SINCE last autumn, Valley Arts – in partnership with South West Heritage Trust – has been busy bringing together creative minds from across the valley to develop the Chew Valley Hoard community production.

Readers may already be familiar with the Chew Valley Hoard: a nationally significant find of Norman coins unearthed right here in the Valley. And its stories are captivating: 2,584 coins, six suspects. The summer production at Yeo Valley Organic Garden, called Finders Keepers, will ask its audience: who is the treasure traitor?

The making of what’s set to be a thrilling comedy performance is gaining momentum, thanks to the enthusiasm and commitment of local creative minds – with no stone left unturned in the creative process: local historian Nick Roberts has helped the team learn about the ins and outs of being a ‘detectorist’.

Local writer Kesty Morrison, working with Valley Arts’ Adult Performance Group, has led development of ideas for the final show. The creative team, led by Emma Earle from East Harptree and Zoe Squire from Blagdon, have run casting workshops which attracted over 40 people of all ages. Meanwhile, creative workshops led by local artist Guiliana Terran are also underway, with children of all ages tasked to make a Norman coin featuring their face.

Now the next chapter begins – rehearsals are underway in Chew Magna and Compton Martin, as locals work hard with Emma and co-director Nick Cohen-White to bring the story to life.

What’s on:

Finders Keepers Community Production will be brought to Yeo Valley Organic Garden at Holt Farm on Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, this summer, with tickets now available through Valley-Arts.co.uk

Make a Norman coin for display at Yeo Valley Organic Garden. With the help of Chew Magna artist Giuliana Terran, and supported by Chew Valley Library and East Harptree Arts Hub, these are relaxed, free, drop-in workshops for children. Sessions will be held in the library on Thursday, May 28, from 2pm to 4.30pm and at the East Harptree Pavilion on Friday, May 29, 10am to 1pm.

Local seniors are invited to meet together on Fridays during May. Chew Stoke writer Kesty Morrison will run creative workshops from 10am to 11.30am on Friday, May 1, 15 and 22, to write for the monthly Chew Chat Times. Geraldine Hill-Male, chair of Valley Arts, will give a talk on the discovery and heritage of the Chew Valley Hoard on Friday, May 8, from 10am to 11.30am. All are welcome to pop-in.

Laura Davies, the youth theatre leader for Valley Arts, alongside artist Giuliana are visiting local primary schools to create puppets for children to take along to Finders Keepers in July.

‘Community Celebration Day: Every Coin Tells a Story’, on Saturday, June 20, at the Old School Rooms in Chew Magna. A free day of lively creativity and discovery for all ages.

To find out more or to get involved visit www.valley-arts.co.uk or email [email protected]