News and Events

The Dickens Fellowship

The Dickens Fellowship is an international organisation which has many branches in the U.K. and all over the world. The Portsmouth Branch is well-established and thriving in this city, having many connections with Charles Dickens, not least the house in which he was born, which has been a museum open to the public for over one hundred years.

If you are interested in the novels and other works of the author, and would like to find out more about his fascinating background and life, there is no better way than joining your local branch of the Fellowship.

Mission Statement

To knit together in a common bond of friendship all lovers of Charles Dickens's writings, and to spread the love of humanity, which is the keynote of all his works.

Portsmouth – the Birth Town of Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens was born on 7th February, 1812 in a small terraced house, number 1 Mile End Terrace, Landport, and lived there for the first four months of his life, before the family moved on to 16 Hawke Street, Portsea. When the house came up for sale in 1903 Portsmouth Corporation bought it, and opened it on 22nd July 1904 as a museum dedicated to the great author. It was administered in the earlier years by the Libraries & Museums Committee. In 1967 the Birthplace needed to be renovated, and its large collection of Dickens-related books, largely supplied by its first curator, Mr Alfred Seale, was transferred to the Central Library, which at that time was the one behind the Guildhall, and which is now Park Building, owned by the University.

What does the Portsmouth Branch do?

We hold regular meetings on the second Tuesday of each month, with the exception of February, July and August. These are held mainly in St. Luke's Church Hall, Greetham Street, and run from 2.30 to 4.30 p.m. The meetings are well-organised, and sometimes include talks, which are usually on a Dickens-related theme. We also have regular discussion and/or readings concerning our book of the year.

What else do we have to offer?

In addition to the meetings we run a number of other events, including:-

• An Annual Birthday Lecture at John Pound's Church, High Street, Old Portsmouth, on the Saturday before 7th February (Charles Dickens's birthday).
• A wreath-laying ceremony at the Birthplace Museum on the 7th February, in celebration of the birth of Charles Dickens.
• A Birthday Tea on the second Tuesday in February.
• A Church Service at St Alban's Church, Copnor on or near the 4th March to celebrate the Baptism of Charles Dickens.
• An annual outing by coach during the month of May.
• An Evensong Service in St. Mary's Church, followed by refreshments and readings from the works of Dickens in the church hall to commemorate the death of Charles Dickens. This takes place on the Sunday nearest to 9th June.
• Film shows at the Frewen Library, University of Portsmouth, Cambridge Road, mostly the films of Dickens's novels.
• An annual outing by coach during the month of May or June.

Forthcoming meetings and events

Programme for the year 2012

Tuesday, 10th January
Background and introduction to “David Copperfield” by Prof. Tony Pointon
 
Saturday, 4th February
THE 14th ANNUAL BIRTHDAY LECTURE
(Sponsored by Portsmouth Grammar School and University Branch of the Fellowship) to be given by Michael Allen: “The Childhood of Charles Dickens” 7.15 for 7.30 p.m. at John Pounds Church, High Street, Old Portsmouth.
 
Tuesday, 7th February
Celebration of the birth of Charles Dickens, in partnership with the City Museums Service, 10.30 for 11.00 a.m. Traditional placing of the wreath at the Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum by our President, the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth.

Tuesday, 14th February
THE BIRTHDAY TEA
Celebrated by both Portsmouth Branches of the Fellowship. There will be a toast to ‘The Immortal Memory’, with a response  on behalf of the City. To be held in St. Luke’s Church Hall, Greetham Street, Portsmouth. Arrive 2.30 for 3 o’clock. Tickets at £6.50 per person to be ordered in advance from Geoff Christopher – 023 9266 4205

Sunday, 4th March
Anniversary of the Baptism of Charles Dickens. At 10.30 a.m. in St Alban’s Church, Copnor.
The proceedings will include a short service at the Font.
 
Tuesday, 13th March
Presentations/discussion of David Copperfield.

Tuesday, 10th April
Talk: by Dr. Tony Williams: “The Hero of my Own Life:  reading David Copperfield in Dickens’s Bicentenary Year”

Tuesday, 8th May
Presentations/discussion of David Copperfield

Sunday, 10th June
Commemoration of the death of Charles Dickens (9.6.1870) 4.00 p.m. Evensong at St. Mary’s Church.
4.30 p.m. Readings and refreshments in the church hall.
 
Tuesday, 12th June
Bring & Buy Sale
Presentations/Discussion of David Copperfield
 
Tuesday, 11th September
Talk: by Mary Verrier:
 “A Poor Child in Portsmouth”
 
Tuesday, 9th October
Presentations/Readings/Discussion of David Copperfield
 
Tuesday, 13th November
Annual General Meeting with Bring & Buy.
(Presentations/Readings/Discussion of David Copperfield.
 
Tuesday, 11th December
A Dickens Christmas Occasion

Additional Events in 2012 to celebrate the Bicentennial

Sunday 5th February
Service at John Pounds Church
Prof Tony Pointon: Charles Dickens and John Pounds  

Monday 6th February
7.00pm Mrs Dickens’s Carriage Ride
Beneficial Hall to The Mile End Birthplace

Tuesday 7th February - Dickens Birthday
9-10.30am Events in Dickens Precinct,
10.30-11.00 Toast: The Immortal Memory and Wreath-Laying,
Noon: Civic “Charles Dickens” Service at St Mary’s Church
(In presence of Lord Lieutenant of the County & Lord Mayor.
Coordinated with Service in Westminster Abbey in
presence of Prince Charles and Mark Dickens. )
2.30pm: Reception and Book-Signing with Simon Callow at New Theatre Royal
7.00pm: Simon Callow as “Charles Dickens” at New Theatre Royal
7.00pm: Opening of “David Copperfield” at King’s Theatre
7.00 for 7.30pm: Charles Dickens Celebration Dinner at the Royal Naval Club (RNC)
“The Dickenses of Portsmouth” Ian Dickens (Gt Gt Grandson)
(Black Tie or Dickensian)

Friday 25th May
Unveiling of Plaque on Rees Hall: time TBA
Celebrating Charles Dickens’s stay at Southsea Pier Hotel, 1866                                                                       
Buffet and Dickens Readings: RNC 6.30 for 7.00pm, RNC
(Lounge suits or equivalent)

Friday 10th August
“Barnaby Rudge” at King’s Theatre, 7.30pm

What does it all cost?

The Branch charges an annual membership fee to members of only £6. This is exceptionally good value for money, and covers all meetings and communication. Certain events, such as the Annual Coach Outing and the Birthday Tea, carry a separate cost, and members are informed of the ticket prices well in advance.

How do you find out more?

For further details and information, or if you would like to consider joining the Dickens Fellowship, please contact:

Geoffrey Christopher:
Tel: 023 92664205

Prof. Tony Pointon:
Tel: 023 92382241

Declaration of Intent

The Bicentenary Annual Dickens Conference will be from 9th to 14th August, 2012 in Portsmouth. To help with our planning, it would be useful if people could make a "declaration of intent" about attending, by sending a short message to geoffreychristopher132@btinternet.com.