THE OPENING OF THE SHUTTERS
After 9 months of negotiation and discussions, the shutters were finally opened
at the Chancery Lane offices at 6.30 p.m. on Friday 28 November.
The event coincided with the turning on of the Christmas Lights and the arrival
of Father Christmas in Malton. It was very, very cold and foggy but it was a
delight to welcome so many members and guests to our special event.
Selina Scott, suitably attired in warm hat, coat and gloves, had already had to
stand around for some considerable time waiting for Father Christmas – we don’t
know why he was delayed – perhaps it was the inclement weather. Perhaps he’d
stopped en route, for a stiffener to warm his feet! However once the Malton
lights were turned on and Selina had done her ‘bit’, Father Christmas began
giving out special goodies – courtesy of Radio Minster.
We returned Selina to the Shopping Mall for a warming beverage and then set
about welcoming all our other guests, to our own very special event.
There were representatives from Ryedale Council, Malton Tourist Information,
local shops and businesses and the Fitzwilliam Estate as well as our own
trustees, patrons and members. In all about thirty guests. We were especially
pleased to welcome Jo Claire, the local artist, who had been commissioned to
paint the two window scenes for display.
The outside of Chancery Lane looked great, thanks to the efforts and decorating
skills of Malcolm Chalk. The windows had been cleaned, the shutters, window
frames and door painted and the frontage tidied up with fresh gravel and
planters. The installation of internal lighting, focussed on the paintings, had
been helped by a grant of £25.00 from Ryedale Council. The pride of place, on
the door, was a huge brass doorknocker, in the form of a lion’s head, donated by
Sid Woodham’s and it looked the real business!
Selina opened the shutters and everyone applauded the final effect. They looked
fantastic. Jo Claire had captured the true essence of Dickens’ description of
the Counting House. Scrooge and Bob Cratchit were bowed over their desk tops,
each with feather quill in hand. Scrooge of course had a larger fire and candle
than the unfortunate and put-upon Bob Cratchit. There in the corner of Scrooge’s
office was the coal skuttle – to prevent poor Bob sneaking an extra piece of
coal to warm his thinly covered bones. The décor reflected Scrooge’s miserly
approach to never spending an unnecessary penny on what he considered
inessentials.
Above the door is a wall plaque, of gold lettering on grey slate, dedicating the
premises to Dickens’ memory and that of his friend Charles Smithson. It really
is a significant achievement and an important one. The celebration was
especially meaningful to our Honorary President, Ian Wray, who has seen the
connection with his forebears and Dickens, recognised in such a way.
When all the formalities were concluded we retired to the Shopping Mall Café for
a very welcome glass of fizzy and to enjoy the excellent spread put on by
Malcolm’s staff and Georgina Lloyd, another of our trustees – her mince pies
were delicious.
The evening continued inside in the warm and as they said – a good time was had
by all.
Come the new year we shall start planning a proper Dickens’ Festival in Malton
for December 2009 – so stay tuned. Until then we all wish each other a Very
Merry Christmas and May God Bless Us, Every One!
