Members of the West Somerset National Trust Association assembled ready to test their powers of observation and the ability to follow simple (?) instructions that would lead the teams around the delightful Somerset countryside on what was, luckily enough, a warm. bright and sunny English Summer’s evening.

 By asking a few questions about the car park itself, the usual Le Mans style start was avoided and the Treasure Hunt began in more leisurely fashion. Most of the assembled throng were somewhat surprised to discover Steve’s musical tastes in the early 70s bordered on the bizarre (Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention!).

 The route, with questions that in part had a slight military and Liverpool bias, was approximately 13 miles long and took teams an average of two and a half hours to complete. Teams journeyed through hitherto unexplored villages including Tolland and Lydeard St Lawrence, where members took a keen interest in the War Memorial whilst enjoying a walk around the churchyard. The West Somerset Railway Station at Crowcombe Heathfield provided the answers for several questions before the eventual finish in the village of Crowcombe.

 The surprise destination was the Carew Arms, where everyone enjoyed an excellent fish and chip or steak pie supper provided by Julie and her team. After the meal, tension built as the results were read out in reverse order and because of the many high scores achieved. the old hands were beginning to panic waiting for their team name to be called to audible sighs of relief!

 The evening’s winning team was ‘Peaky Blinders’ admirably led by ‘Alan Harding’, their triumphant celebrations becoming a trifle muted when they realised that organising the 2020 event was part of the prize portfolio! Well done to Alan, Deborah, Peter and Judith.

 June and Steve would like to thank all those who took part and made the evening a success and we are extremely grateful for the kind words received regarding the route provided and choice of final destination.