Events

Treasure and Trouble Weekend

28 - 30 August 2009

The weekend started in style at one of the best pubs in Dedham, The Marlborough Head, which dates back to 1455 and was originally built as a merchant's house.

We had a room to ourselves in which to enjoy a good meal in congenial company, and there we met our first surprise guests: Frances and Kate Anderson, daughters of Max Anderson who was the Director of Treasure at the Mill.

On Saturday morning we parked up at The Wooden Fender pub in Ardleigh, which was offering coffee and breakfast to early arrivals (superb organization.) Here we were joined by three more guests: Merrilyn Boorman, Hillary Dean-Hughes and Harry Pettit who as children starred in the film, although their words were spoken by professional thespians. We then completed a four-mile circular walk that took in many of the locations featured. At Slough Farm, Hillary willingly posed for photographs and at Spring Valley Mill, Harry entertained us with some fascinating childhood reminiscences and the present owner kindly allowed the more adventurous among us to actually explore the tail-race culvert where in the film, the treasure was found.

After an enjoyable al-fresco lunch (for once the weather was kind) we made our way to Dedham to meet local man, Reg Appleby, whose family has lived in the village since about 1550. On his very informative two-hour tour, he showed us many features that tourists do not usually see, but most of us recognized Mr Wilson's bookshop. Then there was just time to enjoy a cream tea, before driving back to Ardleigh and helping to set up the village hall.

The film evening that had been advertised locally, was without a doubt the climax of the weekend. Over 150 people turned up which was almost certainly a Society record. The event was a well-deserved triumph for Mike McGarry making his first ever power point presentation and Andy Prada who had master-minded the production of the Society's DVD. Andy pulled yet another rabbit out of the hat when he presented his recording of an interview in Cyprus with actor Richard Palmer, who played the young John Adams in the original film.

Sunday morning started with a long drive to Wheathampstead, about 65 miles west of Ardleigh, for a circular walk visiting Cross Farm, the model for Saville's fictional Seven Gates, and Westend Farm, his former home. It also included a lunch stop on Nomansland Common and locations that featured in Trouble at Townsend and Jane's Country Year. Thanks to the kindness of our host, farmer Will Dickinson, some of us had a rest from walking whilst enjoying a ride across his fields in a farm trailer.

Then in the afternoon, we assembled in the URC hall for another film show, again open to the public, which was well-supported attracting about 100 people. It included Trouble at Townsend and other short films of local interest. Our last evening together was spent at The Wicked Lady pub that featured in the film as The Crown and Thistle.

There was still more as Monday was a Bank holiday. After an even longer drive to Tring, our busy weekend concluded with a six-mile walk along the tow path of the Grand Union Canal, which formed the backdrop for The Riddle of the Painted Box and Young Johnnie Bimbo. Then as always, came the sad moment when we said our good byes and went our separate ways - until the next time!

The Treasure and Trouble Weekend was a very full programme, but it was superbly organized throughout and our warmest congratulations go to the team that made it happen: Jenny, Mike and Andy.

Photo's of the event