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Best-selling author Ann Cleeves to visit Ilfracombe in aid of RNLI

Lifeboats News Release

Author Ann Cleeves is coming to Ilfracombe to talk about filming the ITV series based on the book, and to launch the paperback of her new Matthew Venn novel The Heron’s Cry. She has chosen to use the event to raise vital funds for Ilfracombe RNLI as a cause very close to her heart.

Ann Cleeves

Join Ann Cleeves, bestselling author of Vera Stanhope and Shetland series, for a special event with television producer, Angie Daniell, about the making of the ITV Drama The Long Call. They’ll discuss the transition from book to screen, filming in North Devon, and the latest novel in the Detective Matthew Venn series, The Heron’s Cry, where he investigates a sinister murder among a group of artists.

The Long Call was filmed at various locations in North Devon last summer and the series was shown last autumn. Locations included Ilfracombe Harbour, Oxford Grove, Ilfracombe, Crow Point, Appledore and Barnstaple. While the series was set in a fictional town, stars including Neil Morrisey, Ben Aldridge, Anita Dobson, Doctor Who’s Pearl Mackie, and Martin Shaw were spotted at various very real locations and venues around the region during filming. Ann’s second novel in the Matthew Venn series, The Heron’s Cry, is also set in North Devon. Each ticket holder to this event will be given a signed copy.

Ann has personally chosen to support Ilfracombe RNLI with this event as the RNLI is a cause very close to her heart. She said: 'The RNLI has always been special for me. When we lived on the tidal island of Hilbre, my husband Tim was ringing wading birds with a friend when they were both caught by the tide and swept out to sea. They'd been ill-prepared and were very lucky. A visitor to the island saw what had happened, broke into the coastguard look-out and called the inshore lifeboat. The lifeboat was already out on exercise and arrived in time to save both men's lives.’

The event, The Long Call: from page to screen, will be held at 2pm on Saturday 19 February 2022 at the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe. To book call 01271 316523 or visit www.landmark-ilfracombe.com

Each ticket includes a signed copy of her new book and a donation to RNLI Ilfracombe.

Notes to editors

Ann is available to interview. Please contact [email protected] to arrange.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Gudrun Limbrick, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07713430327 or [email protected]


The Long Call book cover

RNLI

RNLI Ilfracombe Shannon Class All-weather lifeboat

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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