Secret Film Society

I like a good mystery. A puzzle to solve. 

I challenge myself to figure out whodunnit, whether it’s on TV, film or in a book. 

But sometimes, it’s better to go with the flow, to follow the characters, to involve yourself in the story, rather than identify the bad guy, or the twist in the tale. 

Take Secret Film Society. You book online and aside from asking about your dietary requirements, you go in blind. 

You meet your fellow cinema goers when the coach arrives and after being checked off a list, and selecting a seat, you’re handed this:

So far, so er, secret. 

Forced to ignore your phone and chat to your fellow travellers, you can’t help it. You find yourself eyeing up motorway signs and fuelling discussion between you. You know it’s Lancashire, but north or south? As you pass a sign pointing to Skipton, you speculate – was Lancashire a red herring? Are we in fact heading over the Pennines?

We alighted to rich countryside scenes, stone buildings and a welcoming light drizzle. So far, so Lancashire.

Welcome to Downham.

Downham is a beautiful village in Lancashire, that looks like it’s from another time. Met by our guide, Simon and taken on a walk, across fields and down lanes, he told us tales of Pendle Hill and the Pendle Witch Trials, of the so called ‘snow witch’ and of the village itself and it’s owners, the Clitheroe family.

The family try very hard to keep it’s old world charm intact, television aerials are hidden from view, or a satellite dish, and you won’t see a mobile phone mast, meaning phone signals are limited, if not non-existent. 

I took the opportunity too, to eye the hedgerows and fields. One thing my foraging trip with Caorunn and Discover the Wild has taught me, is that David Winnard has incredible patience when it comes to me sending him pictures and asking ‘What’s this?’ and ‘Can I eat it?’. Sorry. 

Before we returned to the Village Hall where lunch and the screening would take place, our guide indicated a particular spot was pertinent to the film we would see, but still he wouldn’t tell all. Curious, we wandered back down the aptly named Quiet Lane, to take our seats, at tables bedecked with vintage china, tablecloths and bunting. The WI would have been pleasantly at home – and I say that with utmost sincerity and love for the WI (I am a member of three after all). 

 

We were greeted by very friendly faces. Our food was provided by the fabulous Bangers and Bacon, and given we’d all worked up an appetite both by travelling yomping through fields, freshly baked bread, plates of ham hock terrine and bacon infused chicken liver pate were a welcome site, as was the glass of wine or beer that met our thirsts. 

If it’s possible, main course was even more welcome, giant Yorkshire puddings filled with Lancashire hotpot, with carrots and potatoes. Hearty, warming and just what the doctor ordered, and an gentle quiet descended.

Then the announcements were made, people rushed for a last drink, or bathroom visit, before the surprise was finally revealed. Our film for the afternoon. Grabbing my knitting, and turning my chair, I settled in.

I’ve always had a soft spot for Hayley Mills, even since I watched the original Parent Trap, swiftly followed by PollyAnna, and The Moonspinners. Whistle Down the Wind, however, was new to me, and despite my long lamented short attention span, kept me avidly occupied.

Intermission arrived and with it apple crumble in a pastry base, with a good helping of custard on top, and a cup of tea (or two if you were the last to be served and cheeky enough to ask, which we obviously did). 

Dosed with sugar and tea (or coffee) part two commenced, seeing our heroine… No, I can’t give it away. But this was such a fun way to spend a Sunday, lunch with friends, a great film visiting a part of the countryside I’d never been to before. It had all the components of a family Sunday – walk, food, film pud. And for £45? We’d love to do it again. 

Series One, Episode Two guys, when can we book?