Demelza

A passionate child rolling in the dust with her ugly dog; a girl driving oxen; a woman....Did anything else matter?

Demelza

A passionate child rolling in the dust with her ugly dog; a girl driving oxen; a woman....Did anything else matter?

Dwight wrote:

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Shortly after the sad news of the death of Angharad my wife and I were on holiday in and around Poldark country and I found myself many times reflecting on the days of Poldark. As Caroline wrote some months ago, the thought of continuing novels would have had their attractions, but the fact had to be faced that by the 1850's or 1860's, lives having been fulfilled, Ross and Demelza would indeed have had to be written out as they would have passed away.

When Winston Graham died nine yeears ago it was very sad, and of course it did mean that his final words had been written when Bella stopped the coach, climbed out, knelt down and kissed her belovèd Cornish earth as she crossed the Cornwall county boundary on her way back home to Nampara with Ross & Demelza. But as the world of Poldark still lived on in all the books, the videos, and of course in our many differing mind's  eyes, the loss of Winston didn't really seem like the end. But when Angharad left us, although there was never any realistic likelihood of her, or indeed Robin, being ever likely to reprise their eponymous roles of Ross and Demelza, to me it felt like it really was Demelza who had left us as well, and while grieving for Angharad, I truly felt that I was also grieving for Demelza, and of course with Ross for the loss of his soulmate.

It is perhaps a measure of the sheer literary genius of WG in bringing the life and times of the Poldarks before us, and even more so the reality of the works of Robin and Angharad in bringing Winston's words to life, that the death of Angharad to me fuses into the death of Demelza, and somehow I find myself grieving for both beautiful and wonderful ladies, who will no more come before us.

Dwight

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Oh Dwight, I think you speak for every one of us who felt a great emptiness of heart when our beloved Demelza and Angharad died.  Thank you so much for expressing this with such eloquence and great depth of feeling in your lovely post. Without doubt, Winston Graham gave us all such a wonderful gift with his words and superb characters. Our effervescently beautiful Demelza, as you say, so beautifully brought to life by Angharad, the very talented actress and immensely strong woman and loving wife and mother, will remain in our hearts forever.

Tide was nearly full. Mist lay in a grey scarf along the line of the cliffs.
.. and they walked home hand in hand through the slanting shadows of the new darkness.

Char, Im happy for you!!!! I just watched the video,below. Its Great!!!!!

I was visiting a friend yesterday and she gave me a most unexpected gift! Years ago, she had been given some jewellry from Angharad Rees own design but she wasnt keen on it and didnt really know who she was. She has given it to  me and also the catalogue that came with it! I will take some pics and post them later but what a lovely surprise! The jewellry is lovley, very delicate and pretty!

Demelza

A passionate child rolling in the dust with her ugly dog; a girl driving oxen; a woman....Did anything else matter?

Thanks Adarmand

I really enjoyed watching these highlights and special moments acted out by Angharad.

Verity

Verity

A tribute to our darling Angharad:

https://vimeo.com/47897886

I miss her.

Demelza

A passionate child rolling in the dust with her ugly dog; a girl driving oxen; a woman....Did anything else matter?

A sudden warmth flooded the cove ...and he knew he was home.

Demelza

A passionate child rolling in the dust with her ugly dog; a girl driving oxen; a woman....Did anything else matter?

Some lovely photos of Angharad in this: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-18944288

Verity

This is such a wonderful picture. Thanks for posting it.

This photo appeared in one of the press tributes - I've not seen it before, it's a lovely one.

Demelza

A passionate child rolling in the dust with her ugly dog; a girl driving oxen; a woman....Did anything else matter?

I woke up to this news this morning and haven't been myself all day....I'm devastated.
Sleep peacefully dear Angharad and thanks for the joy you brought to so many of us......xx

Demelza

A passionate child rolling in the dust with her ugly dog; a girl driving oxen; a woman....Did anything else matter?

RIP Angharad.

Having come to Poldark via the 1970's TV Series, Angharad was, and always will be, Demelza to me. When I am re-reading the books it is always Angharad who is in my mind's eye as Demelza, red hair and all. She will of course always live on as Demelza, who herself lives on in our minds in that wonderful world of Poldark.

Robin Ellis has posted this tribute in his Blog:

"I have just heard that Angharad Rees has died aged 63 from pancreatic cancer. It is devastating news. Angharad was a wonderful friend and talented professional colleague.

Her portrayal of Demelza in Poldark was definitive and the series could not have enjoyed the success it had without her unique spirit informing the role.

"Oh Ross"

We shared a very special time. I will always remember her with enormous affection and respect. She was a person who took pains to care for others. She spread her magic where ever she went. Her sense of humour was a joy and often for me a morale booster.

It was a privilege to know her."

It was our privilege as well. Thankyou so much Angharad, you have enriched our lives.

Dwight

-- Edited by Dwight on Sunday 22nd of July 2012 08:36:42 AM

-- Edited by Dwight on Sunday 22nd of July 2012 08:37:09 AM

I am on my iPhone, far away from home at the moment, but I am so saddened by this news that I am truly heartbroken. Bella

I have just read on twitter that Angharad Rees has died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. So sad and hard to believe. Thoughts and condolences go to her family and friends. She will always be remembered for her spirited and memorable performance as our beloved Demelza. RIP  

A couple of on-screen sightings in these last weeks of Angharad....I've been ill with the flu and during that time have been re-watching Robin of Sherwood (another huge fave of mine - and you know, I reckon Michael Praed would make a very good older Ross these days!). I had quite forgotten Angharad played 'Jennet' in the episode entitled The Witch of Endor. Lovely performance.

But the one which really surprised me was last night - one of our tv channels here has been replaying (mostly bad) old British comedy series and I recorded Doctor in the House for nostalgia's sake. I used to love it as a kid but it's really dated now and not at all funny - was about to turn it off when suddenly my partner said 'Oh where have I seen her before?' And it was Angharad playing a nurse/girlfriend of Robin Nedwell and looking very young indeed! Think it would be around 1971 vintage? I've recorded it and now need to try and work out how to get it onto YouTube or somewhere so I can share with you....any help would be appreciated (I have a Mac)

Bron

Demelza

A passionate child rolling in the dust with her ugly dog; a girl driving oxen; a woman....Did anything else matter?

I've just noticed that "Hands of The Ripper" with Angharad Rees is available on DVD by "Network" DVD for around 10-12 pounds depending on retailer. It has a commentary by Angharad on it and the "Thriller" episode "Once The Killing Starts" with her in it as one of the extras on the DVD.

http://www.networkdvd.net/product_info.php?products_id=299


Wonder if one day Poldark will ever be given a proper rerelease on DVD with a proper commentary and lots of extras. It has happened in the past with lesser BBC DVDs like "Sorry!", "The Tripods" etc...