The Armchair Treasure Hunt Club
Club Hunts

Members of The Armchair Treasure Hunt Club receive at least one exclusive, UK based, club hunt each year - with a real buried prize or token! Further Mini-Hunts are published throughout the year some aimed exclusively at members who haven't previously wont a hunt.

You must be a club member at the time you solve a club hunt, in order to claim a prize. Some mini-hunt prizes and main hunt runners-up prizes are restricted to certain members - for instance members who have not previously won a prize or have joined recently. Each hunt has its own conditions and rules in addition to the Code of Conduct - which applies to all hunts.

When you join the club for the first time you will receive a copy of the latest newsletter and all unsolved club hunts. Hunts are often discussed on an exclusive area of the club bulletin board and new members can easily pick up on the progress and clues for old hunts.

Current Club Hunts:


 

2023 CLUB HUNT

MUCH DITHERING

31ST ANNUAL SCARECROW FESTIVAL

 

written by Chris and Phil

 

Everything is going wrong at the 31st Annual Much Dithering Scarecrow Festival. Basil, the event's organiser, has been hit on the head by a stray ball during the village cricket match and cannot remember where he buried the prize for this year's treasure hunt competition. The parish council are calling on the members of The Armchair Treasure Hunt Club to help solve the clues and discover the location, somewhere in the British Isles, of where a chest full of treasure worth over £500 lays waiting to be found.

The individual or team who finds it will receive a 9 carat gold scarecrow pendant, a 5g gold bullion minted bar from The Royal Mint and a little extra something to buy one or two celebratory drinks with afterwards.

 

 

All Unsolved Club Hunts and Mini Hunts:

These club hunts remain open, and unsolved. New and current members alike are welcome to the prizes on offer.

Name Format Type Prize Published Written by
Much Dithering 4 pages of newsletter buried chest chest containing treasure worth over £500 including a 9 carat gold scarecrow pendant, and a 5g gold bullion minted bar from The Royal Mint. July 2023 Phil and Chris
Cardiff Treasure Hunt 8 pages of neswsletter + clues email tba (in lieu of September club meeting) Sept 2021 Pete Colbert
The Little Secret Hidden in September newsletter article email none available. Sept 2020 Scott Gardner
Beau's Treasure t3 page document email tba June 2020 Roger Lintott
Second Time Around 3 page letter postal (placename) Originally £100, but now just self-satisfaction as author is no longer a club member (note this is the original version of the hunt. A new hunt with the same name and based on the last page was set by Roger Lintott) August 2006 George Gould

Solved Club Hunts and Mini Hunts:

These hunts have now been solved, but copies may still be available to members if you wish to work through the solutions. Contact the club, enclosing an SAE for details.

Name Format Type Prize Published Written by Solved
Witch's Brew 3 pages of newsletter email A 14" stainless steel gold coloured wall plaque. A 100 year old stone wall plaque on a brass easel. A book and 2 treasure galore badges. A small sack containing a couple of sterling silver charms June 2022 Charles Cunningham September 2023  by Gisela Reid, Steve Hallam, Wendy Gray
Animal Search 1 page of newsletter + clues email Masquerade plate March 2022 Pete Colbert July 2023-  Gisela Reid, Steve Hallam
An Ordinary Man 11 pages of newsletter email  silver ring Sept 2021 Toby Sharpe & Khoa Nguyen November 2022 by Gisela Reid, Steve Hallam, Wendy Gray
Lucky Levels 8 clues sent by email. (identical clues for Gold, Silver and Bronze levels) email The Golden Treasure of The Entente Cordiale (English book and map) May 2020 Scott Gardner Gold Level - Gisela Reid, Steve Hallam, Wendy Gray

Silver Level - Pete Colbert, Dave Blakeway, Roger Lintottt, Toby Sharpe

Bronze Level - no winner

Last Seen Chester (Spring 2020 event) Image email The Golden Treasure of The Entente Cordiale (English book and map)   Scott Gardner May 2020 by Gisela Reid, Steve Hallam, Wendy Gray
The Owl's Tears e-book email + hidden tokens Tear tokens (won by various members). Main prize The Golden Treasure of The Entente Cordiale (English book and map) June 2019 Scott Gardner September 2019 by Pete Colbert, Dave Blakeway, Roger Lintottt, Toby Sharpe
Riddle of the Ruins 5 pages of newsletter email a large metal wall sculpture and gold Victorian memorial heart., plus From Summit to Shore tokens June 2018 Charles Cunningham June 2019 by Pete Colbert, Dave Blakeway, Shirley Haigh
Myths and Legends 4 -Once an Eagle 2 pages of newsletter email pendant Sept  2018 Nick Ball December 2018 by Gisela Reid
Myths and Legends 3 -The Journey 2 pages of newsletter email Excalibur letter opener and Merlin crystal block June  2018 Beryl Murphy September 2018 by Pete Colbert
Myths and Legends 2 - A Ghostly Tale 2 pages of newsletter email unrevealed. March 2018 Sandra Young June 2018 by Mike Ranshaw
Myths and Legends 1 2 pages of newsletter email unrevealed December 2017 Roger Lintott March 2018 by Beryl Murphy
Innominate Hunt 8 pages of newsletter email National Trust Coasters designed by Jo Downs March 2016 Roger Lintott March 2018 by Dave Blakeway, Paul Corby, Pete Colbert
The Great FA Cup Mystery 5 pages of newsletter email Silver jewellery. Capture of the Criminals and Location of  Cup by Paul Corby and Pete Colbert. Red Herrings by Steve Hallam and Gisela Reid. First Manager to reach Wembley - Mike Ranshaw. Manager of Richest Club - Jackie McCormack. June 2017 Roger Lintott January 2018 by Paul Corby and Pete Colbert
Mandragora 23 pages email Treasure chest, Labradorite pendant, Pegasus automaton, Skull geode filled with bismuth crystals, Beach glass runes, Spider painting. 3 Red Herrings won by Nick Ball, Steve Hallam and Mike Ranshaw December 2016 Annika and Gisela April 2017 by Steve Hallam and Mike Ranshaw
The Artist 7 pages email Unrevealed. September 2016 Beryl Murphy Main prize won by Roger Lintott. 3 Red Herrings won by Gisela Reid, Pete Colbert, Nick Ball;
Poosey and Mapes Treasure Book 7 pages of newsletter email copy of  The World's Greatest Treasure hunt - Quest for the Golden Eagle December 2015 Roger Lintott August 2016 by Dave Blakeway
The Hills Are Alive 8 page colour booklet buried tokens Hay on Wye OS  and Wuthering Heights mugs, National Trust  glass coasters designed by Jo Downs, Emily Bronte coasters, Spade door knockers June 2011 Relaunched March 2015 Frank Eastham and Roger Lintott December 2012 by Helen Cook, Pete Colbert and Dave Blakeway. 4th intermediate prize won by Shirley and Jackie in August 2016
Paradigm Shift e-book hidden tokens Working Orrery & etched crystal solar system. 4 Red Herrings, framed print and 3 personalised OS maps won by Roger Lintott, Gisela Reid, Nick Ball and Pete Colbert.  2 more maps won jointly with Steve Hallam and Mike Ranshaw September 2015 Scott Gardner July 2016 by Steve Hallam and Mike Ranshaw
Arts and Puzzles 1 1 page of newsletter email Amazon Gift Token December 2015 Gisela Reid March 2016 by Pete Colbert
Day Out Hunting Photos on the Bulletin Board buried Silver Key engraved with OK February 2016 Scott Gardner February 2016 by Gisela Reid
Poosey and Mapes - The Black Cat Mystery 2 pages of newsletter e-mail Oak Leaf spoon rest September 2015 Roger Lintott December 2015 by Pete Colbert
World Wide Treasures 7

The King's Stone

2 pages of newsletter email Sheet of Namibian stamps featuring wildlife in the Brandberg mountains and a Lepidolite palm stone from the Erongo region of Namibia September 2015 Gisela Reid December 2015 by Mike Ranshaw
Where On Earth 4 Aerial image e-mail £10 gift voucher from WH Smith. June 2015 Gisela Reid Scott Gardner
Poosey and Mapes PDF file buried Unrevealed - 4 Red Herrings won by Gisela Reid, Pete Colbert (engraved paperweights) , Annika Woolf  and Rob Dickson (engraved paperweights and jewellery). Paul Corby also won a small piece of  jewellery for 5th claim June 2014 Roger Lintott July 2015 by Sandra and Tizzy
World Wide Treasures 6

Matryoshka 

2.5 pages of newsletter email Maori tiki carved from New Zealand kauri wood, with eyes made of paua shell and a set of uncirculated New Zealand coins on a bird themed envelope December 2014 Gisela Reid June 2015 by Roger Lintott
Where On Earth 3 Aerial image e-mail Amazon Gift Token March 2015 Gisela Reid June 2015 by Mike Ranshaw
One Letter Hunt single image hidden token Gold Frog March 2014 Annika Woolf March 2015 by Gisela Reid
The Enchanted Garden 16 page pamphlet buried casket and hidden tokens Wall plaque, three framed silver plaques, vase and various other  items decorated with daffodils; additional prizes of two gold engraved tokens and four silver engraved tokens. 4 Red Herrings were retrieved, the rest have disappeared. September 2009 Charles Cunningham March 2015 by Roger Lintott, Frank Eastham, Beryl and Elsie
Atrium 3D colour image postal/ buried tokens Bronze, Silver and Gold Treasure Chests.  4 personalised OS maps (Red Herrings)

Bonus prize: White Rabbit  pendant and OS map. Final prize: trapezium puzzle

October 2013 Scott Gardner January 2015 by Steve Hallam and Paul Harkin.(all 3 chests)

Red Herrings won by Roger Lintott, Steve Hallam,  Paul Harkin & Pete Colbert (a tie),  and Gisela Reid. Pendant by Gisela Reid

World Wide Treasures 5 - Two Charlies and a Dog 2 pages of newsletter postal/email Atlas of Remote Islands by Judith Schalansky March 2014 Gisela Reid June 2014 by Nick Ball (drawn from 8 correct solutions)
Poosey and Mapes Taster Puzzle single page of newsletter postal/email TATHC Mug and Paperweight engraved with club logo March 2014 Roger Lintott June 2014 by Steve Hallam (drawn from correct solutions)
World Wide Treasures 4 - Gone Surfin 2 pages of newsletter postal/email The little book “Canyon Wilderness of the South West” and two US Quarters with an Arizona theme. Dec 2013 Gisela Reid March 2014 by Pete Colbert
World Wide Treasures 3 - Crossroads 3 pages of newsletter postal "The Elements" Book and 3D bookmark June  2013 Gisela Reid Nick Ball (drawn from 4 correct solutions)
Family Secrets - Kent 10 page colour booklet postal ‘Charlotte’ Old Tupton Ware Figurine, Border Fine Arts ‘Running Hares’; Sterling Silver Toast/letter rack; Royal Worcester Hop Mathon Plate Summer 2012 Sandra Young November 2013 by Pete Colbert
One Word Hunt half page buried token Crystal Swan March 2012 Mikey Smith Annika Wolff
Three Letter Hunt 2012 1 page colour sheet buried token 2001 Marconi Piedfort Silver Proof two pound coin, Marconi 75th anniversary First-day cover and Token (Marconi £2 coin) March 2012 Pete Colbert September 2013 by Token retrieved by John Elliott
Family Secrets - Somerset 10 page colour blet buried token Hand-crafted Wassail Bowl; 1930’s Art Deco silver drop pendant necklace; hand-thrown Wassail Mug; Dartmouth Pottery’ Puzzle Jug Summer 2012 Ann Hughes July 2013 by Roger Lintott and Pete Colbert
World Wide Treasures 2 - Aquaterra 4 pages of newsletter postal Pair of polished ammonites from Madagascar, a book called 'Bones of Contention' (about the Archaeopteryx) and a small piece of Moldavite March 2013 Gisela Reid June 2013 by Steve Hallam (drawn from 6 correct solutions)
World Wide Treasures 1 - Long John's Silver 3 pages of newsletter postal Map of Sweden, A bookmark of the lighthouse and a set of stamps December 2012 Gisela Reid March 2013 by Annika Wolff  (drawn from 7 correct solutions)
3 Letter Hunt 1 page colour sheet buried token De Haviland badges and silver pillbox with bramble design June 2011 Annika and Jonathan Wolff Winter  2011 by Pete Colbert
Spade Hunt - A Bridge Too Far one page puzzle buried treasure five antiqued silver spade trophies November 2008 Simon Jacobs July 2009 - Sandra, Roger and Frank. Sept 2009 - Pete. Dec 2009 - Jackie and Shirley. Jan 2010 - Helen, Apr 2010 - Phil. Jun 2010 - Matt. Dec 2011 - John
Camera, Lights, Action four-part puzzle hunt postal Silver 'Grail' Cup June - December 2011 Sandra Young and Ann Hughes Summer  2012 by Pete Colbert
Silver Masquerade Hare Hunt pamphlet buried token coin (lost during renovations) September 2004 Shaun Whitehead June 2011 by Paul Corby
Finders Keepers illustrated pamphlet buried treasure bronze statuette of Pegasus January 1997 Tom Haze April 2011 by Paul Harkin following a group brainstorm on the club internet forum
The Pinboard single page A2 illustration of a pinboard buried treasure Four caskets of treasure at various locations December 2007 Matt Edwards and Nick Perry Feb 2011 by Martin Dennett (Stamford); Dave Blakeway, Pete Colbert (Totnes); Paul Harkin, Nick Ball, Craig Jones (Anston). Red Herring unearthed by Clive Weatherley
Second Time Around two page letter and code sheet based on the 2006 hunt by George Gould postal Wooden clock April 2007; additional clues June 2009 Roger Lintott Aug 2011 by Frank Eastham and Pete Colbert
Esters Ransom two page ransom note buried token trophy (buried) plus further caskets of treasures June 2010 Craig Jones July 2010 by Matt Edwards and Paul Harkin
Literary Trail five-part puzzle hunt using articles and books buried treasure Glass Decanter March - December 2009 Sandra Young and Ann Hughes March 2010 by Pete Colbert
SL[7/T] - Rob's three letter hunt 2009 half page of newsletter uknown Isis puzzle (Sonicwarp)) March 2009 Rob Dickson March 2010 by Helen Cook
Spade Hunt - Miller's Crossing two page puzzle buried treasure five antiqued silver spade trophies and clues for The Fly November 2008 Andy McCulloch Feb 2010 by Dave Blakeway, followed by Diane Farmer, Jackie McCormack, Annika Wolff & Jonothan
Spade Hunt - The Fly (Master Puzzle) four clues won by solving other Spade Hunts buried treasure one antiqued gold spade trophy November 2008 Brian Souter October 2009 by Frank Eastham and Roger Lintott. Red Herrings found by Frank, Roger, Pete Colbert, Dave Blakeway and Craig Jones
Spade Hunt - The Wedding Planner two page puzzle buried treasure five antiqued silver spade trophies and clues for The Fly November 2008 Craig Jones March 2009 by Stephen Hallam & Mike Smith. Followed by Pete, Matt Edwards, Deborah Hatton, Nick Ball, Roger Lintott, Frank Eastham and finally in September 2009 by Aitch.
A Springtime Holiday two pages of newsletter buried token framed and mounted antique map of Somerset April 2003 Roger Lintott March 2009 by Ann Hughes
Wish You Were Here 6 postcards and 1 articles in newsletters prize draw unknown Dec 2007 - Dec 2008 Sandra Young and Ann Hughes March 2009 by Shirley Haig and Roger Lintott
Spade Hunt - The Wrong Man one page puzzle buried treasure five antiqued silver spade trophies and clues for The Fly November 2008 Robert Dickson November 2008 by Frank Eastham and Roger Lintott; November 2008 by Nick Ball and Deborah Hatton; November 2008 by Helen Cook.
Treasure Island one page illustrated story in the club newsletter with a follow-up map and puzzle for correct solutions to the first. armchair only "a tasty treat" for first three answers June 2008 Roger Lintott September 2008 by Pete Colbert
AQU - The Three Letter Hunt one page of 'symbols' in the club newsletter buried treasure 1886 gold sovereign June 2007 Simon Jacobs Location & partial solution: 21 September 2008 by Robert Dickson; Full solution: 29 September 2008 Roger Lintott (working with Shirley Haig & Jackie)
Simple Knowledge II riddle buried token 2004 Dave Blakeway November 2007 by Brian Souter
Sherlock's Unsolved Case buried treasure buried casket and two prize tokens December 2006 Roger Lintott January 2007 by Craig Jones and Easter 2007 by Rob Dickson and Helen
Unnamed Official 2005 Club Hunt a single picture buried treasure nine gold coins September 2005 Martin Dennett & Paul Harkin's March 2007 by Brian Souter & Matt Edwards
Simple Knowledge I three-part riddle buried token one-year membership and treasure hunt books February 2003, July 2004 & August 2005 Dave Blakeway February 2007 by Shirley Haig
Prized Possession - Kent three page story and two letters buried token antique silver and porcelain December 2004 Sandra Young & Ann Hughes May 2006 by Roger Lintott
Prized Possession - Wiltshire three page story and two letters buried token antique silver and porcelain December 2004 Ann Hughes & Sandra Young August 2005 by Sandra and Roger Lintott
Sovereign Hunt - Stepping Stones illustrated pamphlet buried treasure solid gold sovereign August 2001 Charles Cunningham January 2005 by John Lee
A Journey Through Merrie England six-part riddle buried treasure crystal goblet and calendar of traditional events February 2004 - December 2004 Deborah Hatton and Martin Dennett December 2004 by Craig Jones
The Second Unnamed Hunt three words and two symbols buried treasure triangular, silver pendant in a triangular onyx box November 2004 Mike Smith and Jane Childs November 2004 by Clive Weatherley
A Monkish Plot illustrated pamphlet buried antique key chest of silver trinkets August 2002 Ann Hughes July 2004 by Sandra Young and Roger Lintott
Pearl Hunt: Gold Pearl Hunt illustrated pamphlet buried treasure solid gold pearl October 2003 Brian Souter March 2004 by Paul Harkin, Deborah Hatton and Martin Dennett
Pearl Hunt: Anniversary Treasure illustrated pamphlet buried treasure cultured pearl and crystal oyster October 2003 Brian Souter March 2004 by Paul Harkin, Deborah Hatton and Martin Dennett and May 2005 by Rob & Diane Farmer and Jaci & Dave Blakeway
Pearl Hunt: Nacremancer illustrated pamphlet buried treasure cultured pearl and crystal oyster October 2003 Mike Smith February 2004 by Paul Harkin, Deborah Hatton and Martin Dennett and April 2004 by Milly Dudley
Pearl Hunt: Charlie's Summer Spell illustrated pamphlet buried treasure cultured pearl and crystal oyster October 2003 Sandra Young November 2003 by Paul Harkin with the help of Martin Dennett and February 2004 by Matt Edwards
Pearl Hunt: Zee Zummerzet Puzzle illustrated pamphlet buried treasure cultured pearl and crystal oyster October 2003 Charles Affleck and Steven Ship November 2003 by Martin Dennett and November 2003 by Ann Hughes
Questershire II illustrated pamphlet buried treasure silver bunny bookmark November 2002 Shaun Whitehead November 2002 by Martin Dennett and Deborah Hatton
Unnamed seven words buried treasure glass swan August 2002 Martin Dennett September 2002 by Mike Smith
Sovereign Hunt - Fortuna illustrated pamphlet buried treasure solid gold sovereign August 2001 Ann Hughes December 2001 by Lyn Mann and Harry Hazell
Sovereign Hunt - The Lost Queen illustrated pamphlet buried token solid gold sovereign August 2001 Brian Souter November 2001 by Mike Smith
Sovereign Hunt - A Shut and Open Case illustrated documents buried treasure / token solid gold sovereign and half sovereign for runner-up August 2001 Matt Edwards and Nick Perry September 2001 by Paul Harkin and September 2002 by Sandra Young
Questershire I illustrated pamphlet buried token silver eagle statuette from Flight of Fantasy August 2001 Shaun Whitehead August 2001 by Martin Dennett and Deborah Hatton
Alice's Further Adventures in Wonderland illustration and pamphlet buried token Alice in Wonderland Chess set April 2000 Paul Harkin and Martin Dennett September 2000 by Deborah Hatton
Scottish Quest serialized clues in newsletter hidden token silver plate in form of Scotland October 1999 - August 2001 Charles Cunnigham Spring 2001 by Shaun Whitehead
Mysterious Island illustrated pamphlet buried treasure silver dolphins on mount May 1999 Malcolm Brockbank Spring 2001 by John Gibbons
A King's Ransom   buried token (gold key) mounted original picture and gold lute key July 1998 Dan James April 1999 by Paul Harkin and Martin Dennett
Nathaniel Ingleby   buried treasure mounted brass disk July 1997 Shaun Whitehead March 1998 by Paul Harkin and Martin Dennett
Clockwise illustrated pamphlet buried treasure gold pointers for a clock fashioned from an original illustration from A Timeless Moral September 1995 Brian Souter June 2002 by Stephen Hallam
Flight of Fantasy serialized clues buried treasure silver eagle statuette with gold leg ring 1995 Alan Burton Shaun and Alison Whitehead
Dragonslayer newsletter feature buried token Hand decorated egg November 1994 Dan James September 1996 by Jeff Crane
A Pirate's Legacy newsletter feature buried treasure brass telescope and gold and silver coins November 1993 Mark Parry September 1994 by Bob Dixon
Winterspell newsletter feature buried treasure Limoges statuette of Jack Frost with silver and gold nuggets January 1993 Dan James March 1993 by Paul Hiscox
A Timeless Moral newsletter feature buried treasure bronze statuette with golden lantern May 1992 Dan James November 1994 by Paul Harkin

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