Mexborough and Swinton Times September 2, 1916
Conisborough Effort
Spoiled by Rain
A High-Class Concert
Rain interfered with the annual hospital effort at Conisborough on Sunday, and caused the abandonment midway through the proceedings. A procession composed of the Denaby Main Ambulance Band, Conisborough Home Defence Corps, Mexborough and Swinton Home Defence Corps, West Riding Police, Fire Brigade, Local Friendly Society Lodges, Boy Scouts and Denaby Nurses insisted paraded the principal streets.
Mr C A Wilde presided over the gathering in the Castle ground, and was supported by Mr and Mrs H Thompson (Mexborough), Dr WJ McClure, Mr James Walton, Rev W.A. Strawbridge, Mr F Ogley, C.C., Mr W Jones and Councillor W Appleyard.
The Chairman said it was interesting to note the rapid strides made by hospitals during the last two years. He did not think hospitals add ever done such splendid work before, not all of your schools at home, but those in the various theatres of the war.
They had all someone with experience of those hospitals, and all spoke with one accord of the splendid treatment received in them. He said the financial side was not the only side, but it was nevertheless the practical side, and that was the reason they were there that day. The hospitals looked for their support. Those who lived in a mining district appreciated the hospitals far more than the people who lived in less dangerous surroundings. He believed in a universal support for hospitals, if necessary by an assessment, but the voluntary method was most agreeable. They were called upon to make sacrifices for kindred funds, but he urged them not to forget the great need of hospitals. This was a practical age, and they were all more in the mood for action than for speeches. They had in that district many hospital stalwart, notably Mr Henry Fowler, what had stood by them for 26 years. He (the Chairman) hoped he would make it 50. (Hear, hear.) He welcomed the various bodies gathered there that day, particularly the home Defence Corps. Some people said a man was too old to serve at 40, the home Defence Core had shown how he could honourably serve his King and Country if he was over military age. He concluded by making a strong appeal for funds for the hospitals.
Mrs Thompson gave an interesting account of the work of the Montague Hospital during the past year, and thank the people of Conisborough for their steady and consistent support. Mrs Thompson was speaking when a heavy thunder shower occasioned the abandonment of the afternoon’s proceedings.
In the evening a concert was held at the global Pallets, and addresses were given by Mr James Walton, Dr WJ McClure, and Mr W Jones.
The following program was beautifully rendered:
Song, “Oh Divine Redeemer” (Gounod), Miss Gladys Hague
Song, “Before you came” (Wilson), Mr Joseph Lycett; tenor solo
Song, “Then shall the Righteous shine” (from Elijah), Mr Sidney Jenkinson
Song, “Break, break, break” (Lewis Carey), Miss Ethel Marshall
Children’s hymn, “One there is above all others” ; Duet (tenor and bass),
The Battle Eve” (Theo Bonheur), Mr S Jenkinson and Miss J Lycett
Song, “Come unto Me” (Cowen), Miss E Marshall
Song, “Lorraine” (Anderson), Mr S Jenkinson;
Song, “I will give you rest” (Sir Frederick Cawen), Miss Gladys Hague;
Song, “Seamen, a song for you” (Lugano), Mr J Lycett
Hymn, “Sun of my soul”(Hursley)
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