At the Scene of “Doc Martin,” Series 7 — Part 6 — Memories and Favorite Photos

As the week drew to a close, I had collected a treasure chest of memories. First and foremost, I will remember the fleeting, but touching, moments with Martin Clunes — his charisma, patience, sense of humor and thoughtfulness toward this insanely addicted fan.

For example, at the end of my scene (see Part 5), people were moving onto another location. I was standing in the doorway of the shop. Martin came over, called me by name, shook hands, said he had to leave and wanted to say good-by. We chatted for several minutes before he left. A kind and lovely gesture by a very classy gentleman.

Johnny Bamford arranged for a friend, Annabel Yates, professional photographer in Cornwall, to take the above photograph. After taking pictures in the morning, she rushed home, printed them, and presented me with large copies at the tea at the farmhouse. (Part 4). I am so very grateful to her for preserving this beautiful moment.

In this final segment, I thought I’d spotlight our motley crew — four Yanks and two Brits — Linda Villelli (California), Joseph Barnett (Maine), Viola Brown (Tennessee), Karen Gilleland (Colorado), and John & Pam Russell (Norwich, England). Except for my niece, Linda, I met all of these great fans via my blog.

We all had a wonderful time in picturesque Port Isaac eating Cornish “pasties,” fish & chips, and clotted cream fudge, not to mention meeting and greeting the people who make “Doc Martin.” I mentioned to Martin that we were hoping for a happier, lighter Series 7. He replied, “We have lots of very funny stuff.”

Here are some of our favorite photographs.

Please click on photo to enlarge. Use back arrow, top of screen left, to return to page.

I was disappointed not to meet Philippa Braithwaite, Martin’s wife, producer, and the hand and heart behind “Doc Martin.” Fortunately, Viola Brown caught her at the harbor and snapped  this photo.

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Johnny Bamford (L) and Ian McNeice (Bert). Johnny, who, I was interested to learn, has lived all around the world, was originally tapped to secure locations for the movie, “Saving Grace,” which eventually spawned “Doc Martin.” He worked on the two prequel “Doc Martin” films and is now in his seventh season as location manager for the “Doc Martin” TV series.

Johnny knows every inch of Cornwall and has a sixth sense when it comes to finding exactly the right place for any given story line. I’m extremely grateful to Johnny for all he did to make our visit unique and memorable.

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(L) Linda voted John Marquez friendliest cast member. He signed the postcard she’s holding.

(R) Warren Tribe with Karen, another friendly guy.

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Sonia and Tom are the dog trainers who trained Dodger (Buddy). Tom is holding a dog that played Queen Victoria’s dog in a movie.

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(L) Linda, who has three Black Labs at home, fell in love with every dog she met. Filming is going on behind her in “Squeeze Alley.”

(R) Gorgeous dogs of every breed were plentiful. Martin stopped to greet many of them — and their owners.

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(L) Caroline Catz (Louisa) and Pam Russell.

(R) Apparently there was a dog in this purse.


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(L) Joe Absolom (Al). It isn’t the frozen North, but Port Isaac can definitely chill your bones.

(R) Louisa and Martin between takes.

(L) Katie Moore (Janice), Jessica Ransom (Morwenna) during rehearsal, script in hand.

(R) Martin, in action during scene at harbor.

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(L) I took this photo of a crew member (L) and John Russell because I thought they looked so much alike.

(R) His third visit to Port Isaac proved the charm for Joseph Barnett, who met Martin for the first time.

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(L) Viola Brown was camera shy in Port Isaac, so Joseph sent this pix from her visit in Maine.

(R) Linda’s favorite pastime was walking the hill high above Port Isaac and taking photos.

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Two years ago, when I watched the first episode of “Doc Martin,” I never imagined myself entering the world of blogging, writing 27 FanFiction short stories, and winning a charity auction to appear as an “extra” on the set in Cornwall.

I appreciate the many notes from readers saying they’ve enjoyed sharing the adventure via these reports. In closing this virtual scrapbook, I’d like to extend Bob Hope’s famous line to the cast, crew and other fans that I met during this magical week– “Thanks for the memories.”

To see additional stories and photos from Port Isaac, click on the following:

Part 1 — “The Crew”

Part 2 — “Filming in the Village and Harbor”

Part 3 — “Outside the Surgery”

Part 4 — “Location Sets in Beautiful Port Isaac”

Part 5 — “My Walk-on Part”

To read all articles and FanFiction, go to the front page of karengilleland.wordpress.com

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