Mr Charles Dickens...

...in a costumed parade in his honour.
This is a giant puppet which is built onto the shoulders of one man and the arms are controlled by another person on each side.
He featured in the centre of the parade which was led by a (bag)pipe band in their kilts and brought up at the rear by a brass band.

Alex had to be on a Scout stand doing shoe-shining in the middle of the day (near the memorial in the middle of the High Street). We watched the parade together and then I nipped into Demelza nearby to do an hours unbagging whilst I waited for him.
(As fund-raising ideas go this wasn't one of their best, as most of the crowds had sandals or trainers on! He said he only did two pairs of shoes - but the time went quickly anyway - so hey...)

Fred joined us afterwards and took us for a pub lunch.