- The Treacle People -
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Characters -
- Bill Whilson -
- Barnard 'Tapper' Knowle - works in the mines
- Elizabeth 'Lil' Layland - owner of the pub - Charlie's wife
- Charles 'Charlie' Layland - train driver - Lil's husband
- Brendan Scilarc - owner of the factor
- Silas Kairvile - mine owner
- Brivan Trulmon - mayor of Sabden
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Cowogg
Catten
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- The Northern English village of Sabden, in Pendle, where treacle is mined as a natural resource. However, the treacle mines haven't flowed with the golden treacle in months. Which in turn has caused some concern, as treacle mining is the backbone of Sabden.
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- Within the local Treacle Beer distillery, Brendon Scilarc was in a fix as the glass bottles that he had put through the distillery to fill came out empty, the label on the bottles reading - Sabden Treacle Beer. - "What in the Bally McRea name is going on?' he called out. 'Where is the treacle beer? I don't have time to be messed about!"
He was then made aware from the factory floor that the last shipment of treacle was half what it normally was.
"We are going to need treacle and fast!" Brendan called out upon hearing this dreadful news.
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- Across Sabden within the heart of the village the pub, The Bubbling Barrel, the landlady of the pub Elizabeth Layland, Lil, to most of her customers, stood behind her bar, ready to serve a loyal customer. "Oh Charley, he's doing good." she stated as she pulled down on the serving pump, Lil talking with the customer about her husband.
The pump didn't dish out a full glass of true Sabden treacle beer, the pipes letting out a ' Gurgling' noise.
Lil tried again on the pup, pulling harder than the first attempt. "Oh no!"
She turned to and said to the waiting customer. "I'll check the barrels and get it changed!"
Lil walked away and down into the cellar, there she looked for a new barrel, but sadly all there was were empties. "How could this have happened?' she questioned, her hand scratching her head. 'We've totally run out of treacle beer!"
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The local newspaper of the Pendle's the Sentinel read with the headline - Treacle crisis, mines are empty -
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- The people of Sabden hold a meeting at the village hall, Barnard Knowle 'Tapper' to all in the village enters the building and finds a seat.
Lil turns to him. "I hope you wiped your boots?" Lil here addressing the fact that the man was in his working clothes and capped boots.
"Ah, that I did, Lil, that I did!' he replied, as he leaned back in his seat. 'It's a surprisingly good turn out!"
Lil looked around. "Yes, it is an important topic, and one of great concern…"
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The meeting was started, the mayor Brivan Trulmon acting as chair with the treacle mine owner Silas Kairvile at his side, and from their seats both men could clearly see for themselves the troubled looks on the people's faces.
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The meeting after all the formalities and introductions flowed well, with each person taking their turn, talking about their worries and the future of their village.
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Brendan from the factory took his turn, standing up from his seat. "There's no getting away from it, the factory is out of treacle, mister mayor, just run dry… meaning we are unable to make anymore treacle beer!"
There were gasps and grumbles around the hall upon hearing Brendan's words.
"And without the factory's treacle beer, I'm out too!" added Lil.
"A sorry state indeed!" commented Mayor Brivan.
"As there isn't any treacle in the mines, they're just mined out, which means there is just no way of making our shipments to the village…" said Tapper.
Lil looked to the miner and nodded her agreement. "Something must be done about this, and fast!"
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Bill Whilson listens to what had been said. 'Troubling indeed, my village brought to this…' he thought in his seat. Bill was an outdoors man, he liked exploring and had done a number of cave walks, sitting there he hoped his skills could help. He then put his hand up, which was noted by the mayor.
"Yes."
Bill stood up and looked around at the people of Sabden who were present in the hall. "If I may, I believe that I can be of some assistance!"
All turned to look at him.
"And, ere, why would you say that?" questioned Mayor Trulmon, trying to sound as polite as possible.
"The name is Bill, and I'm a bit of a tracker… being out to explore caves… and if I could be allowed, I'd like to go down and explore the mines of Mr Kairvile…"
Mayor Trulmon quickly snapped his head around to Silas.
"Well ere!?" sputtered the mine owner.
"I am not promising anything, but I do believe that if allowed I'd do all in my power to find treacle."
Tapper shook his head and stated that upon hearing Bill's bold claim. "I'm sorry lad, but I've been down the mines there is no more Treacle left down there,' he rubbed a finger under his nose, and continued. 'not a seam, not a lump… not a nugget. And I tell you, Mister Mayor, if we don't find any soon, there'll be no mine, no jobs, no village!" Tapper here tapping his finger into his other open hand.
Lil looked at Tapper, she knew that if he was talking like this then there was something to worry about.
Silas welcomes Bill's help. "Well, I say give this Bill a chance… if the situation is like Barnard says, I feel we've got nothing to lose!"
"Indeed.' stated Mayor Trulmon. 'All avenues must be looked at!"
"Ha, all avenues have got to be looked at!"
"Steady on, dear Tapper… We've just got to hope things will turn out alright!" championed Lil.
"The only thing that'll make it turn out alright is treacle!' snapped Tapper, actually wishing he could sound more positive than he was being. 'And if we don't strike treacle soon, you mark my words, it'll be no laughing matter!"
"Well, Tapper, please give me a chance, and I hope to deliver you treacle!" chipped in Bill.
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- It was agreed and arranged for Bill to go down the minds. The Sentinel the following day read with the headline - Mining could be saved, all eyes on Bill the treacle finder -
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- That morning a train, the Lancashire - Bessie - Sabden pulled into the station, Lil's husband Charlie driving it. The whilst sound as it came into the station echoed out, however, as the station's guard stood ready to welcome the passengers no one stepped off the train.
"A true sorry sight to be seen!" said Charlie to the guard.
"Indeed!"
"It's been the same all week." continued Charlie. 'I just hope it's not just a wild goose chase.' was his line of thought, as he looked at the front page of morning the Sentinel.
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- A van drove out of the heart of the village and made its way to the mines, Bill feeling positive got out. He shook Silas' hand who welcomed him at the gates. "I wish you the best of luck, young man, there is truly a lot riding on you finding treacle within these mines!"
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A flink of Cowogg's came to the fence as the van drove near, a few Cowogg's letting out a barking-moo.
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- A Catten road down the road and into an alleyway when a cart came down the cobble road. Lil and Brendan sit at a bar table within the Bubbling Barrel. "I don't like it… He's been up at the mine for hours, and I'm not one to be kept waiting…" she stated to Brendan.
"Don't go getting yourself in such a mess, Lil, I don't know the lad by heart, but we've got to believe in him… If there is any treacle left in Silas' mine then let's just hope he finds it!"
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- Bill, through his painstaking efforts seeking treacle high and low, was able to find treacle in a far off part of the mining site within the foothills of Sebden. He followed a number of tunnels to the end, where in one tunnel he found a wall, but he was convinced this wasn't a natural rock face. "Yes, it is… it has to be…' he sticks his finger into the substance and brings it up to his lips, where he licked it. 'Treacle! Sample site 157, results positive… I must go and tell the others, it appears Sabden is saved after all!" he said, excitedly. Licking his lips.
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Bill went running straight into Silas' office. "Treacle!"
"What?!" spluttered Silas, almost choking on his cup of tea.
"I've found treacle, Mister Kairvile, within site 157." Bill here as he spoke actually pointed back behind him.
"What? Site 157, but even I know that that part of the mine has been closed off for years! The treacle, I can assure you, has all been worked out!" Silas shaking his head.
"Well, Mister Kairvile, you put faith in me to find treacle, and that is what I've done!' stated Bill firmly. 'And if you'd gladly come with me into the mine I can gladly show you!"
Silas stood up from his desk. "I suppose I better come see for myself, that's the only way to be sure about this!" he stated picking up a head hat.
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Tapper saw them walking across the yard and heading towards sit 157. 'I wonder where they're going?' he thought to himself.
He noticed that they were heading towards site 157. 'Ah, he's having a laugh… Gurgle Gorge has been fully dry for years, with Silas' own grandfather closing that part of the mine before I arrived here to work!'
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A lantern was collected and both Bill and Silas were ready to enter the tunnels that would leave them down into the mine.
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Silas is keen to get the mine up and running, "You've done it, you've only gone and done it!" he said, shaking Bill's hand a few too many times.
"We'll get this section cleared and the man down here to hopefully get treacle production back on track!"
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Silas gathers his best miners onto the job, all headed by Tapper, the rocks were moved and once the man moved on in, they came across an old trolley. "Well I'd be.' stated Tapper, putting a hand on the old trolley. 'An old mine trolley, for carrying treacle embers to the surface." Tapper pointing upwards.
"Well, if we move on further down, I reckon, we'll find a lot more treacle than those few amber pieces I found in the rocks."
"I just hope it's safe, the cave in back there proves it's an old part of the mine!" commented one of the workers to Tapper.
Tapper put a hand to his chin.
"We've got a job to do, come on!" pipped in Silas.
"I think we're going to have to pop the walls up, sir!" stated Tapper, pointing to the old and worn wooden roof supports.
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New and sturdy wooden beams were quickly brought down into the mine, and the men were willing to move forward.
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Tapper stopped suddenly and sniffed the air. "I believe I can smell treacle!"
"Well I'll be, treacle!"
"You see, I promised I'd find treacle." said Bill.
And once he had seen the flow of treacle Tapper had to state his humble apologies to Bill. "That you did, Bill, and I take my hat off to you lad!' And he did just that. 'I thought the village was done for!"
"I'm just glad I found it!"
"Well know this Bill, I'm sorry I doubted you." Tapper here patting Bill on the back.
"There's truly enough treacle here, Tapper, to keep us in business for years to come." chipped in Salis, as he looked around in amazement to see the treacle amber pieces.
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Tapper works all day and gets the first new shipment of treacle to the factory.
"Can you not work any faster…' called out Salis. 'I want the shipment to be at the factory by noon!"
Tapper turned to his manager. "Look with all due respect, if I work any faster then I'm gonna snap my braces… We've been doing the work of ten men!"
One of the members of the team had to hide a laugh.
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- Brendan gets the first shipment and makes treacle-beer. "Ok now, let's get this shipment started…" he stated to the team on the factory floor.
The factory floor came to life on his call. Within the factory, the amber collected that day at the mine had been crushed and melted down, then the refined treacle was ready to flow.
"Pumping seems to be working to speed!" Brendan stated, checking the pumping station.
The bottles as they had done shook and clattered along the conveyor belt.
"Everything seems promising so far!" said Brendan with a smile, as the factory operated as it should be.
The bottles moved around the conveyor belt. "Systems 100%." Brendan nodded, as the valve moved to the right level.
He cupped a hand at the side of his mouth, as the noise of the factory was getting too loud. "If I give it anymore she'll blow for sure, captain."
Another worker turned their heads.
"What, you've always wanted to say that!" Brendan responded.
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The bottles were in place and filling out. "Yea, look at all that lovely treacle beer… No doubt Lil will be pleased!" stated Brendan, as he rubbed his hands together.
The first bottle was in place, ready to be filled.
The treacle started to flow.
"We'll soon have this lot done!" Brendan was so pleased.
The last job for the team was to stick in place the company's labels which read - Sabden - Treacle Beer - No 5. -
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The bottles were now put in company vans, the last crate being put into the van by the forklift truck. Brendan stepped back, as with this full shipment it would see the factory financially safe.
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- Brendan as the van pulled away jumped on the phone, contacting Lil. "And that's what I'm calling you about Lil, the shipment of Treacle Beer is on its way!' he answered in reference to when Lil asked for an update. 'The very finest quality!"
"Wonderful… truly wonderful… And Brendan, when might I receive your delivery?" Lil enquired.
"It has just this second left the factory, so you should get it before the afternoon is out!"
"Marvellous, just blooming marvellous!" she claimed.
"Yes, it was the best batch, I can promise you that one Lil… I've used the best amber in the part of the mine Bill discovered."
"Well I will keep an eye out for when the van arrives!" stated Lil.
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- Lil is waiting at The Bubbling Barrel to receive the factory's first full shipment of treacle beer to sell. Lil pacing the floor. "I wish it would arrive already…' Lil looked up at the clock behind the bar, as she now stood by the window. 'I'm not one to be left waiting!"
The van drove into the village heading towards the village pub, the sign swinging in the slight evening breeze. The man peeped his horn as he pulled up.
"It's here, the treacle beer is here!" she called out, now running from out behind the bar and to the cellar to open the lock.
As she stood now before her pub and the driver jumped down from the van Lil said. "You're a sight for sore eyes, tonight the Bubbling Barrel will be celebrating Bill's find, with the man getting the first bottle!"
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The Bubbling Barrel's cellar was soon filled with bottles upon bottles of - Sabden - Treacle Beer - No 5. - and Lil as she had stated stepped forward and pulled from the stacked crates the first bottle. 'Ah, this one's for Bill!'
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- Lil had put some effort in making the place look nice and ready for a celebration, with a large thank you sign on true display.
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A flash car pulled up outside the Bubbling Barrel and the mayor as the door was opened by the driver stepped out. Brivan looked up at the pub and gave a side smile. 'Father just to drive here.' was all he could come up with, as he walked towards the pud door, in truth he hadn't been in this pub in years, but knew that he had to be here tonight to thank the man who saved the village.
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Bill arrived at the pub, the street lamps casting their shadows.
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As Bill stepped inside the people of Sabden clapped and cheered. Bill looked around and took everything in. He walked up to the bar, seeing Lil smile for once at a customer.
People either padded him on the back or shook his hand, all wishing him a thanks or a well done.
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Lil hands him the first bottle of the evening, before calling the bar open; Tapper and Brendan stepping forward amongst the crowd.
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The mayor stepped up and gave a tap on the microphone. "Hello, if you will, if you will!"
The people that filled the pub turned to face their mayor.
"I want to give a big hooray to the man of the hour, Bill Whilson, you said you would be the man to treacle, and dear sir, you did just that!"
The sound of claps erupted, and as one the whole pub called out. "Well done Bill!"
"Let hope this brings the visitors back to Sabden, making us the hub of treacle yet again!"
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Lil stood proud behind her bar, she was so busy serving one and all, there was truly enough Treacle Beer to go around.
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- The following day, Charlie drives the train into the village, bringing in the first group of people into Sabden, 'Hooray!' thought the guard, as he saw them step down from off of Bessie. "Dear all, I'd like to welcome you to Sabden… I hope your visit is a pleasant one!"
This all meant that the village was back in business; the pub was full, the cakes in the tea-room ate, and the whole of Sabden was saved.
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- The end -