Malcolm Saville Walk and Talk
Sunday 22nd October 2006
This National Trust event was to have been lead by Robert Smart.  Sadly, Robert was ill in Shrewsbury hospital so Mark O'Hanlon and Richard Griffiths came to the National Trust's rescue. 

The illustrated talk about Malcolm Saville's Shropshire connections went down very well to an audience of over thirty people at the Chalet Pavilion in Carding Mill Valley.  The walk up to the reservoir area was exceptionally wet but still well attended.

Hertfordshire Summer Picnic
26th, 27th August 2006
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.
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Great Malvern Road Show
22nd July 2006
We met in the beautiful village setting of Colwell in the heart of the Malvern hills.  The village may sound remote but it is remarkably well served for road and rail access.   This Saturday afternoon event which consisted of an illustrated talk on the Lone Pine story locations presented by Richard Griffiths, and the opportunity to buy, sell and swap books.  Some members had the opportunity to meet Malcolm Saville's daughter, Rosemary, who came with her husband, Richard Dowler.

Rye Cycling Weekend
10th, 11th June 2006
Our Saturday cycle ride route was inspired by the twins' cycle ride to Appledore in The Elusive Grasshopper.  Although we did not find the large house described in the story we managed to find refreshments at a pub and tearoom.  Our return journey followed in Jon and Penny's tyre tracks in Treasure at Amories as we explored the Isle of Oxney and saw many of the locations that feature in these stories.  Although it was warm enough no-one was going to risk a swim in the Military Canal.

We relaxed over a well-earned meal at the Ypres Inn on the Saturday evening.  No-one was so saddle sore that they had to eat standing up.  On Sunday morning we headed west from Rye exploring Winchelsea and some of the journeys described in The Gay Dolphin Adventure.

The youngsters in the books often used bicycles in their adventures but this is the first time that the Society has used this means of transport, exercise or torture during an event.  New member Jennifer Copping came along in 1950s style dress and matching bicycle featuring rod operated brakes and Sturmy Archer gears.  Kathleen Elliot brought a stuffed and disgruntled Scottie dog in a basket on the front of her bike to add a note of authenticity.  Feedback form

Annual Gathering Weekend
7th, 8th, 9th April 2006
The weekend started with a walk to the deserted medieval village of Wharram Percy which featured as Corram Street in the book Mystery Mine.  The main activities of the weekend were centred on Whitby which features both in Mystery Mine and in The Buckinghams at Ravenswyke.  Apparently Bram Stoker wrote something about the fishing port too.

Friday evening provided us with an excellent meal and the chance to catch up with old friends and to make new ones.

On Saturday we travelled by coach and by steam train to Goathland and Pickering as well as spotting many of the other locations featured in the books.  In the evening we had what Dickie would have called a fabulous feast followed by a gentle quiz.  One round featured members acting passages from the books leaving the contestants with the task of naming the stories.  I do not think that I have ever heard quite so much laughter during a quiz before!

On Sunday morning we held our Annual General Meeting.  After this the sun came out and a number of us sampled the famous fish and chips by the harbour before reluctantly heading homeward.  Feedback form

Lone Pine London Event
11th February 2006

Around forty members attended a presentation on Lone Pine locations at the Commonwealth Hall near the British Library.  This illustrated talk by Richard Griffiths had particular emphasis on the places that feature in Lone Pine London.

After lunch we travelled on foot and by bus to recreate something of the atmosphere of the book as we explored the mews where James Wilson lived and also where the forgers worked.  Our activities were also suspicious as a police car stopped to take a closer look at what the group was doing.  No arrests were made.  Our journey really brought to life the endpaper map in the books.  Our walk ended at Albert Bridge, Chelsea which features on the cover of the Newnes edition of the story.  Feedback form