The Worcester Dickens Fellowship in Massachusetts has been flourishing for over half a century. Originally founded in London in 1902, the Dickens Fellowship's aim was to "knit" together in a common bond of friendship lovers of the great master of humour and pathos, Charles Dickens. We in the Worcester Fellowship have thrived on the traditions of fellowship and scholarship.
Officers and Committees
President Richard FentonVice President Robert SteeleTreasurer Michael BadgerCorresponding Secretary Anita FentonRecording Secretary Carrie CorcoranMembership Kathy McFarlandSkits Joan Townsend (Chair), Joel Brattin, Kit Polga, Robert SteeleHoliday Luncheon Kit Polga, Kathy McFarland
2024-2025 Program
Wednesday, 9 October, 7:00 p.m.Reading: Chapters 1 – 9 of David CopperfieldProgram: Discussion led by Anita Fenton and skitCo-Host/Refreshments: Kathy McFarland at Elms Library at Briarwood
Wednesday, 13 November, 7:00 p.m. Reading: Chapters 10 – 18 of David CopperfieldProgram: Discussion led by Kit Polga, and skitCo-Host/Refreshments: Mike Badger at Elms Library at Briarwood
Saturday, 21 December, 12:30 p.m.Holiday Luncheon at The Publick House, Sturbridge, MAGift exchange and skitHosts: Kit Polga and Kathy McFarland
Saturday, 8 February, 2:00 p.m. Dickens’s Birthday Tea
Reading: Chapters 19 - 29 of David CopperfieldProgram: Essay by Fellman Prize winner.Skit: “Miss Mowcher Consents to Live.”Chapter discussion led by Mike Badger.Co-Host/Location: Joel Brattin at the WPI Library (Fellman ReadingRoom), Worc. (refreshments: Fellowship members)
Wednesday, 12 March, 7:00 p.m.
Reading: Chapters 30 – 40 of David CopperfieldProgram: Selection from BBC video “David Copperfield” Discussion led by Carrie Corcoran and Robert Steele, and skit.Co-Host/Refreshments: Anita Fenton at Elms Library at Briarwood
Wednesday, 9 April, 7:00 p.m. Reading: Chapters 41 – 50 of David CopperfieldProgram: Presentation by Joel Brattin: “’Let Me Pause Again’: Dickens Manuscript Revisions in the Retrospective Chapters of David Copperfield”Chapter discussion led by Joel Brattin.Host: Robert Armstrong at Elms Library at BriarwoodCo-Host/refreshments: Kathy McFarland
Wednesday, 14 May, 7:00 p.m.
Reading: Chapters 51 - 64 of David CopperfieldProgram: Discussion led by Mike BadgerPlanning 2025-26: Selection of book and nomination of officersCo-Host/Refreshments: Anita Fenton at Elms Library at Briarwood
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