Posted by Jeremy Kriewaldt on August 16, 2005 at 01:20:23 from 202.138.212.58 user JeremyKriewaldt.
In Reply to: Re: Swallow anew? posted by Peter H on August 15, 2005 at 14:44:09:
As Peter said, in Tarboard discussions, each of us tends to form our own views on the merits of a particular subject and put those views, regardless of the alliances/misalliances created thereby. On this occasion, I tend to the view that it is appropriate for TARS to support a replica-Swallow project.
My reasons are:
I think there are any number of different "approaches" to AR: sailing isn't particularly mine (although I have enjoyed sailing in the past) and fishing certainly is not one. But if, for example, TARS decided to obtain a lease of a fishing river that AR particularly liked, and if the ownership were conducted in a way that encouraged people to participate, then I can't see why one of AR's occupations should not be remembered and fostered in that way. After all, one of the things that AR encourages us to do, is to do things not just to read and think about them.
An important aim for an organisation like TARS is that it be seen to do things to keep AR's works and thoughts alive and relevant to current readers - providing the facilities for AR-related occupations is one way to do this. To build a replica of AR's fictional characters' favourite boat would appear to be an activity which TARS could properly undertake (although it may be that the "yachties" would need to provide extra funding).
Many TARS activities are inaccessible for a large number of TARS' overseas membership. Even the Literary Weekend and the Annual General Meeting are difficult to get to, particularly if one is working and has children. That doesn't mean that they shouldn't be held. It just means that some people have a geographical advantage over others. Overseas members accepts those our constraints. Similarly, those not interested in Ransome's Russian experiences accept that there are other members who have an interest in those experiences. Those not interested in fishing accepts that there are TARS members for whom Arthur Ransome is the doyen of fishing writing. All of these are valuable activities and we shouldn't be looking to everyone getting 20 shillings in the pound for their membership subscription! The question is are we being true to the charter of TARS.