Rochester
Dickensian
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2013
tivm a hrFies s st al
7- 8 December
www.enjoymedway.co.uk @enjoy_medway /enjoymedwayevents
Welcome to
Rochester’
n enchanting weekend of traditional Victorian Christmas festivities. Enjoy street entertainment, readings, song and dance and experience a traditional Victorian Christmas, just as Dickens himself might have done; and of course rub shoulders with some of his most beloved, and infamous, characters. Rochester’s magnificent surroundings, including the cathedral and castle, along with our guaranteed snowfall, create a unique and charming atmosphere in which to watch our magical candlelit parades; sample a hot cider and mince pie and start your Christmas countdown with our carol services. Our Dickensian Christmas has been held annually here in Rochester since 1988, a fitting tribute to one of Medway’s favourite sons – and this year boasts even more eccentric characters, tasty treats and magical Christmas experiences to get you in the mood for your own Yuletide celebrations.
Dickensia
A
Cllr Howard Doe Medway Council Portfolio Holder for Housing & Community Services
Parades and carols Saturday, 7 and Sunday, 8 December 11am
Seven Poor Travellers’ Procession Led from outside The Guildhall Museum by The Right Royal Revels, the procession will move along the High Street and conclude outside The Six Poor Travellers’ House, next to the Medway Visitor Information Centre, where a short speech will be made by Charles Dickens followed by the carving of the Christmas turkey. 12noon
Main Parade Led by the Mayor of Medway Cllr Josie Iles, the parade of costumed characters will start in the High Street by Almon Place. It will
’s
an Christmas 2013 move along the High Street, turn left into the Esplanade, continuing up Castle Hill before finishing on the Boley Hill Stage. 1-2pm
Lunch During this break in the activities, why not take the opportunity to visit our Christmas market, Christmas craft fair and the array of independent shops that are full of extraordinary gifts and festive treats. 4.45pm
Candlelit Parade Led by The Mayor of Medway Cllr Josie Iles, the parade will start in the High Street at its junction with Almon Place. It will move along the High Street and turn left at Northgate into Boley Hill, to join the carol service on the open-air stage. This will be followed by:
5pm
Carols for Christmas Join BAE Systems’ Brass Band and festival performers to sing a selection of popular Christmas carols outside Rochester’s magnificent cathedral in Boley Hill, under a guaranteed fall of snow.
10am – 5pm
Christmas craft fair The City of Rochester Society presents stalls selling an array of high quality crafts and handmade goods. The Moat, Boley Hill.
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Library Entertainment Community Hub Rochester We are delighted that Community Hub Rochester is opening its doors to visitors on Saturday, 7 and Sunday, 8 December. As well as providing library services, the hub also provides a wide range of activities, support groups and local service information for people of all ages.
Festival library programme All activities will run during both days of the festival.
10am – 5pm
11.20am, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm Children’s entertainment Make young eyes wide with wonder with our Punch and Judy performances Children’s and Family Zone
Gillingham Lions Tea Tent
1.50pm and 2.50pm David Copperfield Walks to Dover David leaves the Micawber family in London to find his Aunt Betsey in Dover. A reading by the Rochester and Chatham Dickens Fellowship. Main Library
10am – 5pm
Refreshments including hot and cold drinks and home-made cakes. Boley Hill Car Park.
The Corn Exchange - Queens Hall Teas, coffees and refreshments will be available as you warm up, rest your feet and maybe even catch some entertainment.
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Roaming Characters The following participants can be spotted around the festival area between 10am and 4.30pm daily. Many can also be seen in the festival parades.
Mrs Pocket - Janet Peters Wandering the streets with her invitation to tea with Miss Havisham.
Dizzy O’Dare
Hobo Christmas Carollers It’s the festive season and even the local down-and-outs feel reason to sing us a song – even if slightly under the influence!
Fagin - Colin Greenslade Spot this loveable rogue, but beware he may pick a pocket or two!
Victorian policemen and Victorian gentlemen
Mr Pickwick - Cyril Baldwin The inimitable Mr Pickwick, a friend to all.
Keep your eye out for some long legged additions to the Dickensian Christmas spirit.
Right Royal Revels
MidKent College
Jovial singing street performers.
Performing Arts students
Seven Dials Rapscallions
Meet some of the characters from Dickens’ most famous novels.
Meet this group of characters, living the down and dirty side of Victorian life.
Plus many, many more voluntary costumed friends who attend each year and participate in the festivities. All entertainment is free to watch. Entertainment taking place inside various venues may operate on a capacity basis. These performances will operate on a first come first served basis and therefore you are advised to arrive 15 minutes before the start of the performance.
Sat, 2pm and 3.15pm Sun, 11.15am and 2.15pm
My Grandma’s Bloomers - Janet Peters Come and hear a true tale about a Victorian lady’s bloomers
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At a glance
Your guide to the weekend’s entertainment
11am
Outside Guildhall Museum
Seven Poor Travellers’ Procession
11am
Outside Olivers Wine Bar
City of Rochester Pipe Band
11am
High Street/Crow Lane
Keith Beckford – The Lamplighter
11am
The City Wall Stage
Skinner Rats (Sat only)
11am
The City Wall Stage
Ian Petrie and Friends (Sun only)
11am
Boley Hill area
Allcock and Brown
11.15am The Crown Stage
Isle of Sheppey St John’s Ambulance Brass Band (Sat only)
11.15am The Crown Stage
17th Tonbridge Scout and Guide Band (Sun only)
11.20am Rochester Library
Robert Styles - Punch ‘n’ Judy - Children’s and Family Zone
11.30am The City Wall Stage
Swinging the Lead (Sat only)
11.30am The City Wall Stage
Camine (Sun only)
12noon
Main Parade
Almon Place
12.30pm The City Wall Stage
Skinner Rats (Sat only)
12.30pm The City Wall Stage
Ian Petries and Friends (Sun only)
1-2pm
Characters at lunch
1pm
Boley Hill
Relay of Rochester Cathedral’s Carol Service
1pm
Rochester Library
Robert Styles - Punch ‘n’ Judy - Children’s and Family Zone
1pm
Queens Hall, Corn Exchange City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra (Sun only)
1.15pm
The City Wall Stage
Swinging the Lead (Sat only)
1.15pm
The City Wall Stage
Camine (Sun only)
1.30pm
Outside Olivers Wine Bar
Sur Les Docks (Sat only)
1.30pm
High Street/Crow Lane
Allcock and Brown
1.30pm
La Providence
Photo opportunities with the Rochester Pickwick Club
1.30pm
St Mary’s Meadow
CORUM Handbell Ringers
1.30pm
Boley Hill Stage
BAE Systems’ Brass Band
1.30pm
The Crown Stage
Carols by the Three Towns Theatre Company
1.50pm
Rochester Adult Library
Dickens Fellowship – reading David Copperfield Walks to Dover
1.50pm
Guildhall Forecourt
Right Royal Revels
2pm
High Street/Crow Lane
Keith Beckford - The Lamplighter
2pm
Rochester Library
Robert Styles - Punch ‘n’ Judy - Children’s and Family Zone
2pm
The City Wall Stage
Skinner Rats (Sat only)
2pm
The City Wall Stage
Ian Petrie and Friends (Sun only)
2.10pm
The Crown Stage
Isle of Sheppey St John’s Ambulance Brass Band (Sat only)
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Activity takes place on both Saturday and Sunday unless otherwise stated.
2.10pm
The Crown Stage
17th Tonbridge Scout and Guide Band (Sun only)
2.15pm
Visitor Information Centre
Walking tour of historic Rochester
2.15pm
St Mary’s Meadow
Carols - MidKent College Performing Arts students
2.20pm
Outside Olivers Wine Bar
City Of Rochester Pipe Band
2.30pm
Eastgate House Gardens
Come and have your photo taken with Fagin
2.30pm
High Street/Crow Lane
Sur Les Docks (Sat only)
2.40pm
Guildhall Forecourt
Right Royal Revels
2.45pm
The City Wall Stage
Swinging the Lead (Sat only)
2.45pm
The City Wall Stage
Camine (Sun only)
2.45pm
St Mary’s Meadow
CORUM Handbell Ringers
2.45pm
Boley Hill area
Allcock and Brown
2.45pm
The Crown Stage
Carols by the Three Towns Theatre Company
2.50pm
Rochester Adult Library
Dickens Fellowship - reading David Copperfield Walks to Dover
3pm
Rochester Library
Robert Styles - Punch ‘n’ Judy - Children’s and Family Zone
3.15pm
Boley Hill Stage
BAE Systems’ Brass Band
3.15pm
St Mary’s Meadow
Carols - MidKent College Performing Arts students
3.15pm
Queens Hall, Corn Exchange City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra (Sun only)
3.20pm
The Crown Stage
Isle of Sheppey St John’s Ambulance Brass Band (Sat only)
3.20pm
The Crown Stage
17th Tonbridge Scout and Guide Band (Sun only)
3.30pm
Outside Olivers Wine Bar
City Of Rochester Pipe Band
3.30pm
High Street/Crow Lane
Keith Beckford - Lamplighter
3.30pm
The City Wall Stage
Skinner Rats (Sat only)
3.30pm
The City Wall Stage
Ian Petrie and Friends (Sun only)
3.30pm
Boley Hill Area
Sur Les Docks (Sat only)
3.45pm
Eastgate House Gardens
Come and have your photo taken with Fagin
3.45pm
St Mary’s Meadow
CORUM Handbell Ringers
3.50pm
Guildhall Forecourt
Right Royal Revels
3.50pm
The Crown Stage
Carols by the Three Towns Theatre Company
4pm
High Street/Crow Lane
Allcock and Brown
4.15pm
The City Wall Stage
Swinging the Lead (Sat only)
4.15pm
The City Wall Stage
Camine (Sun only)
4.45pm
Almon Place
Candlelit Parade
5pm
Boley Hill Stage
Carols for Christmas
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Attractions to visit Eastgate House Dickens used Eastgate House as the Nun’s House in The Mystery of Edwin Drood and as Westgate House Seminary in The Pickwick Papers. A project is currently being developed, with the support of lottery funding, to conserve this wonderful Grade 1 listed building for generations to come. For regular project updates, follow Eastgate House on Facebook.
Guildhall Museum The Guildhall museum, which can be found at the river end of Rochester High Street, is open from 10am to 5pm (last admissions at 4.30pm). Displays include local maritime history items and Charles Dickens memorabilia. Current exhibitions include Gadgets and Gizmos displaying a wonderful selection of one man’s collection of gadgets from 1850 –1950. The museum (admission free) has a new high street entrance, modern entrance gallery and sales point.
The Six Poor Travellers’ House This Tudor almshouse, built in the fifteenth century, is still in use today. It is the inspiration for Dickens’ 1856 Christmas story The Seven Poor Travellers. This atmospheric house and the original travellers’ rooms are open to the public during the festival, courtesy of the residents of the almshouse. There is also a delightful Elizabethan herb garden in the courtyard. Opening times: 11am-1pm and 2-4pm (closed during the processions).
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Charles Dickens’ writing chalet The Dickens Fellowship are currently raising funds to restore and conserve this important building in the gardens of Eastgate House. You can find out more about the appeal at www.dickensfellowship.org/rochesterchatham-branch The Swiss chalet from Gad’s Hill Place, Dickens’ last home, was a gift from a French actor friend, Charles Fecter, and arrived in 58 packing cases at Higham railway station. It was in this chalet that Dickens was writing the final chapter of The Mystery of Edwin Drood just before his death on 9, June 1870. The chalet was purchased by the Dickens Fellowship in 1960 and presented to Rochester City Corporation. Because of its fragile condition, the chalet cannot be opened to the public but may be viewed from the outside.
Medway Visitor Information Centre Located in the heart of historic Rochester, the Medway Visitor Information Centre is the ideal first port of call for visitors to the area. Call in for information about local attractions, and to pick up books, postcards and souvenirs. If you are looking for a place to stay the staff can also offer advice and assistance with finding accommodation, to suit your requirements and budget. The centre is wheelchair accessible and offers a full tourist information service, art gallery, public toilets and a café. Email: visitor.centre@medway.gov.uk Web: www.visitmedway.org Phone: 01634 338141
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Rochester Cathedral Rochester Cathedral service times Saturday, 7 December
Sunday, 8 December
8am
Morning Prayer
8am
Holy Communion (BCP) – High Altar
8.30am
Holy Communion
9.45am
Cathedral Eucharist
1pm
Carol service
12noon
1.30pm
Organ practice for evensong
Cathedral opens for entry to the carol service
2pm
Choir practice for evensong
1pm
Carol service
3.15pm
Sung evensong
1.30pm
Organ practice for evensong
5pm
Cathedral closes
2pm
Choir practice for evensong
3.15pm
Sung evensong
5pm
Cathedral closes
10am – 5pm
Farmers’ Market The farmers’ market will run during the Dickensian Christmas festival, offering festive treats; seasonal cider and wine; and fresh local produce including meat, fish and baked goods. King’s Head car park.
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Other Christmas events All dates are in December Friday, 6
Saturday, 7 and Sunday, 8
7.30pm
10am-4pm
The Mistletoe Ball
St Margaret’s Church
A great way to start the festival with a threecourse Christmas dinner and dancing to the Tony Ellingham Band. Tickets £24.50 per person. Seated at reserved tables, book yours today. For further details email dickens.events48@btinternet.com Rochester Corn Exchange
This beautiful 15th Century church and tower will be open to visitors throughout the festival – climb the tower and enjoy its magnificent views of Rochester and the Medway Valley. Plus grab a bargain and some tasty goodies at any of the seasonal refreshment or Traidcraft stalls. St Margaret’s Church
Saturday, 7 and Sunday, 8 throughout each day
Saturday, 7 and Sunday, 8
Humbug Theatre Company presents a range of Dickensian plays
Record fair All types of records, CDs, DVDs, memorabilia, rarities and bargains hosted by Recollect Records. Princess Hall, Corn Exchange
A selection of Dickens’ plays, featuring some of his most beloved characters – including Scrooge and Miss Havisham. Rochester Baptist Church
Saturday, 7 and Sunday, 8 Saturday , 7 and Sunday, 8
1.30pm
2.15pm
Walking tours of historic Rochester
La Providence Photo opportunities with the Rochester Pickwick Club. Saturday, 7 and Sunday, 8 Saturday, 14 and Sunday, 15
10am-5pm
Led by guides from the City of Rochester Society, these tours start from the Visitor Information Centre and last about an hour and a half. Free of charge although donations to society funds are always welcome.
10am-4pm
Annual Christmas craft fair By friends of The Kings School A range of craft stalls, second-hand books, dvds, home-made cakes, barbecue, tea and coffee with mince pies – plus, of course, Santa in his grotto. Seating area, toilets and disabled access. Kings School Hall, The Precinct, Rochester
Sunday, 8
6pm
St Margaret's Church concert Enjoy some seasonal music in this beautiful church. For further details phone 01634 721886. St Margaret’s Church
Please note that these events are NOT run by Medway Council.
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Performers • Skinner Rats
• Shirley and Brian Goodhew - Organisers of the Seven Poor Travellers’ Procession
• Swinging the Lead
• City Of Rochester Pipe Band Pipes and Drums at its best. Watch them lead the processions each day
• Ian Petrie and Friends • Camine • Christmas carols performed by Medway schoolchildren organised by Medway Music Association in partnership with Dynamics – The Medway Music Education Hub
• Robert Styles – Punch & Judy • Keith Beckford – Lamplighter Gather round as he climbs his ladder and tells tales from the days of the lamp
• Three Towns Theatre Company Victorian carol singing by this popular local dramatic society
• CORUM Handbell Ringers Christmas Handbell music • BAE Systems’ Brass Band Soak up the atmosphere while the band plays festive music • Right Royal Revels
• City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra (CRSO) Experience music from Dickensian times with players from the CRSO, Medway’s foremost orchestra
• Janet Peters - Mrs Pocket and My Grandma’s Bloomers
• Sur Les Docks The Napoleonic Prisoners of War
• Colin Greenslade – Fagin
• Allcock and Brown Music hall maestros
• Cyril Baldwin – Mr Pickwick
• Medway Little Theatre Youth Company
• Rochester and Chatham Dickens Fellowship Entertaining readings from Dickens’ novels. Suitable for all ages • 17th Tonbridge Scout and Guide Band • Isle of Sheppey St John’s Ambulance Brass Band - Silver band playing festive music in the high street • MidKent College - Carols - Join in with the jolly Christmas Carollers of Dickens • Dizzy O’Dare - Hobo Christmas Carollers • Dizzy O’Dare - Victorian Gentlemen and Victorian Policemen on stilts
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Acknowledgements Medway Council would like to acknowledge the support from the following organisations, that help with the festival: Rochester Cathedral City of Rochester Society Rochester and Chatham Dickens Fellowship Gillingham Lions St John’s Ambulance (Kent) The Six Poor Travellers’ House Community Hub Rochester MidKent College City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra The Crown Freehouse Mamma Mia (Italian restaurant) Rochester Bar/Swank (Aaron Stone Group) Micawbers Fish and Chips Restaurant Raj of India (Indian restaurant) Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council
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Christmas Carols Carol service on Boley Hill stage at 5pm following the Candlelit Procession Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever And love me I pray
Silent Night Silent night, holy night All is calm, all is bright Round yon Virgin Mother and Child Holy Infant so tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace Sleep in heavenly peace
Bless all the dear children In Thy tender care And take us to heaven To live with Thee there.
Silent night, holy night Shepherds quake at the sight Glories stream from heaven afar Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia! Christ, the Saviour is born Christ, the Saviour is born
Hark The Herald Angels Sing Hark the herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled” Joyful, all ye nations rise Join the triumph of the skies With the angelic host proclaim: “Christ is born in Bethlehem” Hark! The herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn King!”
Silent night, holy night Son of God, love's pure light Radiant beams from Thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
Away In A Manger
Christ by highest heav’n adored Christ the everlasting Lord! Late in time behold Him come Offspring of a Virgin’s womb Veiled in flesh the Godhead see Hail the incarnate Deity Pleased as man with man to dwell Jesus, our Emmanuel Hark! The herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn King!”
Away in a manger, No crib for His bed The little Lord Jesus Laid down His sweet head The stars in the bright sky Looked down where He lay The little Lord Jesus Asleep on the hay The cattle are lowing The baby awakes But little Lord Jesus No crying He makes I love Thee, Lord Jesus Look down from the sky And stay by my side, 'Til morning is nigh
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Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings Ris’n with healing in His wings Mild He lays His glory by Born that man no more may die Born to raise the sons of earth Born to give them second birth Hark! The herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn King!”
E’en so here below, below, Let steeple bells be swungen, And “Io, lo, lo!” By priest and people sungen. Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis! Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
O Come All Ye Faithful O Come All Ye Faithful Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord
Pray you, dutifully prime Your matin chime, ye ringers; May you beautifully rime Your evetime song, ye singers. Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis! Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
God of God, Light of Light, Lo! He abhors not the Virgin’s womb; Very God, Begotten, not created; O come let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord
We Wish You a Merry Christmas We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation, Sing all ye citizens of heaven above Glory to God in the Highest; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord
Chorus Good tidings we bring to you and your kin; We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Oh, bring us a figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer
Yea Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning, Jesu to Thee be Glory given, Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
Chorus We won’t go until we get some; We won’t go until we get some; We won’t go until we get some, so bring some out here Chorus We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Ding Dong Merrily on High Ding dong merrily on high, In heav’n the bells are ringing: Ding dong! Verily the sky Is riv’n with angels singing. Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis! Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
To conclude with Jingle Bells We would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Have a safe journey home. 15
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G8499 Designed by Medway Council’s Communications Team. www.medway.gov.uk/communications
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10am to 5pm Visitor Information Centre Medway National Childbirth Trust (NCT) will provide nappy changing and feeding facilities throughout the festival. Information on local groups, classes and general advice in Medway can be obtained from the NCT.
Baby changing and feeding
11 Rochester Castle Gardens (Christmas market) 12 Boley Hill Stage 13 Craft fair/Castle Moat
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Crown Stage Guildhall Museum Farmers market The Corn Exchange St Mary’s Meadow (war memorial) Visitor Information Centre (NCT) La Providence Crow Lane Eastgate House and gardens and Community Hub Rochester 10 High Street, Star Hill parade start
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
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Entertainment areas
To London and Civic Centre, Strood and Strood Station (five minutes walk)
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Park and ride Dockside Outlet multi story car park, ME4 3ED Blue Bell Hill commuter car park off Lord Lees Grove, ME5 9PE Follow yellow directions signage. Buses start from 9am, last buses leave Rochester at 6pm.
Train Rochester station is only a five minute walk from Rochester High Street and has excellent links between London and the coast. For more information visit: www.nationalrail.co.uk
Travel information
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Coach parking
Car parking
Park and ride drop-off/pick-up point
Disabled parking
First Aid point
Car and coach parking Limited car parking is available near the centre of Rochester. Public car parks are indicated on the festival map. Car parking is also available at the former Civic Centre site in Strood, throughout the festival.
Toilets (include disabled facitilies except Community Hub)