Denaby Main Infant School Concert

January 1888

Mexborough and Swinton Times January 20, 1888

Denaby Main Infant School Concert

A very successful concert, and the the first of its kind, was given in the Infant School, Denaby Main, on Monday evening last, the performers being seven years of age and under.

Miss Rose; the mistress of the school was responsible for the , concert and its arrangements, and may be congratulated on the success which attended her efforts.

The room was very tastefully decorated by the teachers. The Rev. H. Smallwood, of Conisboro’, briefly introduce the chairman, Mr. W. H. Chambers, who on rising said he was very pleased to be present on that occasion, and it was very kind of Miss Rose to set up a concert for such a laudable object. He alluded very regretfully to the recent  disaster at Denaby, and assured those present that all that could possibly be done was being done to get the men to work again.

He then called upon the children to perform their part of the programme, and some of the items deserve more than passing notice.

The recitation, entitled “Nursery rhymes,” by 14 children of five years of age and under, caused roars of laughter. The musical drill was well performed, and created much amusement.

A pretty dialogue, entitled “Fairyland,” was given by the children, in character. The ” king “wore a crown and robe of scarlet cloth, bordered with white. The ‘Queen ” was attired in white veiling, and wore a crown and veil of tulle. The other characters were “Herald,” ” Bo . Peep,” “Miss Muffet,” “Jack Horner,” ” The naughty boy” and ” Mother Hubbard.”All the children sustained their parts admirably. The recitation a dirty child,” by May Soar, and “Baby,” by Ciara Haywood, were exceptionally well rendered;-also the solos “ Snow man,” by Mary Fretwell, and ‘Robin,’.’ by Edward Conway, the latter causing much amusement by his quaint style.

The Song John Brown,” was well received, and was afterwards repeated.

Before the ‘ singing of the National Anthem Rev. Smallwood said he was sure they had all been well entertained, and had much pleasure in proposing a vote of thanks to the chairman and Miss Rose’ and those who had taken any part in the ceiling.

This was seconded by Mr. Crowther, of Conisborough

The Chairman in responding, said he was only sorry that all the parents were not present, and hoped that the concert will be given again on some future occasion so that those who were now out of employment being able to attend.

The children were in jail sweets during the interval, and bonds at the close of the performance, the expense of the same been kindly contributed by friends.

The proceeds amounted to upwards of 4 pounds, which after expenses, will be devoted to the relief fund for the children of the unemployed attending the school.