The Elusive Grasshopper brings us to Rye, for a bit of background research.

Jon and Penny travelled back to Rye with a new friend, Arlette Duchelle, on her first visit to England. During the journey they saw their an enemy again; and he is met at Folkestone by someone else they have reason to remember. They invite David Morton and the twins, Dickie and Mary, from Witchend to join them for the remainder of the holidays, and before long are in the thick of a terrific adventure.

This, story is set against a real background of Romney Marsh, with its reed fringed dykes and solitary churches and farms, as the Lone Piners did in their search for the elusive Grasshopper we too have come to explore the mystery of the marsh lands......

Shap Cumbria Weekend

Friday 30 July to Monday 2 August 2010

“I’ve got a secret hiding place under the bridge. I often play in there. The water makes a big noise, but I like it …. Would you care to see it?” (Mary on page 93 Armada Paperback 1963 edition) Strangers at Snowfell Malcolm Saville

Outline programme: We will be exploring the beautiful hill country around Shap in Cumbria. This was the setting for one of Malcolm Saville’s Jillies books, Strangers at Snowfell. This is primarily a walking weekend. The Saturday walk will be about 8 miles long and the Sunday one about 6 miles and will involve visiting some of the locations mentioned in the book. We will also explore the wider area and locations that Malcolm Saville could have developed for further plots! This is our second visit to the area and readers will be pleased to know that the location of the signal box will be revealed this time! This weekend will appeal to walkers and we will complete two walks over the weekend and visit the surrounding landscape and location for the Jillies adventure. Walking for the most part is over easy-going in stout footwear, but an ability to negotiate stiles is desirable. There is a third ‘option’ day (Monday) with a short, flat, cycle ride or a walk near Keswick around Derwentwater (including a boat trip).

Malcolm Saville’s book ‘Strangers at Snowfell’ was set in the middle of winter (not unlike the one we experienced in 2009/2010) we will visit in the height of the summer - so we hope that our group do not become snow bound like the Jillies !

For those who seek authenticity (read the book) you may first wish to start your journey North at Euston station where the Jillies set off for Scotland! Or even visit No 49 on the Embankment first! Or at least have a coffee nearby at :