MORE than 50 people gathered at Ladywood, Rydal, to commemorate the life and work of Professor Ernest de Selincourt, the editor of the standard edition of William and Dorothy Wordsworth's poetry, letters and diaries.

The event revealed many fascinating memories and anecdotes. Prof Emeritus, Philip Edwards, had been examined by Prof de Selincourt in 1942, and his reading of Keats's Ode to a Grecian Urn was a high spot of the evening.

Dr Robert Woof, director of the Wordsworth Trust, hosted the evening, stating that "poetry is at the heart of Grasmere and Prof de Selincourt played an important part in establishing this". In response to the great success of the weekend, it was announced that a de Selincourt Foundation is being formed to continue the work of Ernest de Selincourt. Anyone who would like to contribute to the foundation's work should contact Christopher and Mandi Morris on 015394-35286.

May 29, 2003 12:00