Thursday, 6 December 2012
Haiku Review: A Christmas Carol
Haiku Review: A Christmas Carol: A year ago I wrote this response to 'A Christmas Carol' - directed by Tim Carroll and performed by Dominic Gerrard. I loved it, and I'm del...
Saturday, 11 August 2012
Charles Dickens Day for Great Ormond Street Hospital
Charles Dickens Day for Great Ormond Street Hospital
Sunday 25th November is now the date, at the
The Day will involve schools and groups presenting Dickensian themed drama and music in the splendid 
presented by celebrity speakers. Please do get in
Charles Dickens Day for Great Ormond Street Hospital
Sunday 25th November is now the date, at the awesome Royal Society Of Medicine at
1, Wimpole Street, W1. It will be a great day for
celebratating 200 years of Charles Dickens and
his importantant link with the great Hospital.
charity no 235825
The Day will involve schools and groups presenting Dickensian themed drama and music in the splendid Theatre, an exhibition and Christmas Fayre, as well
as a programme of Talks , films and cartoons, some
presented by celebrity speakers. Please do get in touch if you would like to take part, volunteer to
help, or want more information.
Monday, 30 July 2012
Charles Dickens And The Law, Wednesday 4.30 pm
Do come along to my next
Talk on Wednesday at 4.30 pm;
Dickens was the greatest
Dickens was the greatest
novelist and reformer of his
time and we will explore his
experience and observations
of the law from his childhood
to old age. We will see how
he influenced law reform
through his writing and great
personality, helping to pave the way for the building of
The Royal Courts Of Justice.
Saturday, 28 July 2012
volunteers wanted for big Charles Dickens GOSH event in November in Central London, London | Community Chest | Gumtree.com
volunteers wanted for big Charles Dickens GOSH event in November
Central London, London
The event will involve school children and individuals performing Dickensian type music and drama, programme of talks, films and videos about Dickens, themed craft fayre etc.
I would love to hear from anyone interested in helping; this may include advice and ideas, sharing of experience from past events etc. I hope to find people who can share with coordinating sponsorship, organising, fund raising, admin etc. Students, teachers, parents, experienced and inexperienced , do get in touch.
By building a small, dedicated team, linking to a wider group of interested people, we can achieve a great and enjoyable day, raise money for an excellent cause, make a difference for lots of children, WITHOUT TOO MUCH HARD WORK.
Sunday, 22 July 2012
volunteers wanted for big Charles Dickens GOSH event in November in Central London, London | Community Chest | Gumtree.com
I am organising a one day family event in the Strand, which will bring children together to celebrate Charles Dickens and his reform influence on education, law and social conditions, raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital, with which he was deeply involved.
The event will involve school children and individuals performing Dickensian type music and drama, programme of talks, films and videos about Dickens, themed craft fayre etc.
I would love to hear from anyone interested in helping; this may include advice and ideas, sharing of experience from past events etc. I hope to find people who can share with coordinating sponsorship, organising, fund raising, admin etc. Students, teachers, parents, experienced and inexperienced , do get in touch.
By building a small, dedicated team, linking to a wider group of interested people, we can achieve a great and enjoyable day, raise money for an excellent cause, make a difference for lots of children, WITHOUT TOO MUCH HARD WORK.
The event will involve school children and individuals performing Dickensian type music and drama, programme of talks, films and videos about Dickens, themed craft fayre etc.
I would love to hear from anyone interested in helping; this may include advice and ideas, sharing of experience from past events etc. I hope to find people who can share with coordinating sponsorship, organising, fund raising, admin etc. Students, teachers, parents, experienced and inexperienced , do get in touch.
By building a small, dedicated team, linking to a wider group of interested people, we can achieve a great and enjoyable day, raise money for an excellent cause, make a difference for lots of children, WITHOUT TOO MUCH HARD WORK.
Thursday, 19 July 2012
Charles Dickens and the Law of His Time at The George - Talks
Charles Dickens and the Law of His Time at The George - Talks
A talk by Christopher West on the law in the time of Dickens and his views on it. With the subject at the heart of many of his books, this should be an engaging and informative event, with the opportunity to participate in a discussion after West's talk. The George is offering a 'Dickens-style' menu at a discounted price for those who book to eat at the pub after the talk.
A talk by Christopher West on the law in the time of Dickens and his views on it. With the subject at the heart of many of his books, this should be an engaging and informative event, with the opportunity to participate in a discussion after West's talk. The George is offering a 'Dickens-style' menu at a discounted price for those who book to eat at the pub after the talk.
Wednesday, 11 July 2012
http://thealexandermilesgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/a.png
http://thealexandermilesgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/a.png
Congratulations Alexander Miles- what an excellent day, with all the entertainment and everyone having a fine time- we are lucky to have you and the gallery , with your flair and high standards.
Congratulations Alexander Miles- what an excellent day, with all the entertainment and everyone having a fine time- we are lucky to have you and the gallery , with your flair and high standards.
Tuesday, 3 July 2012
Charles Dickens London - Charles Dickens Ghost and his London
Talk Today-Tickets still available, George In The Strand
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.
For more details click here.
Sunday, 1 July 2012
Charles Dickens Talk, 3rd July George in the Strand
Charles Dickens Talk, 3rd July George in the Strand
| Embankment Gardens, near The George On The Strand, where I do my Talks about Charles Dickens and His London. |
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.
To book tickets, press here.
Friday, 29 June 2012
charlesdickenslondon
Talk: Introducing Charles Dickens And His London
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
website. For more details: click here. To buy tickets: click here.
Tuesday, 26 June 2012
Junk HUANTIAN in St Katharine Docks
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
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?
(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?Thursday, 21 June 2012
Charles Dickens London - Charles Dickens Ghost and his London
charlesdickenslondon
Introduction To Charles Dickens And Tea at my next Talk, July 3rd
| Twinings Tea |
| Well worth a visit. Next to The George On The Strand, where I do my Talks about Charles Dickens and His London. |
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).Wednesday, 20 June 2012
Charles Dickens London - Charles Dickens Ghost and his London
St Katharine Docks
I live near here and am very conscious of the historical importance of the area. Just upstream is the Tower of London,
the City of London is close by to the North, while eastwards,
St Katharine's Way leads to Wapping and Limehouse, where
Charles Dickens spent some of his early childhood.
The dock lies in the shadow of Tower Bridge. This part of the Thames has witnessed the arrival of the Romans, the monarchs
travelling between Greenwich and Hampton Court, the
Great Fire of London, the rise (and decline) of London as the
greatest port in the world, right up to today's magnificent
Thames Festivals.
Phoenicia, on board exhibition at St Katharine Dockscharlesdickenslondon: Posted on Friday, June 15, 2012 6:32 PM
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 Philip Beale is totally dedicated and immersed in this project, and an early visit may be shrewd idea, because it is
obviously going to be a great attraction open until
September; children will love
it as well. His website,
is very informative,
with all kinds of important
historical information. Do visit, you'll love it!
| St Katharine Docks celebrating Queen Elizabeth's 60 years on the throne |
| Wonderfully unique Thames Pageant, with the Queen and Prince Phillip enjoying every minute of this great spectacle.. |
Posted on Monday, June 04, 2012 8:46 AM
What a fabulous event.
The Queen and Prince Phillip obviously enjoyed themselves
enormously, and so did the
people, probably more than
ever before).The atmosphere here
was full of joy, pride, fun and thrills;
absolutely splendid and unique.
Thanks and praise to
a most wonderful Monarch.
Posted on Tuesday, June 05, 2012 12:55 PMSettling 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.
Beating The Bounds: Allhallows Church By The TowerThis church is one of the most historically important ones
of it kind, and so very worthwhile to visit. Beating the Bounds
is an ancient custom still observed in many English parishes.
Its roots go back to mediaeval times when parishes reaffirmed
their boundaries by processing round them at Rogationtide,
stopping to beat each boundary mark with wands and to pray
for protection and blessings for the land.
At All Hallows we beat the bounds of our parish every year on
Ascension Day. Plenty more interesting detail on 
Nightingale Lane was, for hundreds of years, renowned for being home to villains of all kinds; it separated St Katharine Docks from London Dock and it has now been renamed Thomas More Street. Times Newspapers transferred here from Fleet Street some time ago, and press people were here again today, hoping to get sight of Rupert Murdoch, talking to staff at the Sun. Carrying on an old tradition or an unfortunate coincidence? Saturday, 16 June 2012
Please support Great Ormond Street Hospital charlesdickenslondon: Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 6:25 PM This gorgeous young girl is my grandaughter Natasha. Her life was saved by brilliant surgeons at Great Ormond Street Hospital- she was only eight weeks old. My daughter Camilla was fantastic, so was Paul (son in law) and Natasha is now fine. Camilla is taking part in the GOSH Fun Run in Battersea Park to raise funds to say thank you. Do read her story on t.co/glb274ru and send a donation or message if you can. Thank you so much.Please support Great Ormond Street Hospital
Please support Great Ormond Street Hospital
This gorgeous young girl is my grandaughter Natasha.
This gorgeous young girl is my grandaughter Natasha. Her life was saved by brilliant surgeons at Great Ormond Street Hospital- she was only eight weeks old. My daughter Camilla was fantastic, so was Paul (son in law) 
and Natasha is now fine. Camilla is taking part in the GOSH Fun Run in Battersea Park to raise funds to say thank you. Do read her story on t.co/glb274ru and send a donation or message if you can.Thank you so much.
and Natasha is now fine. Camilla is taking part in the GOSH Fun Run in Battersea Park to raise funds to say thank you. Do read her story on t.co/glb274ru and send a donation or message if you can.Thank you so much.Friday, 15 June 2012
charlesdickenslondon
Phoenicia, on board exhibition at St Katharine Docks
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;
children will love it. His website http://www.phoenicia.org.uk is
very informative, with all kinds of important
historical information. Do visit, you'll love it!
Saturday, 9 June 2012
charles dickens london - ST KATHARINE DOCKS
St Katharine Docks
I live near here and am very conscious of the historical importance of the area. Just upstream is the Tower of London,
the City of London is close by to the North, while eastwards,
St Katharine's Way leads to Wapping and Limehouse, where
Charles Dickens spent some of his early childhood.
The dock lies in the shadow of Tower Bridge. This part of the Thames has witnessed the arrival of the Romans, the monarchs travelling between
Greenwich and Hampton Court, the Great Fire of London, the rise
(and decline) of London as the greatest port in the world, right up to
today's magnificent Thames Festival.
| St Katharine Docks celebrating Queen Elizabeth's 60 years on the throne |
| Wonderfully unique Thames Pageant, with the Queen and Prince Phillip enjoying every minute of this great spectacle.. |
Posted on Monday, June 04, 2012 8:46 AM
What a fabulous event.
The Queen and Prince Phillip obviously enjoyed themselves
enormously, and so did the
people, probably more than
ever before).The atmosphere here
was full of joy, pride, fun and thrills;
absolutely splendid and unique.
Thanks and praise to
a most wonderful Monarch.
Posted on Tuesday, June 05, 2012 12:55 PMSettling 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 crowdsthan ever before, the management team should be delighted (and probablyexhausted).Beating The Bounds: Allhallows Church By The TowerThis church is one of the most historically important ones
of it kind, and so very worthwhile to visit. Beating the Bounds
is an ancient custom still observed in many English parishes.
Its roots go back to mediaeval times when parishes reaffirmed
their boundaries by processing round them at Rogationtide,
stopping to beat each boundary mark with wands and to pray
for protection and blessings for the land.
At All Hallows we beat the bounds of our parish every year on
Ascension Day. Plenty more interesting detail on Nightingale Lane was, for hundreds of years, renowned for being home to villains of all kinds; it separated St Katharine Docks from London Dock and it has now been renamed Thomas More Street. Times Newspapers transferred here from Fleet Street some time ago, and press people were here again today, hoping to get sight of Rupert Murdoch, talking to staff at the Sun. Carrying on an old tradition or an unfortunate coincidence? Wednesday, 6 June 2012
Queen Elizabeth II and my Talk today at the George
Queen Elizabeth II and my Talk today at the George
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.
Tickets are still available via Skiddle.com, my website www.charlesdickenslondon or behind the bar at
The George On The Strand, opposite The Royal Courts Of Justice. Otherwise, do come along and pay on
arrival, there should be space available.Tuesday, 5 June 2012
Gloriana, moored in St katharine Docks
Gloriana, moored in St katharine Docks
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).
Queen's Diamond Jubilee Celebration and my Talk Tomorrow 6th June
Queen's Diamond Jubilee Celebration and my Talk Tomorrow 6th June
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,
Monday, 4 June 2012
Narrowminded editorial policy. -- Talks about Charles Dickens at the George In The Strand
Narrowminded editorial policy.
Hi Readers
I will be pleasantly surprised if the editors will allow this email that I wrote to them to be published, but I honestly feel that this heavy handed censorship is wrong in not allowing me, and many similar, to publicise our events on London Drum.
'You are happy to advertise the Dickens Museum walks, though the Museum is closed until Christmas (very controversially). The talks I do are of at least equal quality -(and for the record I have been on various TV and radio programmes) so I feel that you are rejecting a whole aspect of what's on in London, therefore a disservice to the community you claim to be friendly towards- the well known people you favour (and savour) are unknown to the visitor market (no disrespect intended), but people come to this country solely to learn more about Charles Dickens. The pic enclosed is me sitting in Dickens chair at his desk, writing with his pen, where he wrote at least part of Nicolas Nicleby. Anyway, good luck, but I think your policy is very shallow- or more accurately, humbug'!
I will be pleasantly surprised if the editors will allow this email that I wrote to them to be published, but I honestly feel that this heavy handed censorship is wrong in not allowing me, and many similar, to publicise our events on London Drum.
'You are happy to advertise the Dickens Museum walks, though the Museum is closed until Christmas (very controversially). The talks I do are of at least equal quality -(and for the record I have been on various TV and radio programmes) so I feel that you are rejecting a whole aspect of what's on in London, therefore a disservice to the community you claim to be friendly towards- the well known people you favour (and savour) are unknown to the visitor market (no disrespect intended), but people come to this country solely to learn more about Charles Dickens. The pic enclosed is me sitting in Dickens chair at his desk, writing with his pen, where he wrote at least part of Nicolas Nicleby. Anyway, good luck, but I think your policy is very shallow- or more accurately, humbug'!
St Katharine Docks celebrates Queen's Diamond Jubilee
charlesdickenslondon
What a fabulous event. 
The Queen and Prince Phillip
St Katharine Docks celebrates Queen's Diamond Jubilee
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.
St Katharine Docks celebrates Queen's Diamond Jubilee
harlesdickenslondon
What a fabulous event. The Queen and Prince Phillip
St Katharine Docks celebrates Queen's Diamond Jubilee
| St Katharine Docks celebrating Queen Elizabeth's 60 years on the throne |
| Wonderfully unique Thames Pageant, with the Queen and Prince Phillip enjoying every minute of this great spectacle.. |
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.
Sunday, 3 June 2012
Queen Elizabeth II, Twinings Tea and my next Talk at The George 6th June
Queen Elizabeth II, Twinings Tea and my next Talk at The George 6th June
| Twinings Tea |
| Well worth a visit. Next to The George On The Strand, where I do my Talks about Charles Dickens and His London. |
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
or on my website:www.charlesdickenslondon.
Friday, 1 June 2012
St Katharine Docks preparing for Queen's Jubilee Celebration
St Katharine Docks preparing for Queen's Jubilee Celebration
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.
Saturday, 28 April 2012
charlesdickenslondon
charlesdickenslondon
This video was made here at St Katharine Docks, with a good view of the Thames and Tower Bridge- as you can see, the wind was blowing nearly to gale force, much of my concentration was spent hanging onto my beloved hat ( nearly as old as Charles Dickens himself).
Voice of America video and my next Talk
This video was made here at St Katharine Docks, with a good view of the Thames and Tower Bridge- as you can see, the wind was blowing nearly to gale force, much of my concentration was spent hanging onto my beloved hat ( nearly as old as Charles Dickens himself). Click for video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dA3cKZpiAIM&feature=g-upl&context=G26d025cAUAAAAAAACAA
www.youtube.comcharlesdickenslondon
charlesdickenslondon
This
video was made here at St Katharine Docks, with a good view of the
Thames and Tower Bridge- as you can see, the wind was blowing nearly to
gale force, much of my concentration was spent hanging onto my beloved
hat ( nearly as old as Charles Dickens himself).
Voice of America video and my next Talk
This
video was made here at St Katharine Docks, with a good view of the
Thames and Tower Bridge- as you can see, the wind was blowing nearly to
gale force, much of my concentration was spent hanging onto my beloved
hat ( nearly as old as Charles Dickens himself).
Lots more about this in my next Talk on the 1st May.
Click for video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dA3cKZpiAIM&feature=g-upl&context=G26d025cAUAAAAAAACAA
www.youtube.com
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