Filming in Whitstable

Whitstable has become a favourite place for us to visit.

This seaside town on the north coast of Kent has always been a popular destination for tourists and celebrities alike and is known for its oysters as well as the famous actor Peter Cushing who lived there.

When Joanna discovered that her grandmother Janet Morrison spent the final years of her life in Whitstable (she went to look after her mother and aunt - actors Zoe and Dora Davis in their dotage) – it became a place that held poignant memories of the long lost relatives she never met.

We went to film in Whitstable a few weeks ago and the sun was out and the town full of visitors which lent it a cheerful atmosphere.

But in truth, it seems that Janet wasn’t as happy to live here as some. She had gone through duty to look after her relatives at the family home of Pear Tree Cottage and by all accounts was planning to go on her travels again. Known as ‘Madame Pear Tree – the Lady from the BBC – she was found dead in her home, alone, at the age of 66.

The cottage which must have given her a measure of sanctuary and the garden, salt air and sea some peace, this was the place where Janet would have reflected on her life and losses. Waiting for things that never quite arrived.

Joanna had the chance to stay at Pear Tree a few years ago when it was a holiday let and she went there with her three children, Skye, Merrick and Sedona and the family dog – a large and rather badly behaved Bouvier des Flandres. It was so special for them to be in the former home of their ancestors.

On this occasion Luke captured some beautiful shots of the sea and the evening light and we reflected on how Janet would have taken some solace and comfort from these elements when in so many ways her life hadn’t been full of the fun, laughter and opportunities that she must have once hoped for.