Dickensians in front of Dickens statue

Our man has had yet another birthday and Dickensians went to Centennial Park to help him celebrate!  Geraniums (Dickens favourite flowers) were laid at the feet of the “the Inimitable” as 25 members gathered there to hear President Michelle Cavanagh relate the story of this, the oldest Dickens statue in the world (1891).  This was followed by a short series of readings of Dickensian letters on the topic of birthdays conducted by Michelle with the help of Catherine Barker and Geoffrey Usher who also recited a couple of the poems of Henry Lawson on the subject of Dickens.

At the celebratory lunch held in the Centennial Park Restaurant afterwards a toast was proposed by Michelle and NSWDS Vice President Brigitte Lucey to Dickens and the birthday cake was cut.  A good time was had by all!  Happy Birthday Charles Dickens!!

Michelle Cavanagh & Brigitte Lucey propose a toast before cutting the cake

See the full story of the Dickens statue here at the Centennial Parklands blog.