Hertfordshire Summer Picnic

On the Saturday we travelled between three of Malcolm Saville's Hertfordshire homes including West End Farm where he wrote Mystery at Witchend. His son, Jeremy Saville, unveiled a plaque on the farm gate. We explored the nearby Cross Farm which may have been the inspiration for Seven White Gates and HQ2.

After an on-foot treasure hunt around Harpenden, we settled down for a hearty meal and to watch the film Trouble at Townsend that was shot at the West End Farm. By chance we had picked one of the halls where Malcolm Saville used to speak.

On Sunday we met at Berkhamsted for a longer walk along the Grand Union Canal which was the setting for The Riddle of the Painted Box. The return walk took in some of the delightful villages used in Midsomer Murders (not by Malcolm Saville). In the evening we ate at The Wicked Lady pub which is illustrated in Trouble at Townsend.

Some sturdy folk went on another walk on Bank Holiday Monday. This time it was along the Nicky Line which features in the Nettleford books.

Jeremy Saville

Seven White Gates

Evening Meal

Grand Union Canal