DICKENS EVENING

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26030, 6 February 1950, Page 2

DICKENS EVENING

PARTY AT SIGN OF TAKAHE

To ceiebrate the birthday of Dickens about 80 members of the Dickens Fellowship and their friends held an enjoyable gathering at the Sign of the Takahe on Saturday evening. The president (Miss B. Craig) welcomed the guests, among whom were Miss Mary Wigley and the Rev. J. Hervey as guests of honour.

A highlight was a 'dress parade of Dickens characters. About 24 persons, each of whom was beautifully gowned in costumes of the period, paraded in a perfect setting for old-world frocks. A brief description of each character was given by Mr A. E. Caddick, who also gave an address on the writings and life of Dickens.

Bouquets made by Miss Beatrice Park were presented to Miss Craig and the secretary (Mrs J. Allott) for their work for the organisation. Those who contributed items towards the programme were:—piano solos, Misses Jennifer Barnard, Allison Dailey; sketch in character. Mrs E. Grainger. Messrs George McCleary, H. S. Cordery, Norman Stouppe, E. Cordery: songs and duets, Mr and Mrs S. D. Wilson: monologue. Mr J. P. O’Sullivan: banjo solo, Mrs H. G. Reeves. Messrs Stouppe, Ray Estall and J. Railton played the accompaniments.