DICKENS FELLOWSHIP

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22445, 5 July 1938, Page 3

DICKENS FELLOWSHIP

GROUP DISCUSSION OF “OLIVER TWIST” “Oliver Twist’’ was the topic for the meeting of the Christchurch branch of the Dickens Fellowship on Saturday evening. The vice-president (Mr C. Ti Aschman) presided. A talk on the Dickens London of “Oliver Twist” by Mr R. W. S. Eastwood described places mentioned by Dickens. Mr Eastwood described Saffron Hill as the lair of Italian organgrinders arid thieves, and the home at the time of hundreds of Charlie Bates’ and Bill Sikes.' “The Angel” at Islington was a centre of crime, and Bethnel Green, the home of the poor and the criminal, was where Bill Sikes lived and where he murdered Nancy. The Mill Pond or Jacobo’s Island, which had not altered for 30 years, Newgate, and Barnet, of Artful Dodger fame, were described in detail. Dramatic items, “Oliver and the Artful Dodger,” and "Oliver and Noah Claypole.” were given by Masters Ray and Frank Collins, and Ray Blakely, junior pupils of Miss Lucy Cowan. Most of the evening was devoted to the study circle method of studying “Oliver Twist.” The chapter allotted to the different circles were well discussed by the members of each group, and the findings of the circles were conv; yed to the whole meeting by speakers from each. This group discuss’cn method has proved very popular with members of the fellowship, and has brought forward some keen debaters.