There’s a piece published in The Mail on Sunday today that runs in the series My Haven.
The person is photographed in a place s/he considers a haven surrounded by eight objects that are meaningful to them.
The published piece about me–online anyway–leaves out close-ups of the objects, settling for the master shot and description of only six objects.
The little brown mug–miraculously restored by Donald Douglas, whose wedding present to us also features, and Beau–our world-famous cat–didn’t make the cut in the magazine–but are back in the frame here:
Mike Lawn at work on the Master shot.
Here’s my text with photos, as sent in to the newspaper, featuring close-ups of the objects taken by Meredith., who couldn’t resist adding a few extra photos!
My Old Bike:
—1938 Raleigh “stand-up and beg” bike
I did over ten thousand miles on this old jalopy riding into town to do voice overs from Chelsea to Soho and after we moved, from Chalk Farm to Soho.
It was fun, a little dangerous and the most reliable way of arriving on time.
2) Donald’s Bowl.
A wedding present from our friend, actor Donald Douglas. He was a fiery and passionate Cap’n McNeil in the first Poldark with his eye on Demelza! He is a talented artist and decorated and dedicated this lovely salad bowl to us on the occasion of our wedding.
3) The Anarchy Apron.
A gift from actor Michael Pennington and Arts administrator Prue Skene.
I love its provocative message and its punk appearance. It’s also very comfortable.
Michael and I have been friends since National Youth Theatre days.
4) My little Brown Mug
I drink my coffee out of it at breakfast. A pair of them were given to us by my beloved Aunt Mary a couple of years before she died aged 92. They are the work of a local potter in Aldburgh close to where she lived in Suffolk. That first coffee just doesn’t taste the same out of other mugs!
5) Winston Graham’s Ross Poldark
The copy of the first Poldark novel ROSS POLDARK by Winston Graham given to me in 1975 by the author with a very generous and kind inscription.
6) Photo of the Actors Company 1972.
This is the first season of the company formed by Ian McKellen and Edward Petherbridge. The actors chose the plays, the directors, the designers etc.. It was a strike for more control. Bankrupted me! (In this democratic company all of us actors got paid exactly the same– £50 a week!) Being a member for three years was hugely important in my life as an actor.
In the photo of the first Actors Company 1972:
L to R
Juan Moreno, Marian Diamond, Ian McKellen, Edward Petherbridge, Margery Mason, Sheila Reid, Frank Middlemass, Ronnie Stevens, me, Felicity Kendal, Robert Eddison, John Tordoff, Moira Redmond, Matthew Long, Tenniel Evans, Caroline Blakeston, Jack Shepherd.
7) Photo of me and my gorgeous wife, Meredith Wheeler!
Trying on out our black tie costumes for a big wedding we were attending in the U.S. Temperatures topped 106F and we looked a bit silly walking to the hotel reception in downtown Chicago in our black evening clothes!
8) Beau
He is one of our three indoor cats—we have three outdoor ones too. Meredith found him as a kitten in the garage one evening.
Someone, knowing we were a cat household, shoved him through the cat-flap. He sat, purring his heart out, in the palm of my hand. He’s now “top cat” and house guardian–but retains his placid sweetness unless sorely provoked.
Robin Ellis 
Thanks for the great photos—I do love that apron, and how ironic that your amiable arch-enemy Captain O’Neill should be your dear friend–what a lovely botanical bowl he made. Wonderful to share a few moments of your idyllic looking life in France. You’re livin’ your Best Life as Oprah would say. The bicycle—puts me in mind of Terence Hill who plays Don Mateo the Italian priest who rides a bike that looks like your Raleigh and who is always in the middle of investigations in the Italian series. Put on a cassock and ride and you’ll be the Don Rosso of the Dordogne. Rock easy, Robin and Meredith. Thanks too for all the super recipes. —-Stevie de Longmont
Thanks Stevie. I’ve a mind to ask for a bone shaker–the first in Cornwall?–for the Reverend Dr Halse!
Oh my LOL LOL—that would be a perfect vision, though I don’t think bikes had been invented yet….can you see him on the coast pathway, red in the face, heading toward Nampara to give Poldy an earful about his wicked ways. Have a wonderful day—I think it must be about 4 pm there and you’re in the garden with your laptop and wonderful kits. I love your cat. Blessings on tout le mas.
Pareillement!
A lovely piece, Robin. One can feel from the pictures and your descriptions just how very dear all these things are to you.
So good to see your bike again! When I worked at the old Craftsmen Potters Shop in Marshall Street i often saw you pass by, both there and sometimes in Berwick Street Market when doing my daily shop. Did you know Berwick Street is under threat from re-development. Unthinkable! Love your posts and the glimpses of your life, especially those cats. Warmest wishes from Di
Hi Diane–I loved filling my basket in Berwick St market. Would have said “Hello!” if I’d known!
What a shame if it closes but no surprise.
Hi Robin, my Mail on Saturday tv guide had the piece you’re discussing here and the picture looked absolutely idyllic. You looked relaxed with your treasures around you. Living in France certainly seems to agree with you. xx
Lovely piece, Robin, and gorgeous photos Meredith. I saw the DM – I buy the wretched newspaper for the TV Supplement. Love reading such articles as yours. Your Haven looks simply perfect.
Bru
Thanks, Bru.
Lovely photos! 😊 Particularly like the one of you and Meredith in evening dress, and can you remember any of the names in the Actors Co. Photograph? Xx
All of them.
L to R
Juan Moreno, Marian Diamond, Ian McKellen, Edward Petherbridge, Margery Mason, Sheila Reid, Frank Middlemass, Ronnie Stevens, me, Felicity Kendal, Robert Eddison, John Tordoff, Moira Redmond, Matthew Long, Tenniel Evans, Caroline Blakeston, Jack Shepherd.
Sadly so many have moved on. Bless them.
What a lovely collection. Treasured things holding all those memories. I hang on dearly to my mum’s’ old recipe book, handwritten notes of her, her friends and neighbours, 20 versions of the christmas cake recipe, exotic attempts in the 1970s of Chicken Paprike and something called Fidget Pie! All worn, all treasured.
Same here.
A lovely piece Robin and great photos too. Thanks for sharing them. I have a favourite coffee mug too! Nice to see you and Michael Pennington together. I did some work for Michael when I worked at SBT and there were some excellent photos of you both in King Lear in 1976 taken by Joe Cocks. H
P. S. Am very pleased all was OK with your tests 😁
Thanks, Helen.
Thanks for filling in the gaps, its the simple things that mean the most, the company of our furry friends, treasured gifts, your trusty old bike! You and Meredith have the most wonderful life in your haven!
Robin,all of your posts are wonderful,but this one is just especially so.
We not only have the pleasure of sharing the beautiful life that you and dear Meredith share,but today you have made u s look around to pick out our own favorite things,and then give a little prayer of thanks for having them — and the people and pets we cherish–to enjoy.
Thank you!
Blessings always
Thank you, Natalia–cherish indeed.
Thank you for posting the pictures and describing their significance. Your writing voice is quite calming, which is much needed today as a scramble to finish a chapter for my dissertation. I so enjoy your blog.
Thank you, Margaret. What is the subject of your dissertation?
“Carson McCullers and the Modernist Aesthetic.” I’m placing this Southern female writer within American Modernism. Thank you for asking. I cannot wait to buy your newest cookbook!
Dans la simplicité, il y a la joie. We are all blessed that you choose to share the important things in your life with us! Ce sont des dons extraordinaires!
Merci infiniment, Anita!
Lovely but wish you shared the names of you beautiful cats. I think they are an important part of your family so thank you for sharing your dreams
Beau, Ben and Midnight + Lily, Blacky and Peanut outdoorers.
Hi Robin, I love this post about all your special things, people and pets. It’s a nice break as I’m working on my scrapbook from our April 2016 trip to Cornwall. Love all your recipes and stories. Best from Oregon, Kate
Your special eight objects are touching & a beautiful snapshot of you as a person. The Chicago snap of you & Meredith is beautiful: I’m sure you shivered in style in your dress blacks! One of my own special objects, quite apart from my children’s baby clothes & their hospital ankle bracelets, is a shopping list on a nondescript piece of notepaper. It was written by the father I hardly knew, before his death.
It showed me what he liked to eat, & how he lived.
I’d never seen his handwriting before.
Thank you for sharing the blog with us all; Beau is a darling addition to the list!
Thanks for this, Melissa.
It’s the little things that mean a lot! Gifts hand made by the giver, doesn’t matter how simple, it’s knowing someone took the time to think of you.
So enjoy reading your blogs, looking at the photos of your lovely home, cats,and surroundings in France, I hope, one day, to be able to partake in one of your jolly cookery courses, not possible at the moment, we have to take care of my 94 year old father in law, he still lives in his own home, but is now in need of increased help.
We don’t have a bone shaker, but we do still have my fathers bicycle, living, at the time in Abbotts Langley Hertfordshire, he bought two bikes for my mother and himself at the outbreak of WWII, so if the Germans invaded, they would be able to escape, luckily never needed. Some years later, when I was around four years old, I had a seat on my fathers cross bar and remember great family days out, along with my older sister, we would travel to Whipsnade Zoo, Pitstone Hill etc., the warm wind in my face, wonderful memories!
Kind Regards Beryl
Lovely, Beryl–I remember Whipsnade.
What a nice little piece to share with us, Robin! Funny, I’d be hard-pressed to pick only 8 items to show. I’m a bit of a pack-rat; everything holds a memory for me. It seems every time we lose a relative, we acquire another clock or knick-knack. If Gene would allow me, the whole stairwell would be COVERED in family photos, vacation collages, and pet photos! But I do have this lovely framed piece of a dashing gent holding a wine glass, and also pictured in a tri-corn hat, congratulating me on my retirement… 😉 …which has turned into only semi-retirement, by the way, ha!
Thanks for sharing!
Go Dianne!
Thank you for sharing these most tresured objects in your life. They literaly speak, letting us know aspects of your private life like only intimate friends can. That is a great honour for us. ❤️
Thank you, Robin, for sharing these treasures! You have a beautiful haven.
So good to read your stories and see your pictures Robin. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, memories and special things with us. They make such interesting reading x x
Thanks for sharing Robin, and Meredith of course. Very generous of both of you. So lovely to see your favourite things and I love the personalised bowl. It’s always lovely to have possessions which are meaningful isn’t it.
I really hope to get to Sheffield for the forthcoming book signing by the way. Just have to escape work! Best wishes to you, Heidi X
Hope to see you there!
Hi Robin. I am able to finish work early on Thursday so should be with you for the book signing. Hope you have a good journey . Feeling excited already.
Best wishes, Heidi
I look forward to meting you, Heidi–see you there.
Just wanted to say “Hello” to another Heidi!! We are all over the place. Last weekend, I met another lady called Heidi in a class and when I went shopping to a local market, I heard my name being called and the owner was calling his dog called Heidi. 🙂
Hi Heidi. Yes, we are a rare breed and it’s good of you to say hello! My sister was reading the book when I was born hence the name, so could have been worse…..
I’ve been teaching now for many years and one of the biggest compliments I have had is when parents have named their children after me. Makes me feel I’m getting old though 😉
Very interesting choices. It must be difficult to choose only 8! Thank you for showing us.
Lovely article, Mr. Ellis! Just shared it with my followers on Twitter! Didn’t know I could do that. Great photos!
My favourite objects.. a book signed by Charlton Heston and a teapot given to me by my grandmother. The teapot is a porcelain cat!! Sadly, we broke the lid but it’s sentimental to me so the rest of the pot is in my kitchen..a black cat with a red ribbon …
Always delighted to see a post from Robin Ellis in the mailbox, none more than this one with its many photos and stories.
I fully understand saving personal treasures. Among mine is an autographed copy of film director Michael Powell’s “200,000 Feet on Foula.” Of course the house is filled with other things, some inherited, some picked up along life’s by-ways.
At lunch I’ll be eating some of the summer’s first batch of your wonderful Quinoa salad. Later I’ll be making other summer dishes from your cookbooks. They always remind me of Poldark, you and Angharad Rees.
I’ll also forward this post to cat-loving, cooking friends here in Santa Fe, NM.
Thinking of you in your beautiful home,
Nancy
You were so so handsome in photos: as Ross, so handsome in those black tie clothes, and so handsome now–in different ways. When your face is in motion, or you are, then oh, my.
I have always wondered at the players of the Nobility at the Renaissance Faires, in all their heavy black velvet attire with several layers beneath–and the photo of you and Meredith in a 106˚F Chicago reminds me of that.
and what model of Mac laptop would that be? My husband is happy to be working at Apple again.
Marina
Dear Robin, what a lovely idea “My haven” is! Makes me want to list my eight favourite objects. I had written to you last year, when I heard about the remake of Poldark (my sisters, parents and I passionately followed it on Italian television). I’ve recently discovered you had a role also in a very sweet family story: in 1979 my sister Valentina was watching Poldark with her boy-friend and he decided it was the perfect moment to change her old wrist-watch with a new one. She was very concerned about what was going on in Nampara and didn’t notice it. Then he asked “what’s the time, Valentina?”, “a quarter past three,” she replied after the quickest glance at the brand new watch. A bit disappointed, after ten minutes he asked again what the time was and then she turned a bit aggressive saying “can’t you see it’s a very difficult situation for captain Poldark? Please, stop talking and let me watch!”.
I’m glad to tell you this didn’t prevent them to get married two years later, and they still are happily married.
I like so much reading your blog,
All the best to you and donna Meredith
Giovanna
Thanks for this lovely story, Giovanna. Please tell Valentina I’m happy everything worked out and my spot of fictional bother didn’t get in the way of a happy marriage for her and her husband!
Hi Robin
Its Brian in Jersey
I was in the UK last week taking my long coat GSD to be mated in Cornwall and on my return I was invited to stay with old friends in Basingstoke. We were all invited to a barbq where I met some lovely people and had a really fun time. Our hosts do not suffer the best of health with Margaret having MS and her husband diabetes. This does not stop them having a great sense of humour. During the evening we were all encouraged to detail our claim to fame and I was pleased to comment that I had been in contact with you here. For most of the evening Margaret who is a devout dog lover had been trying to take my dog away from me but having explained how you liked cats she suddenly became a cat lover. Little comments through out the evening like I will get a divorce, I don’t mind moving to France, he could move in here, amused us all. Margaret was one of your devoted army of fans throughout the 70;s and it was good to see the smile on her face for the rest of the evening.I said I would try and get your autograph for her to which she replied that’s no good I want him cant you get him.
I know a photograph and autograph from you with maybe a few kind words would make this lovely lady very happy and I wonder how this could be achieved. I support the Jersey Diabetes Society and would be happy to make a donation if you could maybe send me a signed foto with a few words that I could give her when I see her next moth. I am a picture framer so would happily frame it before delivery.
If this is possible maybe you could send it to me at Brian Villette, 31 Victoria Court, Victoria Road, St Saviour, Jersey. JE2 7QB
Best Regards
Brian
I’d be happy to, Brian.