Over 100 U3A members, the largest group outing in TW history, set out in two coaches heading for Rochester and A Dickensian Christmas market. The rain held off all day.

Everyone headed for the High Street, which was very crowded. All along the way, people were dressed in fantastic Dickensian costumes, some as characters from his books. Fagin was so lifelike, but he didn’t scare Alison. Now and again you would see (if you were tall enough) little vignettes acted out by the players. There was a parade through the High Street at midday, which some managed to see, while others headed to the Cathedral for the Carol service. Sadly, Rochester lost its city status when it merged with Medway in 1998.

At Eastgate House, an interesting 18th century house with a fascinating history and insight into the past, we encountered Scrooge. Outside, in the garden, was Dicken’s chalet writing room. 

There was entertainment everywhere including The Salvation Army band and Scottish pipers. Up a narrow lane was Restoration House which, although closed, still allowed us to see the link to Great Expectations when Estella walked up the path to let Pip in at the wrought iron gate. A further walk and down another side street was a scene from A Christmas Carol being enacted by real actors with audience participation. Tiny Tim got the aahs, Scrooge the boos and hurrahs. 

All in all, it was a fantastic day.