at our photos

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=9918210&uid=4778126

By: Jo & Gerda

For Gondor!

2006-04-04T17:40:00.000-04:00

Counting down to Melly's visit to T.O.!

Welcome to Wellinghall!

2006-04-04T17:19:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Wellinghall smial!! :)

We're a smial of the Tolkien Society in the UK and geographically we're located in Wellinghall ... er ... the Greater Toronto Area. We invite everyone who loves to "talk Tolkien" to get in touch with us over at our forum, kindly hosted by The White Tree Fund, located at: http://www.whitetreefund.proboards53.com/index.cgi?board=welcomesmial where we have some fun discussions and a small study group formed.

We recently met up for Tolkien Reading Day and we're planning some other events! We'll have our report from Reading Day and pics up soon! If you have suggestions for events and get-togethers, please let us know here or at the forum.

If you're in the area and would like to join us, just send an email to wellinghall.smial@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!