“SMUGGLERS TRAIL”

2011 SEEDA-FUNDED PROJECT FEATURING THE ACTIVITIES OF “THE GANG” AND SMUGGLING FROM TO THE COAST

In 2009, the Hawkhurst Community Partnership was successful in its bid for funding to SEEDA to deliver a 3-year programme of regeneration projects for the benefit of Hawkhurst and its designated hinterland: , Hurst Green, , and Flimwell in , and Sandhurst in .

Matched funding was obtained from 1066 Country Marketing, and other funders, making the programme of projects worth around £200,000.. (For a complete list of these projects, please visit www.visithawkhurst.org.uk)

In 2011, as part of this programme, the Partnership will deliver a “Smugglers Trail”, focussing on the Hawkhurst Gang and smuggling activities between Goudhurst in Kent down to the Sussex coast at and Rye.

Over 20 smugglers haunts (mainly hostelries) have been identified along the trail, including , Hurst Green, , , Rye, Hooe and Hastings in 1066 Country. Each of those participating in the Trail will be identified with an iconic commemorative porcelain plaque on the outside entrance of the building, as well as an “A-2” information panel inside the building. The panel will be divided into 3 sections, featuring a) generic information on the Hawkhurst Gang, b) the Trail map and c) information on smuggling as it pertains to the hostelry and the local community

The project will also include the production and distribution of 100,000 copies of a Trail leaflet. Supplies of the leaflet, together with a leaflet dispenser, will be made available to each hostelry, for display within the establishment, and 50,000 copies will be distributed by Brochure Connect in the area and the South East. The project will also feature prominently on www.visithawkhurst.org.uk and www.visit1066Country.com.

.There has always been a keen interest in smuggling in our area, and we believe that this “Smugglers Trail” will make an important contribution to our tourism/regeneration activities in the and 1066 Country, and will bring a valuable boost to our local economy.

For further information, please contact Yolanda Laybourne, Co-ordinator for The Hawkhurst Community Partnership ([email protected]); or Kevin Boorman at 1066 Country Marketing ([email protected])