Slideshow: Fenland village recaptures Christmas essence

A FENLAND village buzzed to a Dickensian theme as visitors turned out in droves to recapture the essence of Christmases past. Benwick Resident Association s Dickensian Market was a year in the planning but was rated by organisers a stunning success after

A FENLAND village buzzed to a Dickensian theme as visitors turned out in droves to recapture the essence of Christmases past.

Benwick Resident Association's Dickensian Market was a year in the planning but was rated by organisers a stunning success after Saturday's inaugural event.

Already a market is being planned for next year and organisers have even been asked to consider a summer event.

"It's all a bit early yet," said Pat Tickner, one of the organisers. "We're just so pleased our first market was such a success."

She praised stall holders for enlivening the day by dressing in period costume, and she said finding the stall holders to win a bottle of whisky for being best turned out was a challenging moment.

"Many of the stall holders already want to book for next year," she said. "That must count for something."

She praised villagers for getting behind the market and thanked them for helping raising cash during the year to fund the market.

"The market was never about raising money but about bringing the village together" said Pat. "I'm confident we delivered."

She said one stall holder, Joy Hoy of March, was particularly pleased since she has only just recently started selling hand made dolls.

"She told me it was the best day's trading she had so far," said Pat. "She was thrilled."

Scouts also got the organisers praise for helping with teas and coffees and also with the go roast.