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ABSTRACT

In October we met to 'discuss the way forward' as the buzz-phrase has it, and we think we saw one;as in November John Peck delivered an interesting talk on 'Dickens and Science';and in December we braved the Omicron appearance by holding a Christmas meeting, with readings and seasonal refreshments, music provided by member Julie Weaver. ROMA HUSSEY Broadstairs On Saturday 12 February a public event entitled 'Happy Birthday Mr Dickens!' was held at the Pavilion in Broadstairs to celebrate the 210th birthday of Charles Dickens. The Dickens Declaimers performed 'The Jellyby Family' from Bleak House, followed by 'Celebrating a Life', a script consisting of character vignettes as varied as Mr Sapsea, Miss Havisham, Mr Jingle, Louisa Gradgrind and Lady Dedlock amongst others. According to new research, Mr Dick and Miss Havisham were both modelled on two real people who were residing in the area when Dickens visited.