Lord Mayor of Canterbury Shows Support for Restoration of the Chalet
The Lord Mayor of Canterbury, Councillor Keji Moses, opened the annual conference of the Dickens Fellowship, 2025. In her address and in conversation, Cllr. Moses recognised the relevance of Dickens’ work today and how the Chalet could be valuable resource for ‘creatives’ from all disciplines, and future storytellers.
The following is an extract from her opening address – reproduced with her permission in support of our endeavour:
Charles Dickens once wrote:
“There is a wisdom of the head and a wisdom of the heart” …. “and reminds us that literature is not just to be studies, but felt, lived and shared.”
The Dickensian world is one of orphans and clerks, of foggy alleyways and blazing hearths – but also one of resilience, redemption and hope.
He gave voice to those unheard and dignity to the overlooked. In an age of growing complexity and division, his reminder is clear:
“Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires and a touch that never hurts.”
His stories continue to resonate because at their core, they remind us that transformation is possible, that kindness matters, and that the human spirit endures.”
These words are very pertinent to our ‘mission’ – to return the Chalet to ‘active service’. It will no doubt help people connect with Dickens’ writings and the social issues and inequalities with which he was most familiar; for it was in this space that he reflected on these issues and gave a ‘voice’ to his characters.
Useful Link: The Dickens Fellowship
