Remembering Roger Deakin

Subject: Remembering Roger Deakin
From: theleveller
Date: 19 Aug 11 - 03:26 AM

On 19th August 2006 my old friend, the writer, film-maker, broadcaster and environmentalist, Roger Deakin, died from a brain tumour. Roger is chiefly remembered for his amazing book about wild swimming, 'Waterlog', that has become a cult classic and places him at the forefront of British nature writers.

I shall be remembering him by reading from 'Notes From Walnut Tree Farm' and listening to 'Friend of the Rivers', a song written about him by another of his friends, the veteran folk musician, Steve Ashley, who also composed the soundtracks to two of Roger's films.

This is my own homespun tribute that I wrote shortly after Roger's death:

The Swimmer

Subject: RE: Remembering Roger Deakin
From: alanabit
Date: 19 Aug 11 - 04:39 AM

I am sure your mate would have liked it. I thought the guitar playing and sound was lovely too.

Subject: RE: Remembering Roger Deakin
From: theleveller
Date: 19 Aug 11 - 08:04 AM

Thanks, alan, I hope he'd have liked it.

Subject: RE: Remembering Roger Deakin
From: GloriaJ
Date: 19 Aug 11 - 08:56 AM

Waterlog is a wonderful book, and an original idea.Its a while since I read it, but doesnt he talk about swimming in his moat at one point? If only these recent rioters had taken up swimming up and down their moats we wouldnt have had all this trouble.
Wildwood is a superb look at the natural world in britain - among the best examples of nature writing I've ever read.He must have been a fascinating man to know.

Subject: RE: Remembering Roger Deakin
From: theleveller
Date: 19 Aug 11 - 09:25 AM

Yes, he was fascinating - he was one of the few genuine unselfconscious eccentrics I've evet known. I've got a fund of hilarious memories. The moat was at his house at Walnut Tree Farm, which he spent years renovating from a complete ruin, and he swam there practically every day. For a good insight into what he was like read Notes From Walnut Tree Farm - compiled from his dozens of notebooks by his son, Rufus, and partner, Alison.

Subject: RE: Remembering Roger Deakin
From: theleveller
Date: 19 Aug 11 - 09:33 AM

If you like Roger's writing, read 'The Wild Places' by Robert MacFarlane. Roger was his friend and mentor and there are some very moving passages about him in the book.