Online Book Club Session 10

For our 10th Book Club session 10 members gathered to find the treasure at the mill and it was a lively session.

Background: The Children's Film Foundation approached Malcolm Saville and asked him to write a screen play about a family living in Spring Valley Mill, Ardleigh in North Essex. This is the story that resulted. The book and the film were both released in 1957.

They had found the location, which they thought would make a great background for a children's film and they asked Malcolm Saville to write a story on which they could base it. The Pettit children, Merrilyn, Hilary and young Harry, who feature in the story, really lived at Spring Valley Mill and also starred in the film, with their parents.

The book is illustrated by Harry Pettit, who was a well-known wildlife artist. As well as a map of the location, there is a wonderful drawing of a plan of the mill and its surroundings, which are all Harry Pettit's work.

Synopsis: John Adam's family home at Spring Valley has been sold and he teams up with the children of the new owners to find treasure hidden there in the Civil War, from a clue left among his late father's papers.

The discussion: Though not a favourite with all, it was generally acknowledged as an easy read, with action, adventure and clues to be solved. Some felt it was too heavy on text and reportage rather than dialogue but Harry Pettit’s illustrations were appreciated and the map of the mill found useful.

Adults were particularly notable for their surprising absence at times - for example poor little Harry was left on his own as parents rushed off to buy chickens, having just moved in that morning!

Amongst Saville's villains this Mr Wilson was seen as especially "grubby": a nasty character, who used his power over the Adams family. Poor Mrs Adams had been left with few choices in life after the death of her "romantic" husband, who clearly hadn't thought about life insurance. Wilson's haplessness with the bike was amusing. And yes, someone did get locked up!

However, the treasure finally made its way back home, with the coincidence of a matching earring confirming the ownership (some discussion about treasure trove laws, but that's the beauty of artistic licence). The Adams' future happiness was confirmed! Boiled eggs, pork pie and cornflake tart all round...

There was also discussion about the film that was produced at the same time and how much of a chicken/egg situation there was regarding the book and the screenplay. It was noted that there was no sequel or series, and that, although  the real family who lived in the mill starred in the film, their voices were dubbed over - a disappointment!

Members will find many articles related to the book, the film, memories of filming and the real people involved in past issues of Acksherley!. Some Society members have not only visited the (now tumbledown) location, but also met some of the real people involved.

A postscript: one group member commented...how very dare they use the term ACKSHERLEY!  when we all know it’s the sole right of the Lone Pine twins?!?!