Welcome to the page for The Martello,
magazine of the Monica Edwards Appreciation Society (MEAS).
This is a new Society, formed by Sue Winn (Membership Secretary) and Joyce Bailey (Treasurer)
to raise awareness of this wonderful author's writing and the background and historical context of the books.
We aim to encourage members to contribute their own items to
The Martello
which is to be published twice yearly: contents will be a
lively mixture of articles, research, anecdotes,
quizzes, crosswords, poetry, reviews -
anything and everything related to Monica
Edwards' work and of interest to her readers!
We also aim to promote the books as they are republished by Girls Gone By.
Why do we like Monica's books so much?
They are well written, interesting, and about people we would like to be or to meet. The distinct worlds
of the Marsh and the Punchbowl,
each so clearly evoked, seem timeless; the books need no great shift of the imagination to be read and enjoyed today.
A recurrent theme in the messages on this site is the feeling readers had that he or she was the only
person who read and loved the books:
this is of course not true! There are many faithful and younger, newer generations of readers,
collecting and re-reading the volumes they so love.
We hope that this new Society will provide an opportunity for members to share their feelings
and thoughts about Monica's stories.
Sixty years on from the publication of Wish For A Pony readers are still captivated by the adventures of Tamzin,
Rissa, Meryon and Roger and their friends at Punchbowl Farm: Lindsey, Dion, Andrea and Peter;
not forgetting all the fascinating other characters, including the four-legged ones!
Events and Visits
Following the successful and enjoyable visit to Rye Harbour last October,
we are currently planning a visit to the Devil's Punchbowl/Thursley area
and will announce the date and details when they are finalised.
We hope that you will join the Monica Edwards Appreciation Society
Subscriptions:
(Please print the Membership Form
and send it with a cheque payable
to Joyce Bailey to the address on the form)
UK: 7.00
Euros: 8.00 11E
USA: 9.00 18$
Australia: 10 22$
New Zealand: 9.00 22$
Note for Australian readers:
If you would like to send a sterling cheque, but are worried about the cost of doing so,
you can contact Susan Stannard who has kindly offered to use her personal UK bank account
to forward your dues on receipt of a A$ cheque. Please note that this is entirely a kind
gesture on Susan's behalf, and is taken completely at your own risk.
Susan's contact details: