Ian Collier of The Tolkien Society writes: I thought that you’d be interested in the news about this year’s Middle-earth weekend (formerly the Tolkien Weekend) event at Sarehole Mill. Like TORN the event is celebrating its 10th anniversary so this one should be extra special.
Ten Years of Fun At Mill! The Middle-earth Weekend Sarehole Mill
16th and 17th May 2009
Sarehole Mill and Recreation Ground, Cole Bank Road, Hall Green, Birmingham
This year’s Middle-earth Weekend is the tenth such weekend at Sarehole Mill. Since the first “Fun At Mill!” Weekend in 2000 these events have focused on Tolkien’s local connections, the local environment and the history of the area around Sarehole Mill, Moseley Bog, and the River Cole Valley – now known as the Shire Country Park. This year’s theme is “Exploring Middle-earth”.
The last few years have seen around 10,000 visitors attracted to this historic working mill and the fair on the green behind it; so that all sorts of people, not just Tolkien fans, rub shoulders enjoying the stalls and displays from local and national groups, a range of sideshows, various dramatic presentations, poetry, and the farmers’ market stalls.
The weekend is a celebration of Professor Tolkien’s local connection but this year should be extra special as this is the 10th event! And celebrations generally involve a great deal of fun
– this weekend certainly will!
The Tolkien Society will have a display in the Mill itself, ADC books will have copies of the new book of Hilary Tolkien’s memories of the area “Black & White Ogre Country” and tying in with the release of Tolkien’s version of “The Legend of Sigurd & Gudrún” there will be Vikings around too!
If you feel brave maybe you can ask who is which.
There will also be a falconry display, and displays, a food historian, demonstrations, readings, and fine things to buy from:
Moseley Farmer’s Market,
Hall Green Poets,
RSPB,
Bat Society,
Birmingham Weavers Society,
Mosley Bog and Burbury Brickworks’ History Society,
Perrot’s Folly Trust,
Highfield Hall Play Workers,
Hall Green Residents Association,
West Midland Buses.
