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Search forCelebrities flock to Fowey for Dawn's party
Tuesday, October 14, 2008, 16:43
Famous people started arriving on Saturday morning – some in helicopters and some chauffeured in cars through the town to the cliff-top spot.
Celebrities spotted included Ruby Wax, Jools Holland, Jennifer Saunders, Jo Brand, Jan Ravens and Lisa Tarbuck.
Friends and family of the comedy couple were shown around their house, Point Neptune, which has been undergoing renovations for around two years.
Residents believe the couple have now officially moved in.
They had fabulous weather to enjoy their impressive view over the estuary and Ready Money beach.
After being hosted at an open house in the day, guests were seen making their way in cars up the hill to the Fowey Hall Hotel on Hanson Drive.
From 8pm a party was held for around 150 guests.
A member of staff at the Fowey Hall Hotel said: "I can confirm there was a private function on Saturday night."
One local person said: "There were a lot of people who looked like they weren't from Fowey here over the weekend."
French and Henry, who married in 1984, bought the 40-room stone mansion after it was put on the market for £2.3 million.
The grade II-listed property was built in the early 19th century by the Rashleighs, who built the house on which Manderley, the setting for Rebecca, one of Du Maurier's best-known novels, is based.
Born in Saltash and educated in Plymouth, French, famous for her role as the Vicar of Dibley and her part in the comedy duo French and Saunders, has strong links with Cornwall. Her brother Gary lives here.
She turned 51 on Saturday.
Manager of Fowey's Tourist Information Centre Lynn Goold said: "I think Fowey quite enjoys the influx of celebrities and we treat them the same as anyone else.
"There were one or two famous people I recognised.
"It was their house-warming party and good luck to them with it.
"I hope they are very happy in Fowey."
Birthday girl Dawn French with Lenny Henry.
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