"We have it in our power to begin the world over again." - Thomas Paine Verso's new edition of Paine's work:   Peter Linebaugh presents The Rights of Man and Common Sense (Revolutions Series)   To commemorate the bicentenary of Thomas Paine's death, Verso are giving away several copies of their new edition of his  Rights of Man and Common Sense with a brand new introduction by Peter Linebaugh. For a chance of winning, go to the Verso Tom Paine Giveaway. Published to commemorate the bicentennial of Thomas Paine's death, these texts have remained two of the most influential arguments for liberty in political thought.   Common Sense   is a pamphlet that Paine wrote in support of American independence. Due to its original and simple style it spread like wildfire through the colonies, inspiring the American Revolution.   The Rights of Man   is Paine's passionate defense of the French Revolution that led to his trial for sedition and libel.   The acclaimed historian   Peter Linebaugh   provides an original examination of Paine”s thought and legacy. Publication 1   June 2009 Series Revolutions 416 pages Paper ISBN-13: 978 1 84467 380 3 US$14.95 / £7.99 / CAN$16.50 Available from Verso Books
COMMEMORATIVE DVD
Over the next six months we shall be filming the Tom Paine 200 DVD , focusing on the activities of our Reenactment Weekend 6-7th June but reflecting the full programme of Bicentenary Celebrations. We shall aim to do justice not only to the story of Thomas Paine's mighty life and achievements but to the energy, good-humour and commitment of the town of Thetford celebrating one of its own. The DVD will make a vivid memento of interesting times.   You are invited to pre-order the Tom Paine 200 DVD (running time 30-40 minutes) for £5.99 by sending a cheque to TP200 at 2newhorizons, PAL House, Market Place, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2AH, emailing the box office or ordering online.	Commemorative DVD
BROCHURE RELEASE AND BOX OFFICE OPENS The full Tom Paine 200 Programme is now published. Click here to open and download a copy in PDF format. Get the free Acrobat Reader here. Printed copies of the programme are available in Thetford from the Town Library, from the Ancient House Museum and from our Box Office at the Tourist Information Centre, 2New Horizons, Pal House, Market Place (01842 751975).

To book tickets for events, click here.

MORE PAINE

The following programme additions and corrections apply as at 20 April

6th June   Mr Paine Declined to Dance   display by Norwich Early Dance Group and local children 12.00 and 3pm (not 3.30 as advertised).

Sat 23 May Five Star Brass, the Brass Quintet of The United States Air Forces in Europe Band plays beside the Paine Statue on Bank Holiday Saturday (11.30 - 12.45 )

Monday 1 June Arts Centre Summer Exhibition: Paine and his Age This is the corrected starting date for the exhibition ( not 26 May as in Brochure)

Sat 6th June Paine-ful Laughter drop-in Cartoon & Caricature Workshop with local artist Jim Aitchison in Thetford Arts Centre throughout the day

4th-6th June Tom Paine's Crisis The premiere of this American touring production from the Thomas Paine Society of Pasadena, given as a reading with the opportunity for follow-up audience discussion. Shows

• 4th June 4.30 Library, Lakenheath USAF Base,
• Fri 5th June 3.00 United Reform Church, Diss
• Sat 6th June 2pm and 4pm Thetford Baptist Church

Sun 7th June 10.00 Liberty Cycle Ride gets off from Paine's statue en route to Saffron Walden

Sun 7 th June 10.00 Small Court exhibit from Animation Group repeats

TAKING PART

As well as detailing six months of wide-ranging events from lectures to military reenactment, the Brochure highlights a range of ways in which Thetford residents can take an active part in the entertainments, among them performing in the Community Play, singing with the Thetford Singers, playing cricket with eighteenth century equipment or (as a local firm or community group) taking part in a build-it-yourself Sedan Chair Race! Do telephone the contact numbers in the Brochure for further information.

One additional opportunity to take part is offered to local businesses in and around the town centre.

A feature of the Reenactment and Heritage Weekend of 6th -7th June and the days leading up to it will be the Tom Paine Quiz. Based in part on the Thomas Paine heritage town trail, but already supported by a number of local businesses, it requires contestants to visit interesting parts of the town and enter local establishments in pursuit of the quiz answers.

If you are a town business and would like to host a question which will bring visitors to your premises, please contact John Weeks (01842 820060) in the first instance to be put in touch with the quiz organiser.

Redcoats train for June 7th Skirmish

For further details and to register interest in getting involved see Tom Paine Needs You.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

As well as actors and production staff involved in Reenactment and Community Play, we are looking to build a broader team of volunteer helpers, including stewards, front of house and promotion teams.

If you are interested in joining us, email johnweeks@madasafish.com for further information or download and complete the Volunteer Information form.

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