Cliffe Independence Day

Sunday 25th May 2008
The people of the Cliffe will be declaring independence from the Borough of Lewes again this year following the success of last years event.

On May the 25th borders will be erected, elections held and general fun made. There will be a market, ale trail featuring the ‘Cliffe Quarter’ ale and entertainment for the whole family. This year the Cliffe traders, residents and bonfire society will be supported by their friends in South Street.

Sunday’s fun will start at 11am with the results of the presidential elections, rising of the Cliffe flag and construction of a gateway on Cliffe Bridge. The market will be officially opened and many of the Cliffe Traders (including Bill’s) will be open for business. There will be a demonstration from the Cliffe Volunteer Fire Brigade and an ‘international’ Dwyle flunking match against the Lewes Arms Wanderers at 3pm in the Brewery Yard. A collection will be held with funds generated being given to the Cliffe branch of the Royal British Legion and St John Ambulance.

Hustings for the presidential elections will take place in the four Cliffe pubs on Saturday 17th May starting at the Snowdrop from 8pm. Voters will be able to hear the manifestos of the candidates including last years winner Andy Freeman and Dilly Barlow.

Three talks will take place in the John Harvey Tavern in the week leading up to Cliffe Independence Day.

• On Tues 20th May Mrs Dudeney’s Diaries will take centre stage. Author Diana Crook will explain the scandalous reasons why it took 40 years to get these local diaries published.
• On Wed 21st May Head Brewer, Miles Jenner, will give a talk about the history of the Cliffe’s famous Harvey’s Brewery.
• On Thurs 22nd May Author Dr Jim Etherington will give a talk about the History of Lewes Bonfire.

Tickets are £3 from the John Harvey Tavern, Gardeners Arms, Dorset Arms and Harvey’s Brewery shop.