Smoking Concert at Denaby Main.

A grand smoking concert for the benefit of the Denaby United F.C., took place in, the concert room of the Reresby Arms on Thursday evening. The concert was arranged by the officials of the club in an admirable manner, ably backed up by the host, Mr. T Weston, and the chairman, Mr. W C Biggs, of the Bulls Head Inn; Mexborough, who was formerly a resident of Denaby, and in the past has won the esteem and respect of all.

Mr. Biggs presided; but not having arrived at the appointed hour, Mr. G Butcher presided pro. tem. In his remarks he said the object of the concert was to try to raise funds for the fencing off of the field of play. The, club was not in a good financial position, but the Committee were working hard. Mr. Butcher introduced the chairman, Mr. W C Biggs, who had arrived.

Mr. Biggs, who received a cordial reception, said he hoped they would keep the club going. In times gone by they had turned out some of the best players. He hoped they would, put their hand down, and help the club, and not be like Mexborough -when the team is down push them down further still.

Mr. Biggs then called on Mr. and Mrs. Taylor to give a selection –piano and concertina—and those two gave an overture from Rossinis “Il Tancredi.” Mrs. Taylor showed ability on the piano, whilst Mr. Taylor (champion concertina soloist) extracted the fine points with electrifying quickness and dexterity, and the harmony of the selection fairly charmed the audience, who rewarded the effort with hearty plaudits.

Miss A Thompson (Manchester) sang “Ora Pro Nobis,” her pathetic, appealing voice giving the proper tone to the story of the song.

Mr. W Firth (Barnsley) sang “The White Squall” with much vigour, and was applauded for his effort.

Mr. A Midgley (Conisborough), who is a great favourite with Denaby audiences, then beautifully sang “Queen of the Earth,” and was loudly applauded.

Mr. Harry Jennings, who was an unsuccessful competitor in the last clog dance for the worlds championship at the Empire Palace, London, sang “The Counter Jumper,” the song being accompanied by an excellent clog dance. As an encore, he ,sang “I’m an Irish gentleman.”

Mr. W Talyor followed with a concertina solo from Auger’s “Les Diamants De La Gourounne.”

Mr. Biggs announced that he would give 10s. towards the, support of the club.

The President, Mr. T Weston, on rising, was accorded a hearty reception. They had won the cup two years in succession, and they had not suffered defeat so far this season, and it gave him the

pleasure in handing the chairman £1 for the benefit of the, club. (Applause).

Mr. Weston said his desire was that the players should play- free from blackguardism and ruffianism, and be of good behaviour on the field, the only pull-back on a football field being rowdyism,. So long as the club behaved itself he would stick to it. Mr. Weston then held up the South Yorkshire League Cup, and said they were going in for it for the third year. In conclusion, Mr. Weston said he hoped the public world give them good encouragement by their support.

The programme was then continued., “Larboard watch, Miss Thompson and Mr. Firth; by request, Mr. A. Midgley sang Harker’s well-known song, ” The Irish Emigrant.”

The Chairman then sang “On the banks of the Shannon,”, an old favourite of his, which delighted the audience.

Mr. H. Jennings. then introduced his different dances, contributed by him at the recent dance for the championship, and, he was loudly applauded.

This concluded the musical programme, and a short speech by Mr. W. Wright, in which he hoped the public would rally round and support the club; ,followed by a vote of thanks to the chairman and artistes, concluded a pleasant evening. Proceeds, about £10.

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