One thing that makes the recording of the Catweazle books a must, is that if ever in the future the animated film comes to pass, it is imperitive that Geoffrey's voice is preserved.

Aside from that, I would heartily endorse the recordings for CD. I suppose we all know that it has already been done in Germany! (and is available to buy out there!)

http://www.amazon.de/Catweazle-4-CDs-H%C3%B6rspiel/dp/389835430X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_9/303-5284759-6153064?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194702375&sr=8-9

You are SO right Simon (as usual) and it is a disgrace to think that we can't get it in it's country of origin with the original star! Think of all the other people that have done it with tv series "I Claudius" read by Derek Jacobi "Poirot" read by David Suchet etc etc etc. Oh how I wish we could even do a one off special episode to mark the anniversary with as many of the original casts as possible. But everybody - if we ALL pull together we could have a very special anniversary bash ourselves - but ONLY if everybody joins in to celebrate it. So lets have your suggestions and your support an d have a do that the newspapers can report on!

Splendid idea!

Rebecca, Sussex

Hi all,
I've thought about this a little - only briefly - and have decided to play devil's advocate - just because I dearly want this to make the hairs stand to attention on the back of my neck when/if I ever hear it (or bring a small curl to the hair that I've managed to retain on the top of my head).

We've all heard it said many, many times: Geoffrey IS Catweazle - consequently am I justified in having concerns as to how someone with a voice as distinctive as Geoffrey's is going to read the story and manage to deliver Catweazle's lines in a way that separates them enough for the listener? I know Geoffrey's voice and Catweazle's voice are tangibly different, and I'm sure that if anyone could pull it off, it's Geoffrey - but having heard the German recordings I'm aware that there is another option. Therefore I'm going to spill it and see if the cat****** licks it up (Twelve Angry Men - one of my favourite movies).

As we probably all lived this story from Carrot's perspective rather than any other when we first saw it some 40 years ago,, does anyone feel the same buzz as I do if they imagine Robin reading the story and Geoffrey voicing Catweazle's lines? Somehow the thought of Robin reading the story - including Carrot's lines - opposite Geoffrey playing the part we all know him for, seems like it has the potential to raise goosebumps. For those of you who have a copy of the novel, turn to the last page and just imagine the final scene done one way... and then the other: "Will you come back one day?'

Just a thought Carol; it'll certainly stir this thread up again I reckon (hope so anyway).

Thanks again for the other day by the way.

Best to all

Pertie

Dear Paul,
Your thread is a good one, it would be lovely to do what you suggest with it being spoken as a script almost, and with Geoffrey still being Catweazle - it would be lovely. The unfortunate thing is that the idea is a club one and not Richards and it would be me paying for the recording etc. Unfortunately, even if I could afford an more elaborate way of producing it, it would take a lot of organizing, and then even if that was ok, we would have to have Richard's agreement and that is where we will stumble. As I have mentioned before there is an issue with copyright with Richard and his partner and Catweazle Ltd. So I think it would have to be quite basic and maybe kept within the confines of the club rather than a worldwide thing. Geoffrey thinks it should be done and I am sure he would love to do something along those lines. I am hoping that he is going to talk to Richard at some point. If we get a go ahead , mayhap we will be allowed to dicuss it further. The other thing you mention that really galls me is that, as you say the Germans have done it - so why the hell can't the British!

Hi Carol,
Well, reading the book, it's not really possible to read it as a script as such as you know - particularly as Richard has recently commented on the difficulties of the reverse scenario of converting a script into a novel. I reckon though, that if Robin was up for it, that he and Geoffrey would do brilliant job of reading the novel as written - no elaborate equipment required, just a few quality mics, a nice 'flat' room and a PC. I guess the problem is really only the legal one as you say, which I presume may stem partly from concerns over giving away rights to an audio book whilst not knowing what the future holds. Catweazle might be big business one day - stranger things have happened!

Best wishes,

Paul

I'm absolutely all for this and would support the idea in any way I can!

Great idea I will support you any way I can!

Magickery...Me Thinks!

Hi Carol,
Definately in favour of Geoffrey reading on CD for sale.
I understand there are Copyright issue to overcome, these could take some time to work out - Geoffrey is no longer 21 and will not be with us forever. I am suggesting that he records the readings, those recordings could be safely deposited until the Copyright is sorted out, rather than risk waiting several year for Copyright - then Oh dear - where is Geoffrey ????
I know this might seem blunt, but it makes sense.

Keith Nicol

Hello,
is there any more news on this great idea?
Piers.

Fantastic idea :)
I'd love to see/hear this happen.

hi carol great idea put me on your list please.has anyone contacted you about camping for the catweazle weekend anyone else expressed an interest.hope you are fit and well and enjoying the sunny days.best wishes ian

Ian

My son and I are booked on the Horsley site for June 20th & 21st Our booking reference is 700363600. cost for 2 nights is £24.90. If you want to use that booking reference please feel free as I have said I may book more places in the Catweazle fan Clubs name.
See ya down there.

I still think this is the most viable option.

Any update?

Piers.

We are working on it at the moment Piers

Town/City http://

the idea that catweazle can 'live again' should be enough to sway richard and co etc..... it never hurt another cult tv legend that kept going on radio/audio well up to its rebirth on tv........ 100% behind this truly wondrous idea carol! keep going

Town/City http://

Add me to the list, it would great to have Geoffrey take the role of Catweazle again, the magic will live on!!

Town/City http://

I would unquestionably buy the CD. Tremendous idea. Back in the day I held a microphone to the telly for half an hour and taped 'The Wisdom of Solomon' onto cassette (I had no notion of such things as copyright back then!). The tape is well worn and scratched today but still fabulous. A recording of any description would be beyond wonderful.

Count me in!!!

Town/City http://

Thanks guys
This is the kind of feed back that Gary and I desperately need when we ask for members responce.It is vital to know what we can do and what people want and whether it is feasable or not from that responce - keep it up brothers and sisters

Town/City http://

carol, as i am new to all this, i do not understand how the copyright things work....who owns it? and why they wont let it be done? also a company who produce audio books/cds may express an interest in a new catweazle story
and have worked with geoffrey on two audio stories not so long ago! they may be able to help with any kind of backing etc, its worth a try!!!, just thought id let you know,if you do get anywhere with the copyright issues us fellow weazlers are here to help if you need a louder voice.....if it is possible to do a cd with a bigger scope of audience then it may get more recognition for all concerned i.e: geoffrey,richard,the fan club,and catweazle!!!

Town/City http://

Dear Kevin,
Richard Carpenter owns all the writing rights. He also has rights to Catweazle as a company. All stuff that is done in the Catweazle name has to go through him for his approval. We are in touch with him all the time for his approval in all what we produce. Naturally if there is money to be made, it would and should go to him especially if it is something big commercially that is being produced. With regards to a book, cd etc etc. we HAVE to go through Richard and if he says ok thats fine if he says no for what ever reason then we cannot do it. Richard has agreed in principal to a book and cd of the reading by Geoffrey of the Catweazle Ist book, but with restrictions. He will also have to see it first. Geoffrey is also always kept in the loop because he IS Catweazle and he doesn't like us to do things which he regards aren't Catweazlean! As a big supporter of the fan club, I must say that Richard has been very good with us, allowing us to produce our own memorabilia etc. We in turn are more than happy to keep his and Geoffrey's wonderful creation of Catweazle alive in this new century!
The same thing happened with the animation, Richard HAS to write it - no one else can, as he holds all the rights to it and anyone attempting to write their own Catweazle story would be in trouble. Once again this was all discussed with Richard before we even mentioned it for general viewing by members.
So please be assured that everything that can do done is done in our efforts to produce the world according to Catweazle.

Town/City http://

Count me in, it's a brilliant idea, hope you can pull it off. Good Luck!!

It`s just over 2 years ago Carol started this thread at that time it looks like the Idea was a Very Good One.
Maybe the recession is not helping with the new appeal to get the CD made, but it will be a shame to lose Geoffrey`s voice reading The Book of Catweazle for ever and ever.
It`s very saddening to see all the hostility towards the Catweazle Fan Club from it`s Members and it`s one I never expected to ever see.
As it was My idea to send out the email to the Membership maybe it`s time I looked at myself and my position in the Fan Club.
Maybe it`s time for a change by the way the Catweazle Fan Club is run.

The Club is GREAT.

I appreciate ALL you do.

Keep going,

Piers,and the silent majority

hi again,
firstly id like to say the club is fantastic gary!
without u and carol catweazle would have all but been a memory,hes alive and well through us because of you!

secondly, i am in full support of the reading because time is ticking away unfortunateley, sorry to say as is brings a lump to my throat, but i remember back in 1995, jon pertwee had just got copyright permission to voice new worzel gummidge stories,and by 1996,well,he was gone..........

TO MR RICHARD CARPENTER,
PLEASE LET CATWEAZLE LIVE AGAIN THROUGH AUDIO BOOKS AS
A LEGEND LIKE YOUR TALENTED BOOKS,AND MR GEOFFREY BAYLDON SHOULD BE HEARD AGAIN FOR MORE GENERATIONS TO ENJOY AND NOW IS THE TIME....

i hope i havent offended anyone with my comments,
and a tear is welling as i type, dear freinds...

yours, k.wilsher

Thanks Kevin for that. We are still hoping for this to happen in 2010. A studio has been booked but we will only go ahead when Geoffrey is ready.

Carol and Gary, Thank You So Much for all your hard work in creating this wonderful haven for all of us devotees of Catweazle who have kept our hearts open through all the years. You have my full support for the audio books, Third Series and any other project. The time is late Brothers and Sisters, let's do all we can to support the further immortality of the Magick and to have its voices with us forever. With Much Love.

Town/City Westcliff-on-Sea

Country Essex

This idea STILL gets my vote.
But I guess time is running out...

Piers.

I have tried moving this idea forward by typing out every Catweazle line from the book, so that at least Geoffrey could do the part. Unfortunately, Geoffrey was still unable to make it out as his eyesight has deteriated so much. We have not given up hope that something may still be done, and if time allows we will still keep searching for a way.