Roald Dahl

QUOTE

Roald Dahl's thrilling stories for children and adults continue to delight families everywhere. The recent worldwide success of the film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka, is a clear indication of the author's popularity and status as an international household name.

The funny and painful memories of Roald Dahl's childhood, recalled in his memoir Boy, made a lasting impression on him. In addition Dahl always got on well with young people and this, coupled with the fact that he able to understand their fears and fantasies (“what made them tick”) provided Dahl with a wealth of material for his books.

Today, the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, is a thriving, inspirational testimony to the writer and his magical books. Storyline's VIP visit will encourage Dahl fans to find out more about the events and experiences that shaped him as a writer and his meticulous writing process.

Roald Dahl lived in Gipsy House in the village for over 30 years and it was there that he raised his family of four daughters and one son (though his eldest daughter sadly died of measles encephalitis aged seven). Dahl's widow Liccy still lives there today. In the Writing Hut he built at the end of his garden, Dahl created many of his unusual and original characters such as the Big Friendly Giant, the Enormous Crocodile and the Grand High Witch.

Sophie Dahl, his granddaughter, has fond memories of Gipsy House where she often stayed as a child. She loved listening to Dahl's bedtime stories and vividly remembers the one about "a giant who blew dreams into children's bedrooms with a trumpet". The Big Friendly Giant is now loved by children the world over.

The centre encourages adults and children alike to have fun with plot, character and language and to unlock their imaginations. Storyline guests can explore the faithful copy of Roald Dahl's writing hut and have a go at some of the techniques that Dahl employed to help him write. The Museum's Story Centre also offers many interactive games and hands-on activities to absorb children and their families, including the chance to make a stop-frame animation film, dress up as a character from one of the books and create an identikit character.

In the two fun and fact-packed biographical galleries, Storyline guests can have a look at pages from the unique archive which forms the heart of the museum. There are many original documents on display, as well as touch screens that allow the curious to delve deep into the stories behind the stories – for example, by finding the original ending for Matilda.

September 13th 2006 was a rather special date in the Dahl calendar. It would have been Roald Dahl's 90th birthday, and this is being widely celebrated by young book lovers everywhere. Storyline Journeys has also been invited to help make the occasion special. Waterstones, the well known bookstores, are joining forces with Puffin Books (part of Penguin) and Enjoy England in a fascinating free competition. Although the lucky winners may not be visiting Willie Wonka's Chocolate Factory, this Scrumdiddlyumptious prize will include a luxury weekend at a fine Hertfordshire hotel, and a VIP literary tour of Roald Dahl's Houses in Buckinghamshire with Diane Walters & Michael Lamb of Storyline Journeys, their hosts for the day. In addition the winners will receive £100 of children's books from Puffin.

Testimonials

"The aeroplane was good to cut and play with. I loved the smell of the chocolate in the Willy Wonka room – it made me feel very hungry. The lady Clare was very interesting telling me about the life of Roald Dahl."

Carli Levene, aged 5

"I enjoyed dressing up, I dressed up as a ompa lompa. I liked the smell of the chocolate. I enjoyed the talk given by Claire. I would like to come again."

Brandon, aged 6

"I have had a fab day today! I have looked at all the museum and galleries, al the facts about Roald Dahl and about his life and how he became an authot in his little hut where he used to write all his stories and books. A few things that stood out for me are dressing up as Willy Wonka, the first room smelt of chocolate I really wanted to eat the room. I loved the day and our helper Claire has been great! This has really inspired me and I will read all the Roald Dahl books."

Lucy, aged 10

"I am very grateful for Michael and Diane for taking and organising this trip for all of us to go on. The trip was very good and I was very pleased with what I got out of this trip. I learnt a lot of things today, things which I didn't even know. I like all of the bookds that Roald Dahl has written and I would encourage all of my friends and family to come on the trip. I loved all of the dressing up clothes, they were very realistic. I have to say there is nothing that I can criticise on because it was all wonderful. I would like to thank Diane and Michael once more, and Claire for being a good guide."

Amy, aged 13

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