This is a shoutout to the man, the myth, the legend, Charles Dickens, who, if he was immortal, would be celebrating his 207th birthday today. Dickens was one of the most renowned voices of Victorian England and his most famous works, like Oliver Twist and Great Expectations, still resonate with many today.

The birthday boy might not be able to enjoy his big day, but dedicated fans around the world are keeping the Dickens’ legacy alive and well. In England, a Dog’s Trust Home has named a new litter of puppies after famous Dickens’ characters. In Fayetteville, North Carolina, an entire town honours the author with his own holiday, and here in Sydney, the NSW Dickens Society celebrated with  a good old fashioned party in Centennial Park, in front of one of only three Dickens statues in the whole world.

The president of the NSW Dickens Society, Louise Owens, joined Sidd Sharma on Thursday Drive to talk all things Dickens.