Mexborough and Swinton Times February 3, 1912
Denaby Ambulance Dinner
Successful Gathering
The Chief and his Corps
Interesting Speeches
Mr Chambers Affection for Denaby Main
The fourth annual dinner, under the auspices of the Denaby Ambulance Corps, was held at the Denaby Main Hotel, on Saturday evening when about 80 of the members sat down to the complete enjoyment of the casing of Mr and Mrs W.I.Gibbs. When the costs were removed evening was given to songs and toast, and a jovial programme was gone through.
The attendance included representatives of all the divisions – Denaby, Cadeby, who, Mexborough, and Melton.
District Corps Superintendent, W.H.Chambers presided, and was supported by Superintendent H.S., Witty, D Chambers, P White, third officer S Ellis, fourth officers W V Simpkin (Hon. instructor to the corps), G.H. Mills, N.S. Walker, S.J. Bridges, Sergeant J.J. Huey, Sergeant E Power (secretary and drill instructor to the corps), Reverend J Kavanagh (P.P.), and others.
The King
The loyal toast were heartily received at the call of the Chairman. In proposing the toast, Mr Chambers described His Majesty as “the King of our nation; the Supreme head in Grand Patron of the Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem in England.”
Those of them, he continued, who were privileged to attend the procession at the Coronation of the King could not help being impressed with his great powers and influence throughout the world, and not only in the British Isles, which form so small a part of the British Empire. Recently the King of this is that like very large division of the Empire, India, and from what they had read of the magnificence and the Delhi Durbar, which was held to receive their Emperor, now we had come safely through the ordeal, and conveyed to all nations the loyalty and adherence of Morley subject, they could not but be impressed with the responsibility resting upon English men and their King. (Applause.)
A Year’s Progress
The secretary presented the following report concerning the year ended 30 April 1911(Figures in Brackets previous year):
Strength of Corps: Officers 21, (19), Sergeant 12, (11), Corporals 14 (16), Privates 220,(199), Nursing Officers 3 (1), Nursing Sisters 41(40)
Total 311 (286)
Average attendance at the drill etc 47; present at annual inspection 186; Passed at annual examination 230; in possession of Medallion 1910, 159; 1911, 191.
Three officers, seven men, one nursing officer, and 15 nurses attended for duty in London during the Coronation. One nursing officer and 15 nursing sisters attended for duty at the Agricultural Show at Rotherham.
Strongest in the District
Commenting upon this report Mr Chambers said he thought that set an example to all corps and divisions, for theirs is now the strongest corps in the number three division, which is a new, embrace the greater part of Yorkshire, Nottingham, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, North Staffordshire and either further south (applause) notwithstanding that some corps counting their numbers five brigades, Tramway men, railwaymen and others who used the official uniform of the St John ambulance Brigade as their own. Their corps was completely equipped as any in the country. The men were efficient, because the officers were determined that they should not serve merely for accounting purposes but for efficiency first and foremost. (Applause.) Sir James Clark, at the annual inspection, and expenses are very pleased with the general standard of efficiency and equipment and he (Mr Chambers) took that opportunity of thanking those who were present at that inspection, for reflecting so much credit upon the corps. (Applause.)
Article continues with details of speeches
Affection for Denaby
Mr Chambers said that had it not been for his affection for Denaby Main, the people of Denaby Main he meant, not the collieries orthe bricks and mortar, but the flesh and blood, and the dear associations he had formed there, he should not have been there that day. (Applause) He should “stick it” as long as he felt he was able to do his duty; when he realised that he could not, then he would have to say goodbye. But as long as he lived he should never forget the happy days and the dear associations he had formed there. (Hear, hear.) He had been with them close upon 30 years. He could not hope to be able to stay another 30; but he sincerely hoped they would find a worthy successor – they would not find one who take a greater interest in the welfare of the place and its institutions and people, but one who he hoped, would be able to benefit them more than he had. (cries of “No,” and applause.”)
The host and hostess, Mr and Mrs W.I.Gibbs, were pledged in a parting glass, and a happy gathering broke up with the singing of “Auld lang syne.”