2003's Tolkien Weekend at Sarehole Mill was the wettest yet, but that didn't deter anyone!
The Tolkien Weekend is an event put together by a partnership of the Tolkien Society, Birmingham City Council, the Moseley Bog Conservation Group, The River Cole & Chinn Brook Conservation Group and The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country. The idea being to show people the hidden treasures in the landscape around them which had such an inspirational effect on J.R.R. Tolkien. Last year saw 5,000 people attend in glorious weather, this year despite heavy rains it seemed that just as many people turned up.
Initial report (Saturday only).
Full report of the weekend.
Stephan Burkhardt (left) and Ian Collier (right) point out their photographs on the Tolkien Society display
Chrysophylax the dragon from Farmer Giles of Ham
A general view of some of the Tolkien Society members prior to gates opining in the morning
Five Black Riders from Shire Productions menacing the public
The caravan sponsored by the Tolkien Society, whose owner uses and promotes environmentally sound practice.