A-Tramp in Guernsey by Cee Cee and Dorothea Meredith

Lindisfarne Castle thanks to DFDS

Title: A-Tramp in Guernsey 

Authors: Cee Cee and Dorothea Meredith

Publisher: not known 

Source book: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Schaffer and Annie Barrows

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Schaffer and Annie Barrows, which I have never read, apparently contains quite a lot of fictitious books. Let’s begin with A-Tramp in Guernsey by Cee Cee and Dorothea Meredith. We also have A-Tramp in Lindisfarne, a small island off the coast of Northumberland; A-Tramp in Sheepholm; and A-Tramp in Skye, all listed by my source (not the source book remember) as written by Cee Cee Meredith. But apparently not Dorothea.

Now, not wanting to look picky at all, but I venture to suggest that Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island, being only 1,000 acres, is a bit too small to merit an “in”. I would suggest that on Lindisfarne would sound better. I also wonder quite how much tramping you could manage on such a small island.

Sheepholm doesn’t even seem to exist. It sounds like an island somewhere off the British coast, but not according to Wikipedia or google maps. Perhaps the author (or my source ) meant Steep Holm island, which is off the coast of Somerset, and less than 50 acres. Another candidate for an “on” rather than an “in” I think. And again I wonder exactly how much tramping can you do on this tiny island? Some people have gardens bigger than this. Maybe there is advice on the best views? Or perhaps when best to visit the café selling scones and postcards?

Anyway, a-tramp? When were these books supposedly written? They sound like something out of the 1920s, maybe even pre WWI, possibly to be read by a fictional schoolgirl heroine’s hearty aunt Phyllis. I might actually have to read this potato peel pie book to find out.

Fictional travel guides are quite popular. See also Lavender Laughs, and Sauntering in Somerset.

Thanks to Great Stuff from Cardtoons