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 Welcome to the Alan Bates Archive, created
in 1997 to document the work of Sir Alan Bates, CBE
on stage, in films, and on television.
For a few days at the end of December, I have removed the
usual news page items, to mark the sixth anniversary of Alan's
death. The normal page contents will return after Alan's birthday
in February.
Alan's Candle
Seven years ago we spent a fortnight in England during the
holidays. My husband Tom and I were in London with our daughter
for a while, and then drove to Somerset, where we had rented
a 15th century barn, for a Christmas house party with Duncan
and Rosemary Geddes (Alan's secretary).
 It was a happy time - the weather
was mild, London was festive, and Alan seemed finally on the
mend after several months of recovery from hip replacement surgery.
His knighthood would be announced in a week.
He was still visiting his orthopaedist
regularly, but could joke about the cane he sometimes still used.
One afternoon he came in with a gift bag. "I was leaving
my doctor's surgery," he said, "when I realized that
it would be nice to give you all something to remember me by
in the country at Christmas. So I HOBBLED into a shop..."
(he grinned, making the most of the huge effort his thoughtfulness
had cost him) "... and found this."
It was a lightly scented candle.
He had written "Karen" on the bag, and on the tissue
wrapping added a Christmas greeting to all of us.
In Castle Cary, our hosts had
decorated the stone barn for our arrival. There was a small Christmas
tree with winking lights, and festoons of holly, ivy and mistletoe
on picture frames; a bowl of oranges, chocolates and Christmas
crackers greeted us. The grass and hedgerows were very green;
a tree outside the lounge window was glowing with red berries,
and over a tall fence cattle could be heard, lowing.
We put the candle in the center
of the dining table, where it scented the room. We toasted Alan
by its light, never thinking that it would be our last holiday
with him.
In Memoriam
At his death on 27 December 2003 there was an outpouring of
affection and respect for Alan from friends, fans, colleagues,
the media. I have gathered the best tributes, my own message
and an account of the September Royal Court Celebration in a
permanent Archive section, In Memoriam.
Here is one of Alan's most amusing Hardy readings, from the
National Trust recording "Thomas Hardy, Words and Music."
It comes to you with the very best wishes for a safe and happy
holiday season, from the Bates Archive.
"Absent-Mindedness in a Parish Choir."
from Life's Little Ironies, by Thomas Hardy
Karen
Rappaport
The British Theatre Guide interview featuring
the Bates Archive
The Alan Bates Archive was launched on 17 February 1997,
and was Sir Alan's official website.
Site and domain name ©
copyright Karen Rappaport, 2009.
Photo copyrights remain with the photographers.
The copyrights for quoted reviews and interviews remain with
the individual publications cited.
No links or adaptation of the material herein contained without
permission.
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