On a cold, damp Tuesday in February, Sjoerd Vogt’s enthusiasm and Tolkien story-telling raised our spirits in a full house at Highworth Community Centre. Faringdon Folly was the last commissioned Folly to be built in history. Sjoerd talked about the number of very well known visitors, all fascinated by the Tolkien link, recorded in Faringdon House Visitors Books over the years as he illustrated the evidence of links between Tolkien and the local area. The suggestion that New Zealand played a part was dispelled as a subsequent film set far later in the day. With the help of local OS maps, photos and dates, Sjoerd's narrative was interesting and convincing to those with a good imagination. The Story Chair he mentioned around the Folly was made in Wales from old and green oak, an enjoyable visit for those with young families!! Hopefully visits to the Folly Tower and Trust website to follow the planned project will be high on the interest list for support and family activities in coming months.
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