For four long months ITV have been filming down the road in Bunbury and the crew and cast have stayed with us here at the Chum in our Headmasters House bedrooms. They have enjoyed relaxing at the pub and dining with a very occasional Gin and Tonic after a very hard day’s work on set.
Where else would they chose for their ‘it’s a wrap’ party than the Cholmondeley Arms and a marquee went up for the whole cast and crew to enjoy a little Christmas cheer early and finally relax after a job well done!
Bunbury had been the setting for the six-part Second World War drama ‘Home Fires’, starring Francesca Annis and Samantha Bond and produced by ITV Studios. It tells how members of the Women’s Institute hold the fabric of society together while their menfolk are away fighting.
Filming began in September and continued until December, with some of the villagers appearing as extras.
With a screenplay by Simon Block, who penned shows including Lewis and Casualty, the drama is inspired by Julie Summers’ book ‘Jambusters’ and is set to air on screens sometime in 2015.
Bunbury residents were informed of the news by leaflets posted through their doors explaining how their village would be affected by the filming, and also giving them the opportunity to feature in the show as extras.
Steve November, ITV’s director of drama, said: “We’re really delighted to have commissioned ’Home Fires’. Great writing from Simon has given Julie Summers’ wonderful book a fictional life.
“The women are real and engaging and have fantastic spirit and attitude. With World War II on the horizon, multiple strands of plot interweave to create a period drama full of jeopardy and intrigue, but also great humanity and modernity.”
Saturday 1st November saw our first annual bonfire and fireworks display which proved to be a roaring success. The bonfire blazed and crackled whilst everyone enjoyed a fantastic display of fireworks. The outside bar and BBQ went down a treat, with warm mulled wine, local hot chocolate and real ale. Everyone enjoyed the homemade Parkin and Treacle Toffee.
The Cholmondeley Arms played host to an unexpected visitor on Good Friday!! This is Warren, he is walking from Lands’ End to John O’Groats to raise money for Macmillan cancer care. He was six weeks into the walk when he stumbled across the Chum and popped in to ask where he was and if he could have some water (he is walking without a map!) He also wanted to know where the nearest B&B was and if he could make it there before dusk.
A big congratulations to our Cholmondeley Quiz Champions, after 6 tense quizzes ‘Keeping your End Up’ were crowned the Champions. Each month dedicated teams competed for points to win this title. Teams are invited for the Ted to Head against the Bulls Head Champions this will be held at The Three Greyhounds Inn, Allostock. (Date to be confirmed) Who will be overall champions The Bulls Head or The Cholmondeley Arms??
A letter arrived today confirming the Cholmondeley Arms is the winner of the 2013/14 Countryside Alliance Local Food Award for the Northwest of England!! This is a major win for the Chum and particularly head chef Christian (pictured right) and his team of chefs, Dean (pictured left with Christian), John, Eric and James. This award is the first presented to a rural pub in Cheshire!!
Clarissa Dickson Wright sadly passed away on Saturday 15th March following illness. She will be greatly missed as one of the greatest chefs and advocates of British hearty cooking with the best of flavours.