Lord Lascelles at Denaby – British Legion Club Extension Opened

August 1925

Mexborough & Swinton Times, August 1st, 1925

Lord Lascelles at Denaby.
Happy afternoon.
British Legion Club Extension Opened

The people of Denaby gave Viscount Lascelles a hearty welcome when he arrived to open the extension of the British Legion club at Denaby on Saturday. The streets were crowded, and almost every child carried a small union Jack. The main road and Rossington Street were gay with bunting.

There was a dense gathering near the Denaby Main Hotel, where Lord Lascelles was entertained to lunch, and the police, under inspector Dance, with the assistance of a guard of honour of ex-service men under Sgt Maj Swinhourne, kept good order. Three huge flags were flown from the windows of the hotel. Mr. W. I. Gibbs. Landlord of the hotel carried out his duties well.

Lord Lascelles arrived at Doncaster at 1:40 , and as he drove up there was big cheering. He was all smiles as he stopped into the vestibule where were gathered a number of miners who had left their drinks to give him another welcome and he acknowledged with a bow.

There were present at lunch Major Leslie, D.S.O., M. C., President of the club; Capt, H. C. Harrison; Major Dolman; Captain Higgins; Mr. J. W. Dunk, secretary of the Colliery Company, Mr. E. T. Hardy, Chief Engineer; Mr. W. Still, manager of Denaby Main; Mayor Vernon Hope, Organiser – secretary of the British Legion, and Major Suazana.

The arrival of Lord Lascelles at the club was the signal for another outburst of cheering and the Denaby Main ambulance band conducted by Sgt Branston, played “the British Grenadiers.”

As Lord Lascelles walked to the end of a double file of about 50 ex-servicemen. A minor in his pit dirt and with a “Dudley” slung over his shoulder, rushed to him and grasped him by the hand, said. “Good old Harry.” His lordship laughingly returned the handshake and then inspected the ex-service men. He had a chat with each man, the inspection lasting 40 minutes. At the end an enterprising young lady got his autograph.

The inspection finished,Viscount Lascelles spoke to the club officials and then declared the extension open.

Having warmly congratulated the club on its enterprise. Lord Lascelles said:

“I am confident that the British Legion club’s which are rising throughout the country are going to be great element for good in England – (hear, hear) – they promote and keep alive the spirit of comradeship and mutual help which we all learned to appreciate during the war, and may help the idea of mutual service to one another which we also learned to value as the one thing which enabled us to make our army great during the war. In the same way as civilians, that spirit of confidence between all classes, and readiness to help one another in every sphere of life, is going to be a most valuable asset in our country.

“I actually think of it in that way. I am certain, if you pause before any important or vital action, and think as to whether it is going to be for the good of community as a whole you will be more valuable citizens than any others. (Hear, hear). It is in that spirit that I come to open the extension which you have built your British Legion club. And I hope that members of the will hear that spirit in mind. And in that way we will mediate prosperity to all around us.”

As he unlocked the door and entered the club by the new entrance the band played “for he’s a Jolly good fellow.” And three rousing cheers were given by the crowd.

Inside the club, Lord Lascelles was introduced to the officials of the club: Mr. A. Hayward, chairman: Mr. W. Hingley, vice president: Mr. J. Quinnier. Treas, and the committee. Messrs. F. Rudd. D. Sutton. W.. W. Smith. P. Benton. P. Kelly. E. Kelley. H. Astbury. J. Darby stop J. MacFarlane, T. Swim. A. Wellings and J. Holt and Mr F. T. Oxley the secretary.

Lord Lascelles showed a happy, camaraderie that won the esteem of the people of Denaby, and made his visit memorable.

In the evening after Lord Lascelles’ departure a concert was held at club.

The extension to the Club consisted of a billiard room, one reading room: a well appointed tea room and additional lavatory accommodation. The work has cost £1700. It speaks volumes for the loyalty of members and the work of the committee that although in 1918 when the club was opened, members owned little except a table or two. They are now owners of every stick and stone. And they expect to have paid off all debts by next Christmas.

The good work of the committee in its capacity as local trustees of the United services fund is shown in the fact that they have this year dealt with 343 cases, and paid out £605, 16s. They first took over the local administration of the fund in August 1, last year. And since then have paid out over £1300.

Special mention should be made of the work of Mr. T. Oxley, the secretary, in whom the members have great confidence. He is also local secretary of the United services fund, is organisation of the arrangements for Lord Lascelles visit is a credit to him.