Comments on: Bettison’s Folly, Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire

By: Editor

Editor — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 10:35:43 +0000

In reply to Gwyn.

Now you see that’s what is so great about follies – they lead to so many other discussions. Who knew one small tower on the east coast could lead so seamlessly to children’s literature and the wonders of the VW Phaeton?

By: Gwyn

Gwyn — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 10:30:22 +0000

In reply to Editor. I had a VW Phaeton for three years. It was a 5 litre V10, the size of a small village. Probably the finest car I've ever owned. What good taste Mr Bettison must have had.

By: Editor

Editor — Sun, 19 Jan 2020 13:25:48 +0000

In reply to Garance. Sadly Mr Bettison did not have a VW to whizz him to Hull! I am going to have to drag myself away from the relentless pursuit of folly and watch some episodes. But it won’t beat the book!

By: Garance

Garance — Sun, 19 Jan 2020 12:18:51 +0000

When I googled Phaeton the first thing that popped up was:
Vw-phaeton for Sale | Used Cars… and as far as I can see, no open top!

‘Stig of The Dump’ was first produced in 1981 as a Thames TV series for children. I’m still in touch with many of the crew. Not sure how much Ardizzone influenced the set designer but all rather rustic from memory.

By: Editor

Editor — Sat, 18 Jan 2020 11:58:03 +0000

In reply to Gwyn Headley. Clearly I have an unhealthy obsession with the book. It’s a classic. Illustrated by Edward Ardizzone.

By: Gwyn Headley

Gwyn Headley — Sat, 18 Jan 2020 11:34:11 +0000

Gand beat me to it. Never heard of Stig of the Dump, but of course my ever-loving wife has. Never noticed the bottle windows before either! There’s a house in Hillsville, VA built entirely of bottles, and the locals call it The House of a Thousand Headaches.

By: Editor

Editor — Sat, 18 Jan 2020 11:23:33 +0000

In reply to J St Brioc Hooper. Such nostalgia!

By: J St Brioc Hooper

J St Brioc Hooper — Sat, 18 Jan 2020 11:08:07 +0000

In reply to Gand. I remember a filmed version aired in episodes on TV many years ago. You can now watch it on You Tube.

By: Editor

Editor — Sat, 18 Jan 2020 08:35:25 +0000

In reply to Gand. Ha! Wondered who would know and who wouldn’t. They are the main characters in my favourite childhood book Stig of the Dump. They build a house for Stig (who is a caveman living in a quarry) with discarded bottles for windows.

By: Gand

Gand — Sat, 18 Jan 2020 07:53:46 +0000

Who are Barney and Stig? Sound like a children’s tv presenter and a racing driver