Many people have enjoyed the Tolkien Weekends at Sarehole Mill over the last eight years. Though the name has changed to the “Middle-earth Weekend,” all the usual attractions for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien can be found. This year’s weekend will focus on “Myths and Monsters” mixing Tolkien’s local connections, his translation and academic works on Beowulf and one of his earliest essays in story writing which featured “a great green dragon”
There will be dragons patrolling the field and, no doubt, serving as targets for those who wish to emulate Bard’s defeat of Smaug with the Bowmen of Swanshurst. Other attractions include a falconry display, rope and food historians and in the Mill café there is an exhibition by Bob Blackham (author of The Roots of Tolkien’s Middle-Earth) of Postcards from The Shire. Middle-earth Weekend 2008 will be held at Sarehole Mill and Recreation Ground, Cole Bank Road, Hall Green, Birmingham on May 17 & 18, 2008. Thanks to our friend Ian from the Tolkien Society for news about the event! Read More
Settled in the midst of the Brandywine River lies the small but steep Girdley Island, a popular excursion spot for Brandybucks on holiday. This tall island cannot be missed by those interested in taking a small break or looking for a scenic fishing spot while travelling the course of the Brandywine River. 
BBC Drama Production today announced the key cast for Little Dorrit, Andrew Davies’ major adaptation of Dickens’ novel to be broadcast on BBC One this autumn. Recent newcomer Claire Foy (Being Human) will star as Amy Dorrit, also known as Little Dorrit, the kind sweet girl at the centre of the story. Andy Serkis (Lord Of The Rings, King Kong) plays the dastardly French villain Rigaud. The 15-part drama series began filming last week and will film throughout the summer in locations in and around London, Buckinghamshire, Kent and Herefordshire. Little Dorrit will play out in soap opera format with 14 half-hour episodes following an initial hour-long episode.