THE NEXT chapter in the Dickens Christmas events in Pevensey, which began in 2014 to great applause, is about to be written. The afternoon event, organised by the Smugglers Inn in Pevensey, looks set to become part of a classic story—Bay Life, 29 November 2015
The Smuggler’s Inn, Pevensey writes the next chapter in the event that has captured the local public imagination.
Picking up on the office of the beadle established by a key set of volunteers in the community in 2014, the Smugglers lays the table again in their large renovated car park adjoining High Street in Pevensey. The High Street is the main thoroughfare through the village which doubles every day as a natural mid nineteenth century theatre set.
This year the theme offers Father Christmas, variety stalls, crafts, hog roast, Morris dancers, with the stage set for a spectacular finish with the award winning Voices Choir singing carols.
In addition we are promised candles, wooden toys, jewellery and Vines Flowers, the popular social hub emporium of Westham High Street with their wares, together with hand crafted items, local village paintings and gifts.
On the hot food front, start the queue for pulled pork with stuffing, hot dogs. burgers, hot chocolate with marshmallows, mulled wine, roast chestnuts and tea and coffee. How does that sound for starters?
This year the Dickens event takes place on Saturday 5 December, between 2:00pm—6:00pm.
Bay Life understands that work has already begun on planning a Dickens event evening for December 2016.
With the return of the Wealden Food and Wine Festival in the summer of 2016 to the grounds of Pevensey Castle and the 800th anniversary of the foundation of St. Nicolas Church, with musical events of international standing, it looks like being a year with community profile events that will be of interest to both residents and visitors to the area.
In addition, 2016 is the 950th Anniversary of the Norman Conquest. This will be marked with special displays in the Pevensey Court House Museum under the title, “The Great 1066 Invasion”, including the Pevensey Norman Mint and “the many aspects of the victory of William”.
Community efforts in Pevensey by public houses, businesses, community stakeholders and organisations like St. Nicolas Church and the Court House and Museum, with the support of pro-active Wealden Council, are continuing to build a profile that is bringing welcome positive attention to the area that is of such historical significance.
Pevensey is the location that historian Michael Wood describes as ‘the place where the Great British Story Began’.
By bringing the second annual Dickens event to life again at the start of December this year, the Smugglers Inn Public House in Pevensey is sustaining a new tradition that has value to the locality.
A Tale of Two Communities? Pevensey has seen the worst of times over the last few years, perhaps it will now begin to see the best of times.
The event is of value both to businesses and to the social wellbeing of residents. These points are attractive propositions with regard to the search for regeneration funding for the area and the promotion of sustainable new business features in the locality. Already these kinds of event are being seen in a positive light as part of this bigger picture. Opportunities are emerging for businesses and local organisations to promote a number of possibilities.
Owners of the Smuggler’s Inn Pevensey say about the Dickens afternoon, “come and join us for a perfect Christmas afternoon”.
The added value of visitors beginning to mark Pevensey once again as a visitor destination for a variety of community based events at key times on the seasonal calendar, is something that creates momentum for the community.
Dickens Afternoon
Smuggler’s Inn, Pevensey
Saturday 5 December 2015, 2:00pm—6:00pm.
IMAGE CREDIT: Dickens, Christmas Carol; The Christmas Walk by Dean Morrissey, depicting Scrooge leaving his office on Christmas Eve, 1843. Copyright, Dean Morrissey, all rights reserved. Image provided here as fair use for educational purposes and to acquaint new viewers with the work of Dean Morrissey and his art.
Smuggler’s Inn Pevensey
A warm welcome from your hosts Susan and Stewart. We are a traditional pub with a restaurant and real log fire. Large adventure playground, separate beer garden and large car park. The pub provides a warm and friendly atmosphere in its oak beamed bar and restaurant with open fires in both, essential when there’s a nautical nip in the air. The Inn dates back to 1527 and is located in the Cinque Port of Pevensey, an area steeped in history. Both the castle and the church are within walking distance of the Inn.
Smuggler’s Inn
High Street, Pevensey, East Sussex, BN24 5LF
01323 762112
