Battle of Billy’s Pond, The (Children’s Film Foundation)

Date: 1976
Director: Harley Cokeliss
Production Company: Children's Film Foundation, Irit Films, Mark Forstater Prods

Stars: Ben Buckton, Andrew Ashby, Talfryn Thomas
Location(s): Hertfordshire

Region(s):

Storyline:

Two boys investigate the illegal dumping of chemical waste as it endangers the environment.

Additional Information:

Screen captures uploaded by Phil Wilkinson

 

Can you help:

If you have any information regarding this production, the locations or, even better, some comparison shots please contact us. Images submitted must be in Landscape orientation, as would be seen on the cinema screen, not Portrait.

We are aware that there are films on the site that were added when the criteria for the inclusion of locations was very different from today and, as a result, there may be scenes missing from some productions. Please do not forward additional screen captures to us but bring the detail to our attention, for we do, and are, 're-addressing' these older entries as time allows.

  • Capture 1
  • 'Now' required

After finding a dead fish in a nearby pond, Billy Bateson (Ben Buckton) arrives home with his friend Graham 'Gobby' McFarlane (Andrew Ashby).

  • Capture 2
  • 'Now' required

The next day, Billy heads back to the pond as a tanker makes its way to the disused Tanley quarry. This appears to be the junction of Mimms Lane with Rectory Lane and Harris Lane in Shenley, Hertfordshire.

  • Capture 3
  • 'Now' required

When more dead fish are found, Gobby's father discovers that they have been poisoned by industrial waste.

  • Capture 4
  • 'Now' required

Billy waits for his friend to arrive with photos after the two set monitoring equipment and a camera trap to catch the person who they suspect of dumping waste in the pond. Dave Whitcutt identifies this as Beech Drive in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.

  • Capture 5
  • 'Now' required

Gobby arrives, but the pictures taken over the previous night show nothing. This view was taken out of Dave Whitcutt's bedroom window at number 22 Beech Drive, Borehamwood. Dave continues "As a young lad I remember the film people speaking with my parents about using the house as a location. Additionally, the scenes where the children are kicking a ball in the garden and find their cat is unwell was our back garden."

  • Capture 6
  • 'Now' required

Following an incident with Billy's ants at home, the two boys head back to the pond.

  • Capture 7
  • 'Now' required

The pair continue on their way to the pond where they discover that the levels of poison have risen.

  • Capture 8
  • 'Now' required

Checking geological maps at the library uncovers an underground stream that starts in Tanley Quarry and flows to the pond. Geoff Dodd recognises this as what is/was the P J Foy Castle Lime Works Quarry on Swanland Road, North Mymms, Hertfordshire as it also appeared in 'The Protectors' episode, Shadbolt, with Tom Bell, and 'The Professionals' episode, Slush Fund. (RL)

  • Capture 9
  • 'Now' required

When the friends arrive, they spot the tanker pumping toxic waste into a water course. P J Foy Castle Lime Works Quarry on Swanland Road, North Mymms, Hertfordshire as per the previous capture highlighted by Geoff. (RL)

  • Capture 10
  • 'Now' required

Billy and Gobby go to the police to report what they've discovered.

  • Capture 11
  • 'Now' required

As they carry on with their investigation, the boys try to find a way into a nearby chemical plant.

  • Capture 12
  • 'Now' required

Once inside the works, the two see the tanker drive into the yard.

  • Capture 13
  • 'Now' required

Early one morning, Gobby sets out to meet Billy.

  • Capture 14
  • 'Now' required

Billy finds his pal pumping up his bicycle tyre before the two carry on to Tanley Quarry to catch the polluters.

  • Capture 15
  • 'Now' required

Mr. Pugh (Talfryn Thomas) reports that he's been knocked off his moped by a tanker that's been spilling slime onto the road.

  • Capture 16
  • 'Now' required

The Tanker Driver (Geoffrey Hinsliff) and his Mate (Derek Ware) chase Billy through the quarry. P J Foy Castle Lime Works Quarry on Swanland Road, North Mymms, Hertfordshire as seen in Captures 8 and 9 found by Geoff Dodd. (RL)

  • Capture 17
  • 'Now' required

With Mr. Pugh in the car, the police follow the trail of slime to the quarry. Geoff can also identify this, Pound Lane in Shenley looking towards a cottage called White Haven on Rectory Lane. A similar shot was used in 'The Avengers' episode Legacy Of Death. (RL)