Treasure at the Mill Weekend

The film Treasure at the Mill was shot on location around Dedham and Ardleigh in Essex. We showed the film in Ardleigh village hall as our Saturday morning pictures.

Over the weekend we were fortunate to be accompanied by Merrilyn and Hilary Pettit who starred in the movie and lived at Spring Valley Mill where most of the action took place. The current owners of the mill, Mr and Mrs Vosper, were also able to tell us of the fascinating history of the mill. We then decamped to Dedham where 'Old Wilson' had his shop in the story. This village is little changed from when the film was made in 1956. It also gave members a chance to explore 'Constable Country' and see Flatford Mill.

On our Sunday morning walk to Spring Valley Mill we had the bonus when passing Hull Farm of being invited to view their medieval barn. The owner told us that a sword dating from the civil war was discovered in the thatch when the barn was re-roofed in the 19th Century - this was an unexpected link with Malcolm Saville's story. Mr and Mrs Vosper kindly allowing us access to the mill and to see where the treasure was hidden was a fitting climax to an exciting weekend.

Dedham High Street 1957 and today

Merrilyn, Hilary and Harry Pettit in film. Merrilyn on the weekend.

The rear of Spring Valley Mill.