Happy Memories.
A Memory from Bridget Fowkes.
One day, discussing writing and writers, Pamela said: “Writing is a lonely profession, and unlike other art forms we cannot hold an exhibition of our work, it is only exhibited once it reaches the shelves of a book shop.”
We agreed that people wouldn’t want to view an exhibition of rejection slips no matter how colourful and tastefully displayed. This conversation conjured up wonderful and amusing pictures in our minds.
Bridget Fowkes, Secretary Marsh Ink.
As a very amateur beginner at M.I. writers' club over a decade ago I
found Pamela charming and approachable. As our Honorary President
she was always willing to listen, advise and help in a very friendly way.
Her workshops were challenging, her criticism constructive, never
destructive, yet firm in content. Her short story competition subjects
were always well thought out and stimulating in every way.
Generous with her time spent judging our entries, returning to give her
reports and award prizes, her patronage was remarkable for such a busy
and well known writer.
She was a well loved and respected friend and will be remembered always
with gratitude for all she gave to us.
Jacqui Mount.
Pamela was the first ‘real’ author I’d ever spoken to, and she changed my preconceived ideas about the behaviour of established authors forever.
I found Pam to be warm, kind, and highly approachable. She was a lovely lady, always willing to help, and it was a privilege to have met her.
My condolences go out to Joe, and the members of her family.
May they find some comfort in the knowledge that Pamela had a positive effect on everyone who met her.
Peter Delieu.
I was very saddened to hear of the death of Pamela Oldfield.
As a past member of Marsh Ink, I had many opportunities to meet her. I always found her to be a warm and happy person, generous with her encouragement and enthusiasm, especially for writing and those on the lower rungs of this difficult profession. At a time when I was considering giving up, her comments gave me faith in myself, for which I am grateful. I will always remember her lively summer garden parties.
Myra Godden
Patient polite Pamela, by Ray
To open the 2005 New Romney Festival Week and launch our anthology
‘Marshland Murmurs’, Marsh Ink held an open day in the Old School.
One visitor, insisting that he was an old classmate of Pamela’s, commandeered her attention for most of the morning, before reluctantly leaving just after lunch. At which point Pam, totally exhausted from politely but determinedly fencing with him verbally for several hours, declared light-heartedly :-
“I’ve no idea at all who he was; he certainly wasn’t in my class at school. But he may have me confused with my sister Barbara, who was in a lower year “?
Memories of Pamela.
Despite her incredible gift for writing, Pamela always took the time to encourage and support emerging writers.
I thank her for her encouragement and support in the setting-up of Marsh Ink Writers’ Group, and her continued commitment over almost two decades. She was always kind, gracious and inspiring to all around, even in draughty, cold school halls and classrooms!
Many have benefitted from her wise directions.
Lastly I remember her radiant at her summer garden parties, surrounded by people who loved and admired her.
Thank you Pamela for sharing yourself and your gifts with us.
Hilary Mitchell.
(Founder member of Marsh Ink)
I first met Pamela via the Marsh Ink Writers’ Group.
It was about three years after I’d started there and at that point I hadn’t been to one of her
garden parties. I’d even somehow managed to miss the Marsh Ink sessions she’d attended. When people in the group mentioned Pamela, I had an image in my head – a stereotype of a successful author - which for me was someone rather dramatic, a little aloof, very very middle class and with a tendency to call everyone “Darling”. I assumed she’d be beset by people like me, who fancied they could write a bit, and find being approached wearisome and awkward.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
We finally met on the Marsh Ink stand at The New Romney Country Fayre six years ago.
I tentatively asked if I could send her something I’d written. I couldn’t believe it when she called me, only a few days later, with such enthusiastic encouragement. She was so not what I’d imagined. She had no pretensions at all, and despite the numerous books she has had published and translated into a variety of different languages, she once said about a short story of mine – one which she later almost bullied me to enter into a competition – “I wish I’d written it.” That was such a compliment and so typical of her. I am so glad that I finally plucked up the courage to speak with her.
She has a very special place in my heart.
Julia Galliers.