Time to make more of Charles Dickens’ Hastings’ connection

The Old Music Hall in Hastings, now Yates, was long ago visited by Charles Dickens. In 1861 the prolific Victorian writer read passages from A Christmas Carol and the Pickwick Papers, stories still enjoyed in the 21st Century and still very much in print.

This Historical fact should be celebrated, remembered and made accessible to the residents of Hastings and to visiting tourists.

But where is the Blue Plaque that honours the world famous author and this once-in-a-lifetime occasion?

Born in Hastings, and by no means unobservant, only recently have I noticed the name Charles Dickens in the circular blue plaque on Yates wall about 18 feet high.

Yes, 18 feet from the pavement, where nobody can see it or read it! If locals don’t notice it what chance do tourists have?

This is another example of the council making bad decisions and ultimately losing out on gems of great historical interest.

Lower the sign, make it stand out and promote Hastings as a place of significant and historical value!