dickensian christmas 2013

hristmasC ickensianD ochester 2013R

Festival 7-8 December

www.enjoymedway.co.uk

@enjoy_medway

/enjoymedwayevents

Welcome to Rochester’

DickensiaAn 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.

Cllr Howard Doe

Medway Council

Portfolio Holder for Housing

& Community Services

Parades and carols

Saturday, 7 and Sunday, 8 December

11am

Seven Poor Travellers’ ProcessionLed 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

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.

’s

an Christmas 2013

10am – 5pm

Christmas craft fairThe City of Rochester Society presents

stalls selling an array of high quality

crafts and handmade goods.

The Moat, Boley Hill.

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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.

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

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

Library Entertainment

10am – 5pm

Gillingham Lions Tea TentRefreshments including hot and cold drinks

and home-made cakes.

Boley Hill Car Park.

10am – 5pm

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.

4

Mrs Pocket - Janet Peters

Wandering the streets with her invitation to

tea with Miss Havisham.

Fagin - Colin Greenslade

Spot this loveable rogue, but beware he may

pick a pocket or two!

Mr Pickwick - Cyril Baldwin

The inimitable Mr Pickwick, a friend to all.

Right Royal RevelsJovial singing street performers.

Seven Dials RapscallionsMeet this group of characters, living the down

and dirty side of Victorian life.

Dizzy O’Dare

Hobo Christmas CarollersIt’s the festive season and even the local

down-and-outs feel reason to sing us a song

– even if slightly under the influence!

Victorian policemen andVictorian gentlemenKeep your eye out for some long legged

additions to the Dickensian Christmas spirit.

MidKent CollegePerforming Arts studentsMeet some of the characters from Dickens’

most famous novels.

Plus many, many more voluntary costumed friendswho attend each year and participate in the festivities.

All entertainment is free to watch. Entertainmenttaking place inside various venues may operate on acapacity basis. These performances will operate ona first come first served basis and therefore you areadvised to arrive 15 minutes beforethe start of the performance.

Roaming CharactersThe following participants can be spotted around the festival area between 10am and 4.30pm

daily. Many can also be seen in the festival parades.

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 Almon Place Main Parade

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 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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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)





2.45pm Boley Hill area Allcock and Brown


2.50pm Rochester Adult Library Dickens Fellowship - reading David Copperfield Walks to Dover


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




4pm High Street/Crow Lane Allcock and Brown



4.45pm Almon Place Candlelit Parade

5pm Boley Hill Stage Carols for Christmas

7

Activity takes place on both Saturday and Sunday unless otherwise stated.

Eastgate House

Dickens used Eastgate House as the Nun’s Housein The Mystery of Edwin Drood and as WestgateHouse Seminary in The Pickwick Papers. A projectis currently being developed, with the support oflottery funding, to conserve this wonderfulGrade 1 listed building for generations to come.For regular project updates, follow EastgateHouse on Facebook.

Guildhall Museum

The Guildhall museum, which can be found at theriver end of Rochester High Street, is open from10am to 5pm (last admissions at 4.30pm).Displays include local maritime history items andCharles Dickens memorabilia.

Current exhibitions include Gadgets and Gizmosdisplaying a wonderful selection of one man’scollection of gadgets from 1850 –1950.

The museum (admission free) has a new highstreet entrance, modern entrance gallery andsales point.

The Six Poor Travellers’ House

This Tudor almshouse, built in the fifteenthcentury, is still in use today. It is the inspirationfor Dickens’ 1856 Christmas story The Seven PoorTravellers. This atmospheric house and theoriginal travellers’ rooms are open to the publicduring the festival, courtesy of the residents ofthe almshouse. There is also a delightfulElizabethan herb garden in the courtyard. Opening times: 11am-1pm and 2-4pm (closed during the processions).

Attractions to visit

8

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/rochester-

chatham-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: [email protected]

Web: www.visitmedway.org

Phone: 01634 338141

9

Rochester Cathedral

Saturday, 7 December

8am Morning Prayer

8.30am Holy Communion

1pm Carol service

1.30pm Organ practice for evensong

2pm Choir practice for evensong

3.15pm Sung evensong

5pm Cathedral closes

Sunday, 8 December

8am Holy Communion (BCP) – High Altar

9.45am Cathedral Eucharist

12noon Cathedral opens for entry to the carol service

1pm Carol service

1.30pm Organ practice for evensong

2pm Choir practice for evensong

3.15pm Sung evensong

5pm Cathedral closes

Rochester Cathedral service times

10am – 5pm

Farmers’ MarketThe 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.

10

Friday, 6 7.30pm

The Mistletoe BallA great way to start the festival with a three-

course 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

[email protected]

Rochester Corn Exchange

Saturday, 7 and Sunday, 8

throughout each day

Humbug Theatre Company presentsa range of Dickensian playsA selection of Dickens’ plays, featuring some

of his most beloved characters – including

Scrooge and Miss Havisham.

Rochester Baptist Church

Saturday , 7 and Sunday, 8 1.30pm

La Providence Photo opportunities with the Rochester

Pickwick Club.

Saturday, 7 and Sunday, 8

Saturday, 14 and Sunday, 15 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


St Margaret’s Church 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


Record fairAll types of records, CDs, DVDs,

memorabilia, rarities and bargains hosted

by Recollect Records.

Princess Hall, Corn Exchange

Saturday, 7 and Sunday, 8 2.15pm

Walking tours of historicRochester 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.

Sunday, 8 6pm

St Margaret's Church concertEnjoy some seasonal music in this

beautiful church. For further details

phone 01634 721886.


Other Christmas eventsAll dates are in December

Please note that these events are

NOT run by Medway Council.

11

Performers• Shirley and Brian Goodhew - Organisers of

the Seven Poor Travellers’ Procession

• City Of Rochester Pipe Band

Pipes and Drums at its best. Watch them lead

the processions each day

• Robert Styles – Punch & Judy

• Keith Beckford – Lamplighter

Gather round as he climbs his ladder and tells

tales from the days of the lamp

• CORUM Handbell Ringers

Christmas Handbell music

• BAE Systems’ Brass Band

Soak up the atmosphere while the band plays

festive music

• Right Royal Revels

• Janet Peters - Mrs Pocket and

My Grandma’s Bloomers

• Colin Greenslade – Fagin

• Cyril Baldwin – Mr Pickwick

• 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

• Skinner Rats

• Swinging the Lead

• 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

• Three Towns Theatre Company

Victorian carol singing by this popular local

dramatic society

• City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra (CRSO)

Experience music from Dickensian times

with players from the CRSO, Medway’s

foremost orchestra

• Sur Les Docks

The Napoleonic Prisoners of War

• Allcock and Brown

Music hall maestros

• Medway Little Theatre

Youth Company

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AcknowledgementsMedway 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

Christmas CarolsCarol service on Boley Hill stage at 5pm following the Candlelit Procession

Silent NightSilent night, holy nightAll is calm, all is brightRound yon Virgin Mother and ChildHoly Infant so tender and mildSleep in heavenly peaceSleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy nightShepherds quake at the sightGlories stream from heaven afarHeavenly hosts sing Alleluia!Christ, the Saviour is bornChrist, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy nightSon of God, love's pure lightRadiant beams from Thy holy faceWith the dawn of redeeming graceJesus, Lord, at Thy birthJesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

Away In A MangerAway in a manger,No crib for His bedThe little Lord JesusLaid down His sweet head

The stars in the bright skyLooked down where He layThe little Lord JesusAsleep on the hay

The cattle are lowingThe baby awakesBut little Lord JesusNo crying He makes

I love Thee, Lord JesusLook down from the skyAnd stay by my side,'Til morning is nigh

Be near me, Lord Jesus,I ask Thee to stayClose by me foreverAnd love me I pray

Bless all the dear childrenIn Thy tender careAnd take us to heavenTo live with Thee there.

Hark The HeraldAngels SingHark the herald angels sing“Glory to the newborn King!Peace on earth and mercy mildGod and sinners reconciled”Joyful, all ye nations riseJoin the triumph of the skiesWith the angelic host proclaim:“Christ is born in Bethlehem”Hark! The herald angels sing“Glory to the newborn King!”

Christ by highest heav’n adoredChrist the everlasting Lord!Late in time behold Him comeOffspring of a Virgin’s wombVeiled in flesh the Godhead seeHail the incarnate DeityPleased as man with man to dwellJesus, our EmmanuelHark! The herald angels sing“Glory to the newborn King!”

Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace!Hail the Son of Righteousness!Light and life to all He bringsRis’n with healing in His wingsMild He lays His glory byBorn that man no more may dieBorn to raise the sons of earthBorn to give them second birthHark! The herald angels sing“Glory to the newborn King!”

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O Come All Ye FaithfulO Come All Ye FaithfulJoyful 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

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

Sing, choirs of angels,Sing in exultation,Sing all ye citizens of heaven aboveGlory 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

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.

Ding Dong Merrily on High Ding dong merrily on high,In heav’n the bells are ringing:Ding dong! Verily the skyIs riv’n with angels singing.Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!

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!

Pray you, dutifully primeYour matin chime, ye ringers;May you beautifully rimeYour evetime song, ye singers.Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!

We Wish You a Merry ChristmasWe wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

ChorusGood 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

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.

To conclude with Jingle Bells

We would like to wish you all a very MerryChristmas and a prosperous New Year.Have a safe journey home.

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dickensian christmas 2013

Documents

dickensian christmas

alongthe high street

boley hill stage

northgateinto boley

array of high qualitycrafts

parade of costumed characters

noonmain parade

pmcandlelit parade