For people of my age group the BBC adaptation of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was a seminal event. The idea of winter but never Christmas truly appalled me. I may have been acting out some Susan fantasies when I took up archery a few years later. And I felt a species of camaraderie with the similarly 80s bob-haired Lucy. If you’d like a moment to reminisce about a time before decent CGI, check out the trailer here. I argue that the fact that Aslan looks more like a giant cuddly toy than a real lion adds to the emotional impact.

So when I’m passing through Belfast I like to tip an imaginary hat to CS Lewis. If you’re ever in the neighbourhood you can follow the following check-list:

1. Pay a visit to the lion-shaped door handle at St Mark’s rectory that is said to have inspired Aslan.

2. Two of the city’s famous murals has been given over to a celebration of the author’s work.

3. A statue on the Hollywood Road shows Lewis peering inside a wardrobe. Nice to see a piece of public art that can also be used when you need to take the weight off your feet.

And finally, this November Mr Lewis is getting a literary festival of his own, add it to your diaries now.

Lesley Crooks, Sales & Digital Manager.