The Owlers, written by Colin Dixon was the subject of his talk to the Club at The Lodge on 7th April.

The book sets out the story of the Hawkhurst gang, a notorious, violent smuggling gang operating along the South Coast of England from 1735 to 1749, but does so as if the reader is one of the principal gang members.

Colin explained to the Rotarians; friends; partners and Inner Wheel members present, the challenges to writing a book which he has always wanted to do. However his subject matter was fascinating.

Known for their brutality, the Hawhurst gang smuggled tea (then a very valuable commodity) brandy and tobacco as a large armed syndicate that terrorised locals and custom officers alike. They changed public perception of smugglers from popular rogues into dangerous criminals. Their violent tactics forced the Government to act and eventually hunt them down with many members being executed in 1748/9.

Our thanks to Colin. The majority of us had not heard of the gang but possibly of the 18th century Oak & Ivy Pub in Hawkhurst used as its headquarters!