MALTON is stepping up its links with author Charles Dickens as a way of boosting the town’s economy.

A new organisation has been set up, The Charles Dickens (Malton) Society, based in Chancery Lane close to the spot where the leading 19th century writer set his tale, “A Christmas Carol”. Spokesman for the society Malcolm Chalk, said: “Our aim is to raise the profile of Dickens’ connections with Malton by documenting his visits, correspondence and connections and by doing so encourage visitors to the town.”

Among the events being planned is a Charles Dickens Festival which will be staged in December next year. In addition to encourage more people to take an interest in Dickens who regularly visited and stayed in Malton, a public awareness day is being held on August 16 when supporters will be staging a display of period costumes, a treasure hunt, photographic exhibition and display of artefacts, and running a quiz, focussing on Dickens’ life and work.

Mr Chalk said a big tombola event would also be held in Malton’s town centre in what is being billed as a fun-day. Former television presenter Selina Scott has become patron of the society and its membership now includes local politicians, civic leaders, historians, business leaders and, added Mr Chalk, it was hoped to recreate people from the theatre world. One of the society’s key aims is to acquire the lease of the Chancery Lane office where Dickens’s famous character, Ebenezer Scrooge and his clerk, Bob Cratchit worked, and to convert it into a Dickens Museum and visitor centre. It is also contacting various Dickens societies in other parts of the country to exchange information and visits.

Mr Chalk said support was being sought from local authorities, businesses and residents by lobbying councillors and approaching traders and offices. “We are also promoting Dickens related activities such as readings and plays, film shows, and promoting study of Dickens in schools. “We want to make the Dickens’ experience in Malton something worthwhile for the town and to create a genuine celebration of his work, his visits, connections and friendships with Malton’s residents putting Malton into the heart of Britain’s historical and literary world,” said Mr Chalk.

The Festival planned for December 2009 aims to be a major high profile event. “We want the whole town to be involved – businesses, schools, museum as well as residents,” added Mr Chalk. In the museum there will be display rooms with artefacts and costumes, active and re-active exhibits depicting glimpses of how the poorest and richest lived in Malton. There will also be recreations of scenes from Dickens’ works as part of the collection and exhibits which will go on show he said. The new museum will have state-of-the-art displays which will be a touch-on basis, while more precious items will be behind glass in a controlled atmosphere said Mr Chalk.

The society is seeking new members and to expand its trustee base. Another feature to promote Dickens will be special Christmas cards produced by the society. “In Charles Dickens, Malton has an ideal opportunity to attract new visitors who can walk in the footsteps of one of this country’s greatest classical writers and at the same time bring more people to our town,” said Mr Chalk. Anyone interested in helping the society is asked to ring Mr Chalk on 0792 6840868