A Gathering of Ents
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/
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
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
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
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.
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
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/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
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/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
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 :)
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 :)
JUNE 18 UPDATE
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
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.
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 Reading Day 2006
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
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
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
Welcome to Wellinghall!
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)