charlesdickenslondon
History of St Katharine Docks
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Christopher West: Posted on 14 May 2013 17:18
  Today's Marina is thriving and picturesque, close to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London; a fine place to visit with its cafes and restaurants, bustling with activity and delight. But the story goes right back to the 11th century, the Ancient Hospital and Church, patronised by Royalty, giving way for the famous Docks, which imported and exported the World's most luxurious items at the height of Empire and then its gradual decline, war damage and closure, to rise again phenomenally, a catalyst to begin the regeneration of Docklands, inspiring new planning for London Docks, the DLR and Canary Wharf. Do get in touch if you have old photographs or memories- part of the book will describe today's community and the recent past.
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Christopher West: Posted on 01 April 2013 12:13
This lively couple will be missed by many of the friends made while they birthed here at St K Docks. Larry hails originally from the UK, becoming an airline pilot and captain with Air Canada, while Mary Anne is Canadian, with a music teaching background (at Ottowa University) and an insatiable appetite for baroque music. Following retirement, they watched their beloved Traversay III being built, then sailing it around the world for the last nine years. They stayed here for six months last year, then returned following a cruise around Germany and Norway (where the above picture was taken). During the past six months here,  Mary Anne has had a hired clavichord on board and has helped to raise £1200 for Red Nose Day; she has loved all the free music concerts and museum visits here, as well as playing baroque music with other talented artists. Larry has loved jogging as far as Shadwell Basin and lots of splendid walks around London. Not everyone has a state of the art electronic piano under the bed, but, of course, they do! Larry is a great computer buff, so he is OK too.They both feel deeply touched by the friendliness of the community here, particularly the Friends Of St Katharine Docks and others in the boating community. They are now returning to Canada, so bon voyage and very best wishes.
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Christopher West: Posted on 01 April 2013 03:17
 This ceremony took place at the beginning of the Easter Dayservice at All Hallows By The Tower. The Paschal Candle was lit from the new fire and taken into the church, representing the resurrection of Christ, to set christians aflame with the love of God and the radiance of His heavenly glory. Rev'd Bertrand Olivier (pictured here) is the vicar of All Hallows, which is the oldest church in the City, founded centuries before The Tower Of London, though closely associated  neighbours. The fine, grade one listed building dates back to 675 AD and is steeped in history, including an uncovered Roman pavement and the tower from which Samuel Pepys and his friend, Admiral Sir William Penn (his son, also named William, who founded Pennsylvania) watched as London burned in the Great Fire Of London in 1666.
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Christopher West: Posted on 23 November 2012 08:56
"The Matthews Family perform for your delight, a dramatic and musical celebration of the mid-Victorian explorers who searched for the NW Passage, the fate of HM Discovery Ship RESOLUTE, and the Wilkie Collins/Charles Dickens 1856 Christmas play collaboration, The Frozen Deep. With a cast that includes Sir John Franklin, Captain Edward "Hell Afloat" Belcher (the villain), the noble Captain Henry Kellett (the Hero), Captain James Buddington, Charles Dickens, Lady Jane Franklin (the Heroine), and Queen Victoria herself. Fun will be had by all!"
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Christopher West: Posted on 18 November 2012 10:43
 A poem by Matthew Thompson, a young outpatient at GOSH, set to music by Christopher Schlechte-Bond. The title is "I'm So Happy To Have You There", and will be sung for Matthew, his family and friends (and, of course, the public) at Dickens Day For GOSH. They will also sing a selection of their favourite carols. The photo shows the composer holding the music, accompanied by Lucinda Hawksley, well known great great great granddaughter of Charles Dickens, and myself. We are standing in Rules Restaurant, on the actual spot where the great man ate regularly at his favourite table.
The Choristers are all university students (undergrad/postgrad)). Running for the past two years, the choir has sung some major choral works, including Mozart's Requiem, Carl Orff's Carmina Burana and Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, our next concert being a performance of Brahms' Requiem at King's College London's Strand Campus on the 2nd of December. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/kingscollegechorus!
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Christopher West: Posted on 06 September 2012 21:51
Charity No 235825
 This major event will be held at the Royal Society of Medicine, On Sunday 25th November, and will bring children together to celebrate Charles Dickens huge influence on legal reform, education and hospitals. There will be Dickensian music performed by schools and i ndividuals, Christmas Fayre, displays and exhibits, and a series of fun talks, cartoons and
 films, all about Charles Dickens and his London. You may know that Dickens played a great part in helping Great Ormond Street Hospital to grow and thrive- all money raised will be donated to this great hospital. Anyone interested in this exciting event, whether teachers, performers, exhibitors, sponsors, fund raisers or volunteers, please get in touch- it promises to be an excellent event.
Venue's Luxury Theatre and splendid Exhibition Hall / Christmas Fayre Space:
 The Royal Society of Medicine is at the end ofWimpole Street, opposite the rear of House of Fraser, Oxford street, London W1. |
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Charles Dickens London: Posted on 27 August 2012 09:52
 "Whatever I have tried to do in life, I have tried with all my heart to do it well; whatever I have devoted myself to, I have devoted myself completely; in great aims and in small I have always thoroughly been in earnest." Charles Dickens said this towards the end of his life. We will explore what famous critics had to say, both good and bad, then measure this against definitions of excellence. Comments are welcome.
This splendid historical pub is the venue for some of my Talks about Charles Dickens. It is opposite the Royal Courts of Justice and just along from St Mary's Le Strand, where Dickens parents were married.
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Christopher West: Posted on 24 August 2012 07:42
 In my Talk, we'll discuss how others perceived Charles Dickens, his aspirations and legacy. Queen Victoria commented, shortly after Dickens died, in her diary, 'He had a large loving mind and the strongest sympathy with the poorer classes. He felt sure a  better feeling, and much greater  union of classes, would take place in time. And I pray earnestly it may'. We'll also look at some of his critics and their views.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 16 August 2012 08:00
 This Talk will follow how Charles Dickens became motivated and able to turn adversity into success. Even for his earliest work, when he was struggling for recognition and acceptance, he insisted on the highest quality from publishers and illustrators. Of course, he knew failure and had setbacks, but still thrust forward, to earn his place as the leading reformer of his time, second only to Shakespeare in the world of
literature, and one of the finest stage performers with his one man shows. This theme will also be celebrated in my major charity event in November, celebrating 200 years of Charles Dickens, raising funds for Great Ormond Hospital, the hospital that is very grateful for Dickens support and huge patronage. The Talk will take place at The George
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charles dickens london: Posted on 24 July 2012 18:16
 We now have a splendid lego
windmill and stage being built
to show a Danish programme
of fighting vikings and musical
events. I'm told that there will
be all kinds of Danish food on
offer, and lots of surprises yet to be announced.  The grand opening will be on
Friday. St Katharine Docks is
filling now with boats visiting
for the Olympics, and we
already have the Chinese Junk and the fascinating Phoenicia, so there is a great deal to see while you are here.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 21 July 2012 07:50
Charles Dickens writings had a big
influence on the governments of both
Gladstone and Disraeli, leading to the
abolition of the outdated courts around Westminster Hall, and the building of
The Royal Courts Of Justice. Do come along
to my next Talk, where we will discuss much more about this great man's first hand experience of the law, and how his work  helped to reform it.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 15 July 2012 08:37
 This major event, in November, will bring children together to celebrate Charles Dickens huge influence on legal reform, education and hospitals. There will be Dickensian music performed by schools and individuals, Edwardian craft, displays and exhibits, and a series of fun talks, cartoons and films, all about Charles Dickens and his London. You may know
 that Dickens played a great part in helping Great Ormond Street Hospital to grow and thrive- all money raised will be donated to this great hospital.Anyone interested in this exciting event, whether teachers, performers, exhibitors, sponsors, donors, please do get in touch on chriswand co@yahoo.co.uk. |
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 03 July 2012 09:14
 Last minute tickets are still available, so come along
and pay on arrival. The Talk is ideal for those who
haven't yet heard enough about the life of
Charles Dickens and his huge influence on literature
and social reform- he was also the most sought after
speaker of his time and was a great entertainer.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 01 July 2012 10:49
The Embankment was created
during the 1860's, prior to which,
most of it was just part of the
River Thames. This film shows
the Embankment Gardens at
Temple, and the statue of William
Forster, the liberal reformer who
introduced elementary education
for all children, following in good
Dickensian tradition.It is also close
to the internationally famous
barristers headquarters recently
featured in the television series 'Silk'.
 This fine print shows early construction
work on London's Embankment, the earlier triumph of Joseph Bazalgette, prior to his engineering brilliance in building London's sewers, still in
service today.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 29 June 2012 08:56
 The Strand looked so different, of course, in Charles Dickens time.  The sound of the horses hooves and the huge number of street vendors shouting for business made it almost deafening at times, not to forget
the smells of smoke and of rotting rubbish and worse. This is the London
that so inspired Charles Dickens to become the great writer, reformer and
entertainer. Tickets still available from The George In The Strand or on the
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 28 June 2012 18:07
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 26 June 2012 11:36
 This splendid Chinese Junk will be here in St Katharine Docks until at least after the Olympics. Hua Shan is the main brains behind this whole venture, bringing the first Chinese vessel up the Thames for many, many years. The boat was shipped from Hong Kong to Tilbury
 (costing megabucks), but was apparently delayed in a queue at Suez, so, just missing its pride of place in the Royal Pageant celebrations. He is the father of Alexander Hua Tian, the young Chinese event
equestrian, and husband of British wife Sarah Noble.
 Hua Shan has told me that they will be entertaining many of the Chinese Olympics team; with his son's strong links with horse eventing, who knows who some of the English guests may be? |
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 24 June 2012 06:16
 This is St Mary le Strand, the fine church where Charles Dickens parents were
married, just along from The George,
where my Talk will be held.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 21 June 2012 07:00
 Charles Dickens mentions tea and tea shop(pe)s numerously throughout his writings; he famously quotes from the 18th century nursery rhyme 'Polly put the kettle on' in Barnaby Rudge. In Oliver Twist, Dickens uses the precise teamaking ceremony of Mrs
Corney, the matron of workhouse, to display her self-satisfaction, and
she is wooed over a cup of tea by the grasping, tyrannical beadle, Mr
Bumble, who, after her leaving the room, inspects her tea-making
implements to check that it is 'genuine silver'. Most famous among tea suppliers is, of course, Twinings. Their delightful shop and museum is next to my venue, The George In The Strand. They describe themselves as follows: 'Thomas Twining bought Tom's Coffee
House on London's Strand in 1706. The location of the shop
was perfect as it straddled the border between Westminster and the
City of London, an area that was newly populated with the
aristocracy displaced by the Great Fire of London'. - You can also taste, free of charge (and so refreshing).
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 17 June 2012 10:49
 If you aren't yet too
familiar about the
details of Charles Dickens life, this will recap the
important facts and we will
also discuss Dickensian
 London, with emphasis on
nearby Covent Garden,
Fleet Street, Strand and
The Old Bailey. This
delightful painting is of The
 Strand in Dickensian time.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 15 June 2012 18:32
 The Phoenicia is a fascinating replica of
sailing vessels dating back to 600 BC,
when the Phoenicians were the World's
first great maritime traders.
St Katharine Docks witnessed the heights
of GB as the latest great sea power, so
how splendid for us to see so far back
 into maritime history. Captain Phillip Beale
is totally dedicated and immersed in this
project, and an early visit may be a shrewd
idea, because it is obviously going to be a
great attraction, open until September;
very informative, with all kinds of important
historical information. Do visit, you'll love it!
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 06 June 2012 08:07
 What a wonderful Queen! And husband, Prince Phillip.
This evening's Talk at 6 pm will share much more
about Her Majesty and we will continue the celebration
by talking about Her links with Charles Dickens, also
with her great grandmother Queen Victoria. We will be
eating together after the Talk finishes, at 7.30 pm.
 The George On The Strand, opposite The Royal Courts
Of Justice. Otherwise, do come along and pay on  arrival, there should be space available.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 05 June 2012 12:55
 Settling down now, towards the
end of this triumphant celebration
of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. A
lovely surprise for me, was to see
Gloriana moored here in the docks.
The million pound row barge,
painstakingly hand built, which took
more than four years by 60 craftsmen,
 was certainly one of
the main attractions in the Thames
Diamond Jubilee Pageant
this weekend, leading more than 1,000 boats to honour the occasion. The first
royal barge to be built in 100 years,
Gloriana was powered on the day by
18 oarsmen, led by Britain's greatest
Olympian, Steve Redgrave. The  organisation here seems to have been
a great success; with bigger crowds than ever before, the management
team should be delighted (and probably exhausted).
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charlesdickenslondon.net: Posted on 05 June 2012 07:57
 What a marvellous weekend of
celebrations. Join us to hear more about
Charles Dickens and Two Great Queens.
There are fascinating letters and
memorabilia at Buckingham Palace,
recording close links to Dickens.
Tickets are still available at The George,
 through Skiddle.com, or my website:
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 04 June 2012 08:46
 The Queen and Prince Phillip obviously enjoyed themselves
enormously, and so did the people.
The atmosphere here was full of joy,
pride, fun and thrills; absolutely
splendid and unique. Thanks and
praise to a most wonderful Monarch.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 03 June 2012 07:53
 The Queen has always used
Twinings Tea for Her own use.
Do visit their fabulous shop
for a free cup of any tea you
choose- it's next door to where I hold my Talks at The George
In The Strand. There will be
plenty more to look at, while
we celebrate Her sixty years
of dutiful service to the Nation.
The Queen's links with Her great
grandmother, Queen Victoria
and Charles Dickens will also be
discussed. We will be eating at The George,
after the Talk, you are warmly invited to join us.
Tickets for the Talk:
'Charles Dickens And Two Great Queens', are still available at Skiddle.com
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 02 June 2012 15:52
gathering
to admire
all the boats
coming into
our docks. |
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 01 June 2012 16:10
   Excitement is mounting at our
splendid St Katharine Docks. Everyone already seems to be
in holiday mood, with crowds
gathering to see the fabulous
array of different boats. Many of them will be open to the
public during the weekend.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 31 May 2012 07:05
 Tickets are still available
for my Talk on the 6th at
The George In The Strand.
Do also join us for a celebration
meal after the Talk at 7.30 pm.
 The George is easy to find,opposite the Royal Courts Of Justice. |
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christopher west: Posted on 29 May 2012 18:25
 This gorgeous young girl is my granddaughter Natasha, the inspiration for Dickens Day. Her life was saved by brilliant surgeons at Great Ormond Street Hospital- she was only four weeks old when admitted to GOSH, with a cyst in her throat. Days passed as these top world experts observed and tested. The situation became critical, so she was put in intensive care. Days later,
 her condition dramatically worsened and she was operated on as an emergency; we understand that there were seven surgeons involved! The life saving operation was successful- thank you, so much, GOSH. The cyst was eventually identified as benign, and we can now hardly see the scar . Paul was marvellous with the children and coping, Natasha's brother Oskar and his younger sister Lola were so very worried, and behaved splendidly, during this incredibly stressful period for all of us. |
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 29 May 2012 11:09
 Ian Jack, well known Royal
correspondent, writes 'Our
attachment to the Queen is perhaps greater than we yet
 realise. The Queen is one of
our last links to a workaday
Britain that has nearly vanished,
a country that Dickens would
still recognise'.This will be
discussed in my next Talk at
The George on the 6th. |
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 28 May 2012 18:35
 Excitement is mounting about Queen Elizabeth achieving
60 years on the throne. Charles Dickens adored
Queen Victoria, and though very critical about politicians
and Parliament, I believe he would have enormously
respected our present Queen's sense of dedication and
 duty towards the Nation. Her Majesty is very knowledgeable about Dickens; we'll be looking at this in depth at the George in the Strand, on the 6th June, soon after the Celebration weekend. |
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 26 May 2012 10:55
 Queen Elizabeth is well known to have
 admired the work of Charles Dickens,
and this will be extensively discussed at
my next Talk at the George In The Strand on 6th June. We will also be discussing
Dickens relationship with the Queen of his
time, Queen Victoria. There is tremendous
 excitement growing about the Jubilee
celebrations, so do join us for dinner at
The George to celebrate, following the Talk |
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 24 May 2012 12:02
 Some of you will know I reviewed this show previously at the Landor Theatre.
It has now opened in the West End and is truly excellent. Do just book up and
go to see it.
The Mystery of Edwin Drood at the Arts Theatre- Explores Charles Dickens
unfinished final novel, who died half way through writing it. We are introduced
to members of the 'Theatre Royale', by an excellent, traditional Chairman
(Denis Delahunt), hosting a music hall style rendition of the story. Pre show
 opening songs, such as 'Champagne Charlie', cleverly transforms the Arts Theatre into a 19th century Music Hall, buzzing with audience participation (song sheets provided) stiffened by cast members in the auditorium, successfully
encouraging people to join in. The Musical Play then begins and the plot develops
quickly, amidst good songs, sung well by various characters. The plot works
through the murder (or was it)? The first act needs time to develop because of
the depth of Dickens characterisation. Possible motives are presented for each
  suspect- obvious clues are amusingly emphasised, then the audience is asked to
vote, after passionate pleadings from each suspect to vote for Them! The vote
scene is hilarious, and there is much wit and funny lines throughout. Most
impressive is the combined strength of the cast; each member oozing proficiency in clarity, expression and timbre. The songs provide great variety, some being used cleverly to develop character, interspersed with gusty choruses from 'the entire company'- every movement is choreographed with panache and
fine detail. Music is voraciously led from the electric piano by James Cleeve, including flute, clarinet, percussion, trumpet and cello, (I couldn't discern a single wrong note)! Costumes and scenery are very impressive. Each performer shows professional sparkle and excellence, but the extra gush and tingle factor came for me as Wendi Peters powerfully and reliably let rip from the very first note of 'Don't Quit While You're Ahead', right up to the end of the show, inspiring those around her superbly, with a stirringly excellent finale, she is now, historically, a Music Hall Star! Finally, the serious strands of this Dickensian feast are subtly brought together in 'The Writing On The Wall' by Edwin Drood (Natalie Day), who sings with great feeling and emotion. Dickens was himself a successful entertainer, so would have loved this delightful production - he would also have savoured the argument, mystery and stimulation of debate, and would have adored the excitement in the audience. This novel is well documented as the most discussed of all, and for good reason. The production has grown tremendously beyond the Landor, and I did write that I believed it should get to the West End- the obvious courage, determination and graft that has gone into 'Drood' has paid off splendidly. The intimate, comfortable Arts Theatre, is a delightful venue. Does more await? Certainly it is good enough! The timing is right, celebrating 200 years of the great man. In any event, again, congratulations to the cast, production team and Director Matthew Gould.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 23 May 2012 11:53
 Thank you everyone who came to Monday's
Talk about Charles Dickens and the East End,
and for the kind comments received. My own thanks to Father Michael for being an excellent
 host at his historic Hawksmoor Church, St George In The East. Thanks also to Martha Leigh, who
was so interesting about 'the old days' life in
Wapping |
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 20 May 2012 12:31
 Splendid event and most enjoyable, sharing a historic, traditional custom, reminding us of important values which are still as valid today, despite all the apparant change around us. There are many more photos available, please contact me at chriswandco@yahoo.co.uk.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 20 May 2012 10:50
 My next Talk tomorrow, 21st May,
will include many references to
Charles Dickens, during the 40 years
plus that he was involved with the
 East End. Martha Leigh will bring alive
just what it was like to live in Wapping
'in the old days'.
The splendid St George In The East
Church will be our historic venue,
then people are welcome to join us for drinks or coffee in the bar at
 nearby, Wiltons Music Hall, famouslyknown as the first Music Hall ever.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 19 May 2012 08:03
 Wendi Peters stars as Princess Puffer in a revival of Rupert Holmes’ 1986 musical version of Dickens’,The Mystery Of Edwin Drood, which transfers to the Arts Theatre this week (22 May-17 June) following its recent run at the Landor. I was pleased to have reviewed
the show when it was at the Landor, and am thrilled that they are now
deservedly opening in the West End. It's a very strong cast, sparklingly
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 17 May 2012 09:34
 The East End was well known
to Charles Dickens. He visited
Rookeries with the police, loved
the stage attractions at Hoxton
and Hackney, and featured
Limehouse, Whitechapel and
Docklands in Dombey and Son
and Our Mutual Friend.
These will all be discussed in my locally at Hussey Quality Butchers
in Wapping.-
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 16 May 2012 09:01
Sir Ian McKellan talks brilliantly about The Grapes, where Charles Dickens danced on the table at age 10,
and used the pub as a model for the pub featured in his second
 last
novel 'A Mutual Friend'.
Dickens was associated with Limehouse and nearby for forty years.
Do join us at St Mary In The East
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 15 May 2012 15:34
 We will be having drinks in the bar at
Wiltons Music Hall after the Talk. It's
only a few minutes walk from our venue, St George In The East. They serve tea
and coffee as well as drinks, and will have tasty bagels available for anyone who's
 hungry; it's also a good opportunity to
have a look around, if you haven't been
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 12 May 2012 08:36
 NEXT PUBLIC TALK:Charles Dickens And The East End, with guest Martha Leigh,talking about her book, 'Memories of Wapping 1900 to 1960'.
Venue: St George In The East, The Highway,London E.1.
Time: 6.00 pm to 7.30 pm
Tickets £5: Concessions £4. or at the door, (if room permits).
This splendid Hawkesmoor church was
built in 1729 and looks magnificent from
The Highway. Sadly, the interior was
destroyed by a bomb during the Blitz, but
beautifully restored early in the 1960's. I
feel privileged to be able to use this
wonderful place as a venue. The church's
history is fascinating, and well documented
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 08 May 2012 07:48
There is still space, so do come along to my Talk at the George this afternoon at 4.30 pm; tickets will be available at the door. Dickens was the greatest novelist of his time and he used his pen and personality to become the greatest reformer of his time. We will explore his experience of the law from childhood to old age.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 07 May 2012 08:44
 Sir Henry Dickens was the most successful of Dickens' children, becoming one of the most senior judges, as The Common Serjeant of London(full title The Serjeant-at-Law in the Common Hall).
This is an ancient British legal
office, first recorded in 1291, and is the second most senior permanent
judge of the Central Criminal Court, after the Recorder of London, first recorded in 1291.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 06 May 2012 14:59
 There are so many attractions near the George; another one is the Apex Hotel at Serjeants Inn. This splendid photo shows Wilfredo, the smart Philippino
Doorman Extraordinaire, next to the green elephant (which represents the company's dedication to improving the environment).The area immediately
 around has a rich
history forged by Templars, Serjeants, barristers and journalists.The Apex Temple Court Hotel occupies the site of one of the historic
Serjeants’ Inns which housed on order of barrister’s known as the
Serjeants-at-Law. The last record of the Serjeants-at-Law here dates
from their departure in 1730. More in my Talk on the 8th.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 04 May 2012 22:35
Another attraction I love near the George On The Strand is Twinings Tea. In there you can spend time tasting any tea you want; and while you are savouring their teas you can read all about their incredible history, which stretches back hundreds of years; do take the opportunity to visit there, |
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 03 May 2012 07:48
Tickets are selling well through Skiddle on my website, or use pay pal if you
prefer. The George is a beautifull, historical pub, exactly opposite the Royal Courts of Justice. You can visit the Courts, and the
Central Hall is well worth seeing if you have time before my Talk.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 01 May 2012 09:31
 Talk: Introduction to Charles Dickens and
His London.Tickets are still available, so
do come along; this is my favourite venue, right in the centre of the beautiful
marina and near the Tower of London.
We follow all the major facts and events
 in his life, and look at what London was
really like in Dickensian times.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 30 April 2012 08:11
  Charles Dickens loved his stay in Italy.
He enjoyed visiting both Rome and Pisa, and to celebrate after my Talk
about Charles Dickens and his London, Zizzi have come up with two
special dishes for the occasion, for those who want to eat after the
Talk. Firstly, they have created 'Pizza Roma- St Katharine Docks', which
is a Margherita with added pepperoni and sausage. There will also be an
ice cream dish which will lean just like the Leaning Tower, which
will be called 'Gelati Leaning Tower of Pisa', with the flavour of your
choice. These will be at a special low price AND feature 25% discount on
the food bill.Please remember to book your reservation.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 29 April 2012 12:15
 The day long festival celebrating 200 years of Charles Dickens was most enjoyable yesterday. Griff Rhys Jones (excellent as Fagin recently at Drury Lane) was splendid as Chairman for the morning session, and the day progressed with wave after wave of good speakers, talking about a whole range of specific topics, from new facts about Warren's Boot Blacking Factory, through heritage plaques commemorating where he had lived, to early films featuring the great man's work. A great success, hearty congratulations to all the organisers and also to the hard working volunteers who were charming and very efficient.For those who missed it, choose second best and just come along to one of my next Talks.
 Incidentally, St Mary's Le Strand is in the middle of the road, opposite the entrance to Kings College. This is the church where 'Dickensianism started' Why? It's where Charles Dickens parents got married! |
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