The Dickens Fellowship, founded in 1902, is a worldwide association of people from all walks of life who share a common interest in the life and works of Charles Dickens (1812 - 1870). The Fellowship’s aims are to knit together in a common bond of friendship, lovers of that great master of humour and pathos, Charles Dickens; to promote the knowledge and appreciation of his works; to spread the love of humanity, which is the keynote of all his works; and to exercise such charitable support as would have appealed strongly to the heart of Charles Dickens.
Organisation and people
The Fellowship is based in London, England, at the Charles Dickens Museum. Branches are located in the UK, the USA, Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, India, Japan, Italy, New Zealand, Scotland and the Netherlands.
The Fellowship is governed by its Annual Conference, which all members are entitled to attend.
Council
Council comprises representatives of the membership, including the secretary or other representative of each branch, and the officers listed here and appoints its own Chairman.
Honorary Officer - President: Prof. Cathy Waters
Executive Officer - Hon Gen Sec (joint): Dr. Jacquie Stamp and Dr. Sati McKenzie
Executive Officer - Hon Treasurer: Eddie Jones
Executive Officer - Hon Editor of The Dickensian: Dr. Emily Bell
Membership Secretary and Chair of Council: Paul Allen
Member : Simon Newton
Member : Nicholas Cambridge
Member : Harry Royle
Council nominates a management committee as its executive committee, to deal with routine business. It comprises the officers and representatives of the membership, is chaired by the Chairman of Council, and reports to Council. New Branches of the Fellowship are approved and granted a Charter by Council. Each Branch is self-supporting and elects its own officers. Interested parties are encouraged to start a new branch if there is not one nearby.
Patrons of the Fellowship
Miriam Margolyes OBE
Mark Charles Dickens
Simon Callow CBE
President
Lucinda Dickens Hawksley 2024-