Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 17 March 1882
Entertainment.
A most successful entertainment was given at Denaby Main on Monday evening, under the auspices of the members of the Reading-room, towards which institution the proceeds are to be devoted.
Although the proceedings were not announced to commence until seven o’clock, long before that hour the room was overcrowded, and many had to return home.
Mr. J. Warburton was the chairman, and in his opening remarks he stated that all the performers were connected with the Colliery Company, and they were thus using their own talent, and spoke of his delight in viewing so good a programme.
The “March of the Men of Harlech” was well rendered as an introductory piece by Miss C. Arblaster and Mr. S. Hobson (piano), Mr. J. Hobson and Mr. J. Beardsley (violin).
An excellent glee followed, “Come, brothers, tune your lay,” by a glee party, after which Mr. Ashton sang “Nothing else to do,” which was well received, as was also the song “Mocking bird” by Miss C. Arblaster.
Mr. Coley’s song “Wait till you get it” was loudly cheered and encored, but he did not repeat it because of the length of the programme.
A pianoforte and violin selection followed by Misses Holdsworth and Bennett (piano) and Messrs. J. Hobson and Beardsley (violin), and was very successful.
A reading by Dr. Sykes was the next feature on the programme, and “Life boat,” which was the subject of the reading, was listened to with marked attention throughout.
A duet by Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester, “What are the wild waves saying?” was here tastefully given.
Mr. Sykes next sang the “Cork leg” in such an inimitable manner as to fairly convulse the audience, who applauded lustily at its conclusion.
“Paddy, the piper,” an excellent Irish humorous reading following by Mr. Halton, is such that it is needless to state was provocative of much laughter, the Irish accent being particularly effective.
The next song “When a man’s a little bit poorly” by Miss C. Arblaster, was evidently well received, judging from the applause with which it was greeted.
A solo on the piano “Souvenir De Martha” by Mr. S. Hobson, a welcome diversity in the programme, was well rendered.
Mr. Holdsworth’s “Boas’un’s mate” was a capital song, and well given.
Mr. A. Horsfield followed with “The anchors weighed,” to which he did credit.
“I stood among the glittering throng,” a pretty song, and well rendered from Mr. Sylvester preceded the glee “All among the barley.”
Another glee, “Oh, who will o’er the downs,” opened the second part after the interval.
A well-rendered duet “Suspicious young lady” from the Misses Arblaster, followed.
An original piece, “Two Thumpers,” was recited by Mr. Nicholes, which, being a comic selection, was much appreciated.
The most pathetic song rendered during the evening was “Childhood’s home,” which Mr. Beardsley sang with much taste.
An excellent pianoforte duet was then given by Miss Annie Arblaster and Miss Warburton, the manipulation of the last-named young lady being particularly admired, her playing, for one so young, being highly creditable.
Mr. Coley’s appearance, as usual, was the signal for much applause, on the subsidence of which he sang in his wontedly easy style “Take it, Bob!” and the cheers were so increased that “Rollicking Rams” had to be substituted.
Mrs. Sylvester creditably sang “Thy face,” which was greeted with loud applause; as was also the duet “Supposing” between Mr. Holdsworth and Mr. Hammond, which, with its taking air, created much amusement.
A glee by the party “Sleep while the soft breezes” closed the programme, which had evidently been enjoyed by all present.
Before separating, Mr. C. Sykes proposed a vote of thanks to the singers and all who had taken part, which was carried with acclamation.
On the motion of Mr. Holdsworth, a similar compliment was paid to the chairman, which was carried unanimously.
Mr. Warburton, in responding, said that he was indeed pleased to have the honour of presiding over such an assembly, and he trusted that it would not be the last time they would meet together before the end of the season.
He was highly pleased, he said, to find that there was such talent in Denaby. They had such accomplished vocalists and performers, that he was sure there was no necessity to go out elsewhere.
Mr. Warburton, in conclusion, proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Holdsworth for his assiduous efforts in providing such a treat, and expressed his gladness in knowing that they had such a hard-working schoolmaster amongst them.
The national anthem was sung, and the proceedings terminated.