DICKENS FELLOWSHIP

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 36, 12 February 1936, Page 16

DICKENS FELLOWSHIP

Sincere regret at the death of his late Majesty King George V was passed at the last meeting of the Dickens Fellowship.

The secretary reported on the disposal of the funds raised at a social last year for Christmas cheer, and was commended for the discreet and generous provision made, it being remarked how truly Dickensian was the spirit and atmosphere created by giver and recipient.

Greetings from two members in Japan were received, while Christmas greetings and cards from other branches were displayed.

A letter from Miss Braye, travelling in England, contained tickets for the annual conference in London in March. The secretary read a "Dickens Medley" received from Miss Braye. Reference was made to the dramatic branch of the fellowship, and the president wished the members success in their new premises.

During the evening two sketches, Mrs. Todgers and Baily Junior, were presented in costume. These were represented by Mrs. Johnstone and Ron Ritchie. An impression of Mr. Micawber, and a Dickens monologue, featuring Sidney Carton and Uriah Heep, were contributed by lan Galloway. Mr. Smythe, in truly Pickwickian manner, gave a reading from Pickwick Papers. An apotheosis of Jonas Chuzzlewit, from the Pall Mall Magazine, was read by Mrs. Cruttenden. The writer of this clever article found one redeeming, feature in this otherwise notorious character. Jonas Chuzzlewit had the happy rapacity of being able to appreciate the "free shows" of London, and the writer took- his readers on tour with Jonas to visit the places made real and vivid by the pen and the associations of Charles Dickens.

Mrs. Price rendered a bracket of four songs, seLf-accompanied. Mention was made of the fact that February 11 was the 124th anniversary of the birth of Dickens. The Brotherhood Chorus and the National Anthem closed a very enjoyable evening.