Parish Tea and Entertainment at Conisbrough

The annual Easter parochial tea took place on Wednesday evening in the Board School at Conisbrough. Trays were provided by members of the congregation, and about 300 people sat down to an excellent tea. The following ladies presided over the trays: Mesdames Stock, McCall, Norwood, Nicholson, Appleyard, Lawton, Gibson, Gillott, the teachers’ tray, and Misses Nicholson and Burnison, together with Mr. Walker’s tray.

After tea a concert was provided by the choir and other friends. The attendance was very large, with several people unable to gain admission.

The choir opened the programme with a glee entitled “Men of Harlech.” Mr. Albert Worrall then sang “The Jolly Smiths,” a pianoforte duet performed by Misses Groshead and Campbell being loudly applauded. Miss Burnison followed with “Alabama Coon,” which was very well received. A song by Miss Braithwaite was also warmly appreciated. Dr. McCall caused much amusement with his comicalities and song “See Me Dance a Polka,” and in response to an encore he gave “The Choir Boy Polka.”

Mr. Herbert Sharpe performed a violin solo, “Intermezzo Gavotte,” very effectively. Miss Braithwaite again appeared, singing after which the choir rendered “Rock of Ages.” The vicar, the Rev. G. H. Stock, then addressed those present. He remarked that the large attendance indicated the need for a public hall in Conisbrough. Referring to church work, he said that much good had been done during the past year and that they were now in a better position than the year before despite the difficult times and labour struggles that had recently taken place. He also thanked the churchwardens and the tea workers for their efforts.

The entertainment continued with a quartette by Messrs. Wheatley, Worrall, Hill, and Wild, followed by a song by Miss S. Appleby. Mr. Braithwaite demonstrated the quality of his voice with a song in which he admirably suited his bass notes. Mr. Norwood, one of the most successful performers of the evening, delighted the audience with his comic song “Money,” and later returned for an encore.

Mr. Ernest Trout displayed his skill as a cornet player with “Bessinian Polka,” and responded to an encore with “Annie Laurie.” Mr. McCall then appeared as an Irishman, with his face painted and wearing appropriate costume, singing the popular comic song “Killaloe,” which was loudly applauded.

Miss Braithwaite sang again, and Mr. Norwood caused further amusement with the comic song “La Serenade,” followed by another encore performance of “Mrs. McCarthy.” Mr. White was also applauded for another comic song, and the choir concluded the entertainment with “A Glee,” bringing the evening to a very satisfactory close.

The songs were accompanied by the energetic organist, Mr. H. White. A vote of thanks, proposed by Mr. Walker and seconded by the Rev. G. Snaillpiece, was unanimously passed to the performers and those who had helped with the tea.

The proceeds of the tea were to be devoted to the Curate’s Stipend Fund.

A correspondent noted, however, that the behaviour of some youths at the back of the audience had been very vulgar and disgraceful.