Countryfile – Ronald Blythe’s Suffolk – John Craven and Margherita Taylor embark on a captivating and immersive expedition to the charming village of Charsfield, nestled in the heart of picturesque Suffolk. Their purpose is to commemorate the extraordinary life and literary legacy of the revered rural writer, Ronald Blythe, whose passing this year at the remarkable age of 100 left an indelible void in the literary world.
Charsfield and its surrounding environs served as the wellspring of inspiration for Blythe’s masterpieces, including the timeless classic, Akenfield. With unwavering enthusiasm, John and Margherita delve into Blythe’s captivating realm, traversing the very landscapes that ignited his imagination, immersing themselves in the traditions of old rural professions, and forging meaningful connections with those who still embody the way of life portrayed in his illustrious works.
Margherita engages in a captivating conversation with Melissa Harrison, an acclaimed nature writer who, deeply moved by Blythe’s literary prowess, made the life-altering decision to relocate to the enchanting Suffolk. Melissa eloquently articulates the profound significance of Blythe’s existence and the enchanting rural world he intricately crafted through his writings. In an awe-inspiring display of dedication to the preservation of age-old craftsmanship, Margherita ascends a rustic thatch roof to observe firsthand the timeless artistry upheld by Nick Walker, one of the mere twenty remaining master thatchers in the entire United Kingdom.
Meanwhile, John forges a bond with the skilled blacksmith, Paul Stoddart, as they collaborate on the creation of a quintessentially Suffolk latch, a testament to the region’s rich heritage. Delving deeper into the intricacies of the local dialect, John acquaints himself with Charlie Haylock, a proud Suffolk speaker, who intricately unravels the evolution and subtle nuances that distinguish the Suffolk accent from its Norfolk counterpart.
Beyond the realm of literature and rural customs, their explorations extend to a pioneering venture in Cornwall, where the indomitable spirit of innovation converges with a new generation of engineers. Recognizing the pivotal role it plays in the pursuit of green energy, this groundbreaking project paves the way for a sustainable future in the United Kingdom. Additionally, Adam Henson rendezvouses with young farmers, Ioan and Emily, who candidly share their experiences, triumphs, and challenges encountered while embarking on their agricultural journey.
With each passing moment, John and Margherita uncover hidden gems, weave narratives, and kindle a profound appreciation for the timeless beauty and resilience that defines rural life. Their odyssey is a celebration of the interplay between literature, tradition, and the ever-evolving tapestry of human ingenuity in pursuit of a brighter and greener tomorrow.
Countryfile – Ronald Blythe’s Suffolk – Ronald Blythe: A Prolific Chronicler of Rural English Life
A Deep Rooted Love for Literature
Born on November 6, 1922, in Acton, Suffolk, Ronald Blythe was the eldest of six children. His family roots traced back to generations of East Anglian farmers and farmworkers. Yet, the defining trait that set young Ronald apart was an insatiable thirst for books, an inheritance from his London-born mother, Matilda. Even when he left school at 14, he remained, as he put it, “a chronic reader,” perpetually lost in the maze of French literature and the art of poetry. The seeds of his passion were sown in his childhood, and they would later blossom into a career that spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on English literature.
The Journey to Becoming an Eminent Writer
The tapestry of Blythe’s literary career was woven with threads of diverse experiences. As World War II unfolded, Blythe found himself unfit for service, leading him back to East Anglia. There, he quietly embarked on his literary voyage, working as a reference librarian in Colchester12. During this period, he founded the Colchester Literary Society. It was through his work at the library that he met Christine Nash, who introduced him to her husband, the artist John Nash. Christine later played a crucial role in fostering Blythe’s ambitions to become a writer.
This encounter marked the beginning of Blythe’s connections with the cultural elites of the time. His circle expanded to include notable figures like E.M. Forster and Patricia Highsmith, and he found himself immersed in the Bohemian world of artists associated with the East Anglian School of Painting and Drawing.
These experiences, coupled with Blythe’s inherent knack for observation and listening, honed his understanding of human nature and the world around him. His first triumph came in 1960 when he published his debut novel, “A Treasonable Growth,” inspired by Forster and set in the Suffolk countryside. His journey continued with “The Age of Illusion” in 1963, a series of essays exploring life in England between the wars.
The Birth of a Masterpiece: “Akenfield”
In the summer of 1967, Blythe embarked on a project that would mark his place in the annals of English literature. He cycled from his home in Debach to the neighboring village of Charsfield, spending time with the villagers, listening to their stories, and breathing in the essence of rural life. This exercise laid the groundwork for his magnum opus, “Akenfield,” a realistic and unsentimental portrayal of a disappearing rural life in England.
The name ‘Akenfield’ was derived from the Old English ‘acen’ for acorn. The narrative sprouted from Blythe’s musings about the anonymity of the laborers who worked the fields. He listened to the people of Charsfield, recreating their voices with an added touch of his poetic expression. The result was a vivid illustration of the ‘glory and bitterness’ of rural life, capturing the pride and penury of the old farming life and its subsequent erasure by the second agricultural revolution and the advent of modern technologies like the car and television.
“Akenfield,” published in 1969, was instantly hailed as a classic. It remains in print to this day, studied and read worldwide. It made Blythe famous, overshadowing his other prolific works, including short stories, poems, histories, and novels. This book, however, remains the cornerstone of his literary legacy.
The Ronald Blythe Style: A Tribute to the English Countryside
Blythe’s writings stand as a testament to his deep understanding and appreciation of the English countryside. His approach was devoid of romanticization, choosing instead to reveal the harsh realities that often accompanied life in rural areas. His depiction of the countryside was honest and unflinching, capturing its inherent contradictions with grace and eloquence.
His work was not confined to books alone. He wrote a long-running and considerably praised weekly column in the Church Times titled “Word from Wormingford,” which further underscored his engagement with rural themes. His writings, while deeply rooted in the English countryside, transcended geographical boundaries, resonating with readers around the world.
