August Newsletter

Over the last few months I've been spending a great deal of time thinking about Rookscroft, and how best to share it with you.

The books will always be at the heart of the world, and I'm happily working away onA Land Beyond the Sea, but I've found myself wanting a way to share the quieter moments too; the little stories, sketches and discoveries that don't always find their way into the books.

Many of you have told me how much you enjoy our newsletters, and that they feel a little like receiving a letter from friends. That thought has stayed with me.

So I've decided to begin something new.

It's called Letters from Rookscroft.✉️

Once a month, a beautifully illustrated envelope will leave our kitchen table, and make its way to you, filled with letters, stories and little discoveries from our land beyond the sea,

There'll be a letter from me. Quentin is very excited to begin writing, and Robin has already bought a box of tiny envelopes in anticipation.

I'm also going to pop in some bits and pieces just for you; perhaps a photograph from the attic (which I am currently exploring), notes and letters from our animal friends, little keepsakes, and perhaps even something that has arrived by bottle post.

The first letter will be arriving in September.

I will only make enough copies for the people who have chosen to receive that particular letter, and once it has left Rookscroft, I don't make it again. So each letter becomes a little record of that particular season and story.

If you'd like to receive the first letter, we've put everything you'll need to know on the new Letters from Rookscroft page.

There you'll find a little more about what the letters are, what's inside the first one, and the different ways you can join us.

I hope you'll come along.

As always, thank you for being part of this little world. It means so much to me.

With love,

Jayne

A glimpse at our September letter

Well hello again, It's been a while since we last got to chat. I must say it's been hot as blazes here! Robin and I were planning on a little trip to the Rosebush for a night beneath the stars, but we got there only to find that the poor thing had almost wilted away. The ground was dry, but it was perfect for a very pleasant dust bath (one of summer's many treats). Afterwards, we trotted home to the safety of a cool kitchen where we revived ourselves with a saucer of tepid tea, and a slice of lemon cake.

Until the rain returns, I will be staying inside during daylight hours, and perhaps that's not a bad thing, as Jayne has suggested that we might be writing real letters to some of you, and I'm frankly thrilled at the prospect. I've even dusted off my old writing slope and ordered some new ink, a very nice olive green one I've had my eye on for some time. Speak of the devil, I think I hear the post arriving now, so I'll pop off and see if it's arrived. I don't want Robin getting into it; just think of the mess that little bird would make…why, there will be green everywhere!

Until next time, take care and don't spare the treats.

Quentin

Hello friends, isn't it exciting! The Letters I mean. Jayne told us about her idea, and if we do do it, then my letters will be in people's homes, and they can read them, and also I can make some pictures that people might like too. I asked Jayne if I could send you chocolate, but she thinks that might melt, so I won't try that, but maybe I can share some seeds of my favourite flowers in the spring, and I can share little things I find too, although not snail shells because they might break.

I'm ever so excited!

Also, I've made a special photograph of Quentin to put in the library, I can't wait for him to see it, but I have to go and find a frame first, Jayne says we can go and look in the attic when he's napping so we don't spoil the surprise.I took it with my little box camera, and Jayne helped me to develop it and put it in a little bath of silver, so it turned brown, which makes him look a bit less stern, I think.

I hope you like it, and I hope I can write to you soon too.

Robin