Bemused Surbitonians looked on as more than 150 people took part in a street parade on Saturday, September 11.

The sound of the Seething Talcum Colliery Band filled the town, while the Diaphanous Ladies of Seething spread talcum powder on the ground in a display of thanks for the old talcum mine.

After that came the modern villagers of Seething in a ceremony that is said to have happened last in 1921.

If you are now familiar with Homage de Fromage, it probably comes as no surprise that the stunt was another of the group’s off-the-wall plans.

The Surbiton-based cheese-loving club also organised the Seething Ale Voice Choir, who led the crowd in a number of songs including the local national anthem Lefi G.

Club president Robin Hutchinson said: “This was a spectacular event and the colliery band were truly wonderful.

“To see the looks on people’s faces as we marched along was inspirational but our explanation of the ceremony did leave people a little confused.

“It is as if people have forgotten that there even was a talcum mine. It is a tragedy that so much local history has been forgotten and we are delighted to bring it back.”

Kingston resident Blodwyn Hemmings, who was the last member of Seething family the Nogs, whose daughter Lily discovered the first seam of talc, was presented with one of the last lamps used in the mine.

He said: “It is a real honour to receive this lamp which was the first of its kind in the world. Although through the rest of the mining industry know it as a Davey lamp, here in the Seething in the talcum pits it was always called by its first name of Edward.”

Continue the nonsensical madness on Sunday, October 17, at the second Surbiton Ski Sunday. Visit seethingwells.org to register.