Dr Pat Murrell returns with the latest in her series of popular lectures, Step Back in Time, in aid of St Nicholas Hospice Care.

Pat Murrell commences her talk with one of the strangest episodes in the history of the English Christmas and covers the coming of the turkey and the ‘meatless’ mince pie. It will also highlight some of the decorations and customs that found a popular following over the twelve days or more which brightened up the cold winter months of December and January. If you want to know what the festive season was like shortly before the Victorians gave it a makeover, this is for you. Christmas raffle to be held on the night.

This is a rare opportunity to hear a fascinating contemporary account of early eighteenth-century provincial life in Bury and beyond.

Tickets cost £10, including refreshments of cakes and biscuits made to recipes of the period.

This event takes place on Thursday, 5 December at 8pm (doors open at 7.30pm), at the United Reformed Church, Whiting Street, Bury St Edmunds.

Previous events have sold out, so advance booking is essential.

Tickets can be bought online by clicking the button below, or from our St John’s Street shop in Bury St Edmunds town centre. 

Thank you to Dr Murrell for your continued support of St Nic’s. Series 1-4 (with donations) raised an incredible £13,344.

Upcoming Step Back in Time events:

Thursday 27 February 2025
Genteel living in Bury St Edmunds – Life in the Georgian household of Lady Mary and Sir Thomas Gery Cullum 7th Baronet

Thursday 24 April 2025
SMALL BEER: Beer and Brewing in Georgian Suffolk

Thursday 26 June 2025
Moving with the times – ‘Modernising’ the Guildhall, Bury St Edmunds in the Georgian era

These are third-party events not organised by St Nicholas Hospice Care.

Please click here to read the event terms and conditions.

Buy tickets online