Lewes Hungarian Society - Summer Festival

I was rather surprised to learn that there’s a sizeable Hungarian contingency living in and around the Lewes area. So much so that, last February, a group of Hungarians and Hungarophiles decided to set up a group to bring together the burgeoning community. Membership is currently split fifty/fifty between those haling from the country and those enthusiasts of its history and culture, but the main point of congruence seems to be in the culinary department. Of the last three events put on by the society, all have involved food, I’m told by society secretary Richard Winter. The latest is no exception. “It’s a sort of DIY do”, says Richard. “People are encouraged to bring along their bogračs and do some Hungarian cooking together.” Bogračs? “Hungarian style cooking pots which you hang from a tripod over a fire. It’s like a Hungarian equivalent of a barbecue”, he adds. A ‘dozen or so’ fires will be lit for the purpose in the Paddock - providing they can effectively negotiate council policy of course. Also taking place will be the ‘world’s first ever international stoolball competition between England and Hungary’, I am told by Richard with obvious pride. It’s a sort of variation on cricket (for those like me who have no idea), originally played by ladies, with oversized ping-pong bats and a large board on a post instead of a wicket - a bit easier for ‘ladies’ to hit presumably. The bets are on for the winner though. England should be at no advantage’ according to Richard, “It’s a game that anyone with ball sense can pick up.” ER