More Fun at Mill Again

The fifth Tolkien Weekend will take place at Sarehole Mill on 15 —16 May 2004.

A free weekend of events and displays at Sarehole Mill, Birmingham organised by a partnership of the Tolkien Society, Birmingham City Council and local conservation groups. This weekend shows families the Mill and surroundings where Tolkien spent some formative years. The event raises awareness of conservation issues around Sarehole Mill and the River Cole in southern Birmingham and it is hoped that these green areas can be preserved and a study centre be set up nearby.

These are open to the general public and have had visitors from Europe and the US.

Here is a news item about this years Tolkien Weekend from the BBC.

Here is a report on the event, on the BBC website.

Where is Sarehole Mill?

Here is a link to a map showing the Mill. The mill is marked as Mus where the river (in blue) running north–south crosses Cole Bank Road (the orange road) running east –west.

How do I get there?

The easiest way is to catch the Number 11 bus. Here is a link to the route maps; click on the Birmingham button to get the one you need. For further information please visit the Travel West Midlands web site.

Alternatively you could catch a train to Hall Green station. From there it is a short walk along Cole Bank Road down the hill to Sarehole Mill. The total distance is about ½ mile.

If you really must come by car there is car parking. There will be a small charge made for this.

What time is it open?

11:00 am to 5:00 pm both Saturday and Sunday.

What is happening?

2004's Tolkien Weekend at Sarehole Mill is going to be even bigger than last year! This is the fifth such event, and is now an annual item in the Birmingham calendar. Sarehole Mill was the "original" for the Mill at Bywater in the Shire in The Lord of the Rings.

A miller will be demonstrating his craft with the mill running, and Sarehole Mill will be open for extra hours.

Displays from The Tolkien Society and Hall Green Library about Tolkien's life and works within the mill itself.

Dramatised scenes on walks within Moseley Bog from The Lord of the Rings by Shire Productions.

A Tolkien tent featuring, Elvish lessons, displays from Isengard (the local smial), calligraphy and storytelling.

Guided walks taking in Tolkien's childhood haunts, the local ecology, and history of the Cole Valley.

Poetry Pavilion featuring readings from Beowulf, The Lord of the Rings, folk-songs and local poets.

Discover the Birmingham's Two Towers and visit them on vintage bus.

On the green and around the mill there will also be:

In addition there will be displays from: the RSPB, the British Woodcarvers Association, Henna Art, woodland craft demonstrations, handcrafted jewellery, the Bee-keepers Association, Morris dancing, the Guild of Spinners and Weavers, wildlife information, woodcraft tools, textiles and aromatics and Dough Crafts.

We look forward to seeing you there!