Category Archives: News

Marriage rate at record low: 10 risks we take when we live together

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  • The marriage rate of opposite sex couples was the lowest on record in 2018, with 20.1 per 1,000 unmarried men and 18.6 per 1,000 unmarried women.
  • In the previous 10 years, marriage rates had fallen most among those under the age of 20: down 57% for men and 63% for women.
  • The average age to get married is rising – in opposite-sex couples, men married at an average age of 38.1, and women 35.8 years.
  • There were 234,795 marriages in 2018 – down 3.3% from 2017.
  • Since 1972, the annual number of opposite-sex marriages has fallen 46.5%.

The Office for National Statistics has published marriage statistics for 2018 today.

wedding planning, wedding, weddings,

Sarah Coles, personal finance analyst, Hargreaves Lansdown

“Marriages hit a record low in 2018, as more people decided it was better to live with their partner first for a few years than live with a bad decision forever. But as more couples move in together for longer without tying the knot, they need to understand the ways it can make them vulnerable.

Separate ONS statistics show that among those under 30, more than two thirds of couples are living together without getting married, along with one in five couples in their 40s and one in ten people in their 60s.

There are all sorts of reasons why people choose to marry or live together, and nobody would suggest marrying for money. However, if you are living together you need to understand the financial risks you face. You could be in for a horrible surprise if you split up, or fall foul of rules you never knew existed if your partner was to die.

The good news is that you don’t have to rush into marriage to protect yourself, because there are steps you can take to cut your risks, whatever your marital status.

10 risks of living together

  1. If one of you dies without a will, the other could get nothing. If the home is in their name, you could lose your home too, because everything passes to your partner’s children. If they have no children, everything in their name will pass to their parents instead.
  2.  If you have a pension which is meant to pay out to a spouse when you die, some pensions don’t allow this to be left to an unmarried partner. Some will allow you to complete a ‘nomination of beneficiaries’ form, to ask for anything to pass to your partner, but if you don’t complete the form there are no guarantees that this will happen.
  3. If you have children, the father isn’t on the birth certificate, and the mother dies, the father doesn’t automatically have a right to care for the child.
  4. If one of you dies and leaves everything to the other, in a marriage or civil partnership this would all be free of inheritance tax. If you’re not married and you breach the inheritance tax nil rate band, there could be tax to pay. In some cases, this could mean you can’t afford to stay in your home.
  5. There are no inheritable ISAs. If your spouse holds an ISA on death, you will get an additional ISA allowance – called an Additional Permitted Subscription, which essentially means ISA assets they leave you can all be wrapped up in an ISA again without affecting your allowances. If you’re not married, you don’t get this extra ISA allowance.
  6. If you split up and one of you owns the house in their name, the other may have no right to live in it or to a share of the property.
  7. On the flip side, if the property belongs to one of you entirely, but the other has contributed towards it in some way – including paying a share of the bills or helping with home improvements, they can claim an ‘interest’ in it, and go to a court for a share of the property. It means couples who move in together may have made a bigger commitment than they appreciate.
  8. If you split up, and one of you has sacrificed their career for caring responsibilities, they have no right to spousal maintenance. On average, women’s pay falls 7% for each child they have – so without maintenance to make up the difference, this could leave them thousands of pounds worse off each year.
  9. In the event of a split, if one of you has a sizeable pension and the other has nothing, there’s no compulsion to share.
  10. There are tax disadvantages. We all have a personal allowance that’s not subject to income tax, a personal savings allowance, a dividend allowance and a capital gains tax allowance. Married couples can share assets between them to take advantage of both people’s allowances, and the lower taxpayer can hold the balance. If unmarried couples try to do this, sharing the assets could trigger a tax bill.

How to protect yourself

Make a will

The only way to ensure an unmarried partner inherits is to draw up a will so that your assets are left exactly as you want them. While it’s vital that everyone makes a will, the stakes for unmarried partners are even higher.

Think carefully about how all assets are owned

If one of you moved in with the other, and the home remains in their name, have you contributed financially? Financial contributions can be reflected by switching to own the property as tenants in common. This allows the financial contribution to be reflected accurately in the proportions of ownership. Also think before taking on any debt: if the loan is for the benefit of both of you, it should be in both names. And consider your savings, if you’re saving together, it should be in both names.

Consider a co-habitation agreement

This will lay out all kinds of things, from how you manage money between you to who owns what in the relationship. It can also iron out what will happen in the event that you split up.

Ensure both parents have parental responsibility

Fathers can protect themselves by being there when the birth is registered, and being on the birth certificate. If it’s too late for that, you can agree parental responsibility between you and complete the form . If you can’t agree, you may need to go to court.

Take out life insurance

Both of you should have enough insurance to ensure the children are provided for in the event you die. After a split, the resident parent should have cover and if one of you is paying child support, they should have cover that will replace it in the event of their death.

Build a nest egg for your child

One of the best ways to protect your child against whatever the future holds is for them to have savings and investments in their own name. The Junior ISA can be a really sensible option. Nobody can access the money until they are 18, and at that point it belongs entirely to the child. While the money is saved or invested it grows free of tax, and there’s no tax to pay when it’s withdrawn either.”

  • There were 6,925 marriages between same-sex couples, of which 57.2% were between female couples.
  • 803 same-sex couples converted their civil partnership into a marriage.
  • 21.1% of opposite-sex marriages in 2018 were religious ceremonies, the lowest on record.

 

Joan Hessayon Award winner Melissa Oliver triumphs with debut novel

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Joan Hessayon Award winner Melissa Oliver

triumphs with debut novel

The Rebel Heiress and the Knight

Author Melissa Oliver has triumphed with her debut novel The Rebel Heiress and the Knight, published by Mills and Boon Historical, for which she has been awarded The Romantic Novelists’ Association’s (RNA) prestigious Joan Hessayon Award for new writers. Melissa, from New Malden, Surrey, will also receive a cheque for £1,000.

The Joan Hessayon Award is generously sponsored by gardening expert Dr David Hessayon OBE, in honour of his late wife, Joan, who was a longstanding member of the RNA and a great supporter of its New Writers’ Scheme.

The judges for the award, which included RNA Chair Alison May, Vice Chair Imogen Howson, Rhoda Baxter, author of contemporary romance and Chair of Authors North, and Thorne Ryan, Commissioning Editor for Hodder and Stoughton, were unanimous in their decision to crown The Rebel Heiress and the Knight the winner. They praised the novel’s ‘very real characters’ and enjoyed how ‘the history was beautifully woven into the story’, calling it ‘an excellent example of its genre’ and ‘a very strong debut’.

The book was selected from a list of 21 contenders, all authors whose debut novels have been accepted for publication after passing through the Romantic Novelists’ Association New Writers’ Scheme. Each year 300 places are offered to unpublished writers in the romantic fiction genre. As part of the scheme, they can submit a complete manuscript for critique by one of the Association’s published authors as well as attend RNA events which offer opportunities to meet and network with publishers, agents and other published authors.

This year’s debuts show the wide range of stories encompassed by the romance genre, from the ever-popular romantic comedies, to fairy tale romance, romantic suspense, historical stories and paranormal thrills. From the house just down the street to the sun-soaked beaches of Italy and that different world that is the past, these books deal with themes we all recognise and hold close to our hearts.

Melissa Oliver wanted to write a medieval romance set against a backdrop of real historical events, and the bitter divisions between King John and the Barons in 1215 provided the perfect element of intrigue, adventure and excitement. There’s also a nod to the legend of Robin Hood, which some historians believe took inspiration from the real-life story of Fulk FitzWarin III.

In The Rebel Heiress and the Knight, widow Eleanor of Tallany Castle knows her people are broken by the taxes demanded by King John. So when she’s ordered to marry Hugh de Villiers, a knight loyal to the king, she’s furious—even if he is handsome. As gallant Hugh begins to heal the scars of Eleanor’s abusive first marriage, she’s even more determined to keep her secret: she is the outlaw the king wants to send to the gallows.

RNA Chair, Alison May, commented, ‘The Rebel Heiress and the Knight is a fantastic debut, combining action, intrigue and engaging emotion. In an incredibly strong year for the Joan Hessayon Award, with an unprecedented number of contenders, choosing a winner was a real challenge, but Melissa Oliver’s debut blew us away with the quality of the writing and the emotional depth of the romance depicted’.

The full list of contenders for the RNA’s 2020 Joan Hessayon Award:
Zoe Allison, Impervious, Totally Bound

Jan Baynham, Her Mother’s Secret, Ruby Fiction

Laura Bambrey, The Beginner’s Guide to Loneliness, Simon & Schuster

Victoria Garland, Finding Prince Charming, DC Thompson

Rosemary Goodacre, Until We Meet Again, Hera

Annette Hannah, Wedding Bells at the Signal Box Cafe, Orion Dash

Stephanie Harte, Risking It All, Aria

Stefania Hartley, Sun, Stars and Limoncello, Totally Bound

Kirsten Hesketh, Another Us, Canelo

Sharon Ibbotson, The Marked Lord, Choc Lit

Emma Jackson, A Mistletoe Miracle, Orion Dash

Lynn Johnson, The Girl from the Workhouse, Hera

Nina Kaye, The Gin Lover’s Guide to Dating, Orion Dash

Lucy Keeling, Make it up to you, Choc Lit

Ruth Kvarnström-Jones, Halleholm – Lovisa’s Choice, Printz Publishing

Mairibeth MacMillan, The Viking’s Cursed Bride, Tirgearr

Melissa Oliver, The Rebel Heiress and the Knight, Mills and Boon Historical

Maggie Richell-Davies, The Servant, Sharpe Books

Jacqueline Rohen, How to Marry Your Husband, Arrow

Kathleen Whyman, Wife Support System, Hera

Fiona Woodifield, The Jane Austen Dating Agency, Bloodhound Books

 

The New Writers’ Scheme has been run by the RNA since 1962 and is unique among professional writing associations. It aims to encourage fresh talent in the writing of romantic novels that reflect all aspects of love and life, contemporary or historical.

Manuscripts submitted under the scheme are from unpublished authors and are read by an experienced writer or editor who provides invaluable feedback. Any manuscript that is subsequently published as a debut novel is eligible for the Joan Hessayon Award. All eligible books are judged by a panel of experienced RNA members who are already published authors, and this year the final round judges were Rhoda Baxter, author of contemporary romance and Chair of Authors North, and Thorne Ryan, Commissioning Editor for Hodder and Stoughton.

 

Working adults in their thirties are on track to be the wealthiest generation

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Working adults in their thirties are on track to be the wealthiest generation – after research found they earn the highest salary, save more and have the most disposable income.

A study into how much money the average person ‘has’ in each decade of their life revealed those aged 30 to 39 earn an average of £32,561 a year, and typically save £309 a month.

They also have the most disposable income – an average of £382 a month – and have less debt than 50-somethings – £7,196 compared to £8,315.

The study of 2,000 adults, commissioned by Equity Release Supermarket, also found that those in their thirties have an average of £10,326 stored away in savings.

Mark Gregory, founder and CEO of Equity Release Supermarket, said: “Our study revealed that while those in their thirties are impressively thrifty in their approach to money and savings, adults aged 40-49 who have had more time to save are slogging along with just £11,039.

“We know first-hand that many parents and grandparents would like to support their younger family members in their later life, whether that be with university fees, property, or other financial support.

“However, the research highlights that this may not be possible for several people in their 40s, 50s and 60s, which is where equity release could come into play as one potential solution.”

The study also found that regardless of how much is in the bank, the ability to be ‘good’ with money seems to improve with age.

Of those aged 60 and over, eight in 10 believe they are good at handling their money compared to 69 per cent of those in their twenties and 73 per cent of people in their thirties.

But 59 per cent of 20-somethings reckon they are good at saving, compared to 61 per cent of adults aged 60+.

The most common reasons people aged 60 and over believe they have good money habits simply comes from knowing how much is in their account (68 per cent) and knowing exactly where they spend their money (72 per cent).

It also emerged that when it comes to breaking down exactly what each age group splashes their cash on,  those in their twenties are most likely to spend their money on clothes, streaming services, takeaways and going out for dinner or drinks.

But adults aged 50 and over are more likely to be forking out for their energy bills, paying for petrol, the weekly food shop and insurance.

Despite having a healthy attitude towards finances, 53 per cent of those aged 60 and over still worry about money.

More than four in 10 put it down to the fact that they don’t want to get into debt, and a fifth agreed it’s because it’s one of the most stressful things in life.

Although a quarter worry about their income and outgoings because they enjoy living a comfortable lifestyle, and don’t want that to change.

But three in four adults aged 60+ believe they will always have some worries about money, no matter how much or little they actually have.

And 77 per cent admitted they find themselves fretting over how much they have pocketed for their retirement, according to the OnePoll findings.

Half of people aged 60 and above have money for the future put away in their pension and cash savings, while a fifth are relying on investments to keep them going in later life, and 14 per cent are considering downsizing.

Mark Gregory, from Equity Release Supermarket, added: “You spend your entire life building up savings – whether that’s in your pension, cash savings or investments like property – just so you can relax and enjoy your later life retirement years.

“But that doesn’t stop people worrying about money throughout this entire cycle.

“There are plenty of ways to give yourself that added bit of reassurance and equity release is just one option.

“Many people don’t understand the features and benefits of equity release as a possible solution to support retirement, enabling them to subsequently fulfil their financial wishes.

“When we’ve worked so hard to put money away, it’s always good to know there are other options available.

“While it’s not the only option to raise capital for an enhanced retirement, equity release could be beneficial and should always be considered with the right financial advice.”

Breakdown of ‘wealth’ by decade:

Current cash savings

20s – £7,232.11

30s – £10,326.33

40s – £11,039.59

50s – £16,704.68

60+ – £20,588.30

Salary

20s – £23,920.13

30s – £32,561.51

40s – £32,175.52

50s – £28,771.27

60+ – £25,771.91

Debt

20s – £15,950.99

30s – £7,196.98

40s – £7,017.62

50s – £8,315.31

60+ – £4,654.33

Disposable income per month

20s – £269.49

30s – £382.85

40s – £364.25

50s – £362.64

60+ – £382.58

Money put away in savings each month

20s – £243.73

30s – £309.36

40s – £282.28

50s – £259.60

60+ – £264.17

Coronavirus Is Tough On All of Us But Together We Will Pull Through

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Hey, how are you doing? Not great? I do not blame you. These are scary times. Every day is seems unbelievable that our lives have changed so much, and that so many have lost their lives. The NHS workers, delivery drivers, bin men and grocery workers are our new heroes. It is a new world and frivolous things do not mean much in a world like this.

I am seeing a lot of stuff on social media and in the press about how staying at home is easy so I just want to write this, not for any idiots who are going out and not listening to the Government guidelines, but for the rest of us: none of this is easy. It is okay to not be okay.

What is going on at the moment is horrendous and there is so much we do not know. If you are struggling then do not feel bad. I read a story about a 43-year-old woman who had what she thought was a cold and a fever for two days. Her husband called an ambulance when she collapsed. She died before the paramedics even arrived and her husband was in shock. They had a 13-year-old son.

A lot of people are dying every day and there are mass graves in New York. Pregnant women are having a tough time and some women who wanted to get pregnant say they have lost their last chance. This is all scary and unknown.

So many people have lost jobs and money. Millions of people have gone hungry. People are worried about the roof over their heads and the future. There is so much suffering at the moment. It is impossible to not be affected by this. So we must all go forward together because never before have we been more in this together. This is not easy but we have each other and we can all do whatever we can to put goodness and positivity into the world.

Get in touch with us if you want to talk or share your story. If you want to learn more about the Pandemic, or Pandemics in general, then I recommend Pandemic, the documentary series on Netflix, Pandemic: Covid-19 on NowTv.com and the movie Contagion which is also on Netflix.com.

 

Will you be covered by your travel insurance?

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We are in worrying times and faced with the ultimate decision would you choose health over money. Is it worth the risk?
Insurance is a necessary evil and an added expense designed to safeguard travellers. It could be a saviour if you are caught in a difficult situation once you are on your holiday. But will it cover you if you want to cancel your holiday and stay at home?  

Insurance rules for epidemics and pandemics

Unfortunately, everything comes down to the stuff we hardly ever read – the small print. Previous outbreaks of world-threatening viruses like SARS, Ebola and Zika, have influenced insurers to be cautious and include only the necessary coverage for such events. And epidemics and pandemics have become excluded from most insurance coverage. Leaving holidaymaker covered for what will happen to them, but not what might happen to them. The World Health Organization has declared the latest virus outbreak as an international health emergency. However, although the insurance companies agree, they aren’t surprised by the newest virus to reach epidemic proportions, and to them, it is an expected risk they have already factored into their policies

Despite the lockdown happening in Italy at the moment, Europe is not on code red yet. There has been no official warning from the FCO not to travel in Europe. Special care should be taken in areas of South Korea (Daegu & Cheongdo) and China is still a no go zone. An FCO warning is the deciding factor for the airlines, travel agents, holiday and insurance companies, to motivate them to cancel flights or holiday packages and issue refunds.

Should I take my family on holiday?

The general insurance small print on the matter of epidemics or pandemics states that most claims will be assessed based on individual cases. But this doesn’t give much assurance to an average family about to embark on an international flight. And it doesn’t provide enough information for anyone debating whether to put health & safety first and stay at home instead. At the moment The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)  and the government are asking travellers to reconsider their need to travel rather than giving a direct warning. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean much to the insurance companies and asking the public to contemplate whether it is wise to travel will not entitle them to a refund for their holiday. Deciding to travel without heeding the advice of the FCO may forfeit your right to claim back any of your medical expenses or costs of repatriation. However, if your destination was not on the ‘no go’ list when you travelled but has subsequently been upgraded, you will fall into an insurance grey area, and any settlement will be based on discretion when you make a claim. In some areas, the risk may be low, but that doesn’t mean that in the worst-case scenario, it won’t escalate or in the best-case, diminish to nothing. Cancelling a holiday you have promised your kids for months. Or have saved your pennies to make happen, is a tough choice. But there may be other factors to consider when making a final decision. Do you need to go? Is your health good? Is anyone you will be travelling with vulnerable (young, elderly, or has a suppressed immune system? The decision will be a real tug of war between your head and your heart.

Best and worst-case scenarios

If you’ve planned your trip a long way in advance. Hopefully, you booked your insurance before the latest epidemic scare started too. If so, it is likely you will be refunded if the FCO advises against travel to your destination, and your journey is cancelled, rescheduled or shortened by the providers. Unfortunately, if the FCO haven’t declared your destination a ‘no go’ zone, it is unlikely that you will be able to recoup any of your initial your costs unless you can change or defer your holiday. Hotels are usually more forgiving in these cases. And some airlines are more forgiving when changing flights than others. However, the budget airlines tend to be strict unless you have taken precautions in advance and booked a trip with extra adaptability. If you decide to take the risk and travel to a destination not banned by the FCO, you should be medically covered if something happens, as long as your insurance policy was booked in advance. However, the level of cover differs between companies and policies. And make sure you take appropriate precautions to reduce the risk of infection. Otherwise, it is unlikely you will receive any compensation at all.

CAN YOU HELP FIND BRITAIN’S OLDEST FEMALE WW2 VETERAN?

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In January, Britain’s oldest female WW2 veteran died. Anne Robson had served as a physical training instructor in the Army, and had reached the grand age of 108 when she passed away in Scotland.

The Women’s Royal Army Corps Association has since decided to launch a campaign to ‘Help us find our Oldest A.T.S. Veteran’ – #FindOurOATS – www.FindOurOATS.org – to ensure that the contribution of female veterans during WW2 is duly and appropriately honoured. Afterall, their contribution helped to carve out new roles for women in society as a whole.

This year – 2020 – will mark 75 years since the end of WW2. As such, women (as well as men) who served must be remembered. In the words of retired Col Alison Brown, “The purpose of the ‘Find Our OATS’ campaign is to find the oldest surviving female WW2 veteran to record her experiences for the purpose of future generations: her legacy should not be forgotten!”

Betty Webb MBE, is also backing the campaign. She is the 97 year old a member of the WRAC Association (charity) who helped to crack enemy codes at Bletchley Park during WW2. She notes: “I am very proud of all the achievements of the thousands of other women who joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service to serve in WW2. We must remember the contribution of these  ladies.”

Over 345,000 women served in the ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service) from 1938 –1949. Ahead of the VE Day (8th May) and VJ Day (15th Aug) celebrations that are being planned around the world, the charity wishes to ensure that the focus of these anniversaries includes female veterans. These women may have served for just 1 day, or up to 11 years in the ATS between 1938 and 1949. However, many such women emigrated to countries such as the USA, Canada and Australia, after the hostilities ended. This is why spreading the message about #FindOurOATS internationally is so important.

The oldest British female WW2 veteran may well not be a WRAC Association member. Furthermore, the charity in no way wishes to put ‘pressure’ on this lady, once she is found. Instead, it simply wishes to help identify her, so that in due time, it can appropriately honour and champion her pioneering service as the only charity that specifically supports women who serve, or have served, in the British Army.

Women only need to have service for one day or more in the British Army to be eligible to apply for benefits available via the WRAC Association. As a vibrant charity, it has two main objectives: providing comradeship, friendship and support – plus – distributing grants to former servicewomen (1917-1992) who are in need of financial assistance. In 2016 the charity awarded over £220K in benevolence grants for items such as white goods, and services such as care home top-up fees and stairlifts.

You can help to find the oldest surviving female WW2 veteran by spreading the word about the campaign: Go to the website www.FindOurOATS.org and/or share its social media content using the hashtag – #FindOurOATS.

The WRAC has also printed a broad spectrum of stories of women who have served in the British Army since 1917.  The book is called “Wonderful Women 100 Book” and is available to buy on the WRAC website.  https://wonderful-women.org/product/wonderful-women-100-book/

Cancer-causing gas is present in EVERY household

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More than half of UK homes haven’t been tested for a cancer-causing gas – which is found in EVERY household.

Radon is a natural radioactive gas which comes from rocks and soils and is the top cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

Reassuringly, levels of radon tend to be low indoors – but higher levels pose a serious health risk and there’s no way of knowing how severe levels are without testing.

Despite the possible health impact, two thirds of adults don’t know what radon is and that it can cause cancer.

Commissioned by Airthings, makers of smart radon and indoor air quality monitors, the research of 2,000 adults found six in 10 haven’t given any thought to the health impact of the air in their homes.

A spokesman for Airthings said: “Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

“In fact, radon-induced lung cancer kills more people than house fires and carbon monoxide combined.

“It’s an invisible radioactive gas with no smell or taste and comes from rocks and soil.

“Low levels can be found in the air outside however levels of radon can be higher inside buildings – homes included.”

UK homes also contain gasses called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which, although not lethal like radon, can cause headaches, sore throats and fatigue.

But the study found eight in 10 have no idea what VOCs are and 80 per cent are unaware they can cause eye, nose and throat irritation.

The compounds can be released when doing a number of apparently harmless everyday activities such as burning scented candles, using non-organic cleaning products and even when cooking.

Further to this, nine in 10 regularly do things in their home which could increase levels of radon and VOCs.

Almost half don’t often open the windows when cooking, 42 per cent frequently burn candles and a third use diffusers in their homes.

Perhaps as a result, the Airthings study, carried out through OnePoll, found six in 10 ‘regularly’ suffer from symptoms associated with poor air quality.

These include headaches (25 per cent), constant dryness and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin (22 per cent) and ongoing fatigue (21 per cent).

A fifth also have a tendency, or noticed a tendency among their cohabitees, to cough and sneeze.

A spokesman for Airthings added: “In addition to testing your home for radon and VOCs there are simple steps you can take to reduce levels of these gasses.

“But the first step is to have your home tested to get an indication of the severity of the problem.

“There are also things you can do to minimise VOCs in particular – such as ditching toxic chemicals and using natural cleaning products, opening windows, vacuuming regularly and having lots of house plants in the house.”

SYMPTOMS/EFFECTS OF VOCS BRITS HAVE NOTICED IN THEIR HOMES:

1. Their home has mould

2. Their children developed a cough

3. They developed a persistent cough

4. It affected their energy levels

5. Their children don’t play outside as much/very often

6. The plants in their garden have struggled/died

7. Their lung condition or their child’s lung condition (e.g asthma) has worsened

8. They have to keep their windows closed all year round

9. They don’t cycle to work anymore as a result

10. They have developed breathing difficulties

TIPS FOR REDUCING VOCS IN YOUR HOME:

• Open the windows

• Do not smoke indoors

• Keep air humidity levels between 30 per cent to 50 per cent

• Avoid synthetic fragrances such as plug ins and candles

• Use house plants

• Ditch the toxic chemicals – use natural cleaning products

• Improve ventilation

• Vacuum regularly

• Remove your shoes when you come in

• Test your home with an air quality monitor and use an air purifier if required

Play Up, Malory Towers!

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As the first ever stage production of Enid Blyton’s Malory Towers embarks on a national tour, Director Emma Rice tells Vicky Edwards why these classic stories are an enduring delight…

I’ve always thought optimism a lovely trait. Not only do the ‘glass half full’ brigade seem better equipped to withstand life’s slings and arrows, but their sanguinity is also marvellously contagious; even die-hard Eeyores struggle to maintain despondency when in the company of a fully-buoyant bright-sider. In literature, Malory Towers is the epitome of optimism. Nobody better, therefore, to adapt the original work and direct it than Wise Children’s super-sunny Emma Rice.

Co-produced with York Theatre Royal in association with Bristol Old Vic, and officially licensed by Enid Blyton Entertainment, a division of Hachette Children’s Group (HCG), Malory Towers is the original post war ‘Girl Power’ story. The high jinks of pupils at the Cornish boarding school have thrilled readers ever since the first story was published in 1946 – didn’t we all yearn to join in the midnight feasts and yell ‘Play Up, Malory Towers!’ at nail-biting lacrosse matches? The books remain hugely popular, with new generations devouring them and dreaming of being sent away to boarding school with an overflowing tuck box.

 

Emma Rice credit Steve Tanner

“But there is plenty for boys too,” urges Emma, in exuberant form after a productive week of rehearsals. “The only thing that would disappoint me would be if people didn’t bring their boys,” she added, promising a show that delivers plenty of thrills and spills.

“The animation is fantastic – we see the train arriving at the Cornish coast – and then there is a real cliff hanger just before the interval. We have just been rehearsing that bit today and it’s like Ben Hur!”

Described as ‘nostalgic, naughty and perfect for now,’ what initially appealed to Emma about the project?

“The Malory Towers books are great stories filled with great characters who don’t seem to age at all. It is very hopeful and I think that is right for now. I call it my happy Lord of the Flies: when left to their own devices, a group of girls decide to be the best version of themselves they possibly can be. They want to change the world and be women the world can lean on; they want to resolve conflict. They never talk about boys and they aren’t boring!”

Interestingly, Emma is a relatively new convert to Blyton’s best-loved school stories.

“I’ve worked with David [producer David Pugh] many times. He has great taste and he knows me so well, damn him!”
Laughing, she recalled how David piqued her interest by wooing her with a vintage set of the books, beautifully wrapped in brown paper.

“As soon as I read the first one I just knew they would make a great piece of theatre. They’re such page turners, the characters are so well observed and the powerful feminine voice comes through with such positivity.”

Anyone familiar with Emma’s work will know that music is an integral part of her productions.

“There is always lots of music with me,” she agreed cheerfully, “but I wanted the music in Malory Towers to be virtuosic; simple, but showing how rich the world is. There are some new compositions by Ian Ross and it’s a real musical feast,” she teased; “and it has got fantastic dancing, too. The choreography is incredible. I wanted my Malory Towers to be like Busby Berkeley, but in an earthy, feminist way!”

If the music is a feast then the actors Emma has assembled are a veritable banquet (‘simply top hole,’ as Darrell and her chums might say), and, refreshingly, it was achieved through a ‘character-over-looks’ approach to casting.

“For me, casting is always about getting the right personalities and the people who absolutely capture the spirit of the characters.” As proud as a Head Teacher with an intake of straight ‘A’ students, she adds: “My company comprises a range of actors with different backgrounds.

Gymslip clad, Emma’s performers will transport audiences to 1950s Cornwall where Darrell Rivers is embarking on her Malory Towers adventure. Bright, loyal and big-hearted, her fast and fiery temper is something she must learn to master. And, while she’s about it, can she save the school play and rescue terrified Mary Lou from the grip of a raging storm? Crikey!

But amid all the drama and japes runs Emma’s affection and regard for the generation of women who taught in schools in the wake of warfare.

“With lives shaped by the savagery of two wars, they devoted themselves to the education and nurture of other women. My Malory Towers is for them, and also for the two generations of men that died in those same wars, leaving us with the freedom to lead meaningful, safe and empowered lives. And it is for Clement Attlee and his Labour government of 1945 who looked into the face of evil and chose to do what was right. These people changed the political landscape in their focus on care, compassion and the common good. Malory Towers was written at the heart of this political revolution, and embodies a kindness, hope and love of life that knocks my socks off.”

Something else Emma is passionate about is the work of her company, Wise Children.

“We want to make fantastic world class ensemble theatre based on storytelling techniques that I have developed over my career, and at the same time teach the next generation of creative theatre makers. And we want to create access for people who might not be able to access theatre training,” she told me, explaining that there are free places given to those for whom such aspirations would otherwise be impossible.

Vowing to raid my daughter’s bookshelf and get reacquainted with Blyton’s finest work, on my way home I imagined what Miss Grayling’s comment on Emma’s end of term report might have been:

‘A splendid Head Girl who can surely be depended upon to lead Malory Towers to victory. Jolly good show, Emma!’

©Vicky Edwards