Where Was I? Sunday Times 6th May 2012

[Nevilleauk]

I have already solved the two questions asked but I do not understand why it is necessary to work out the 5 letter word whose letters add up to SPRING? Is this an unecessary "Red Herring"?

[davidsmith69]

As someone who attemps to answer all the clues, the five letters making up the word SPRING helps confirm the correct answers, although I must admit the reverse treasure hunt format is a little strange.
David Smith, Salisbury.