Archived Extracts

On Friday afternoon a jumble sale was held at the Common Road Schools by the Mother's Union members on behalf of the bazaar funds. A varied assortment of goods was sold by Mesdames Brown (secretary), Simpson, J. Ensor, Evans, Swain and Turner, and the sum of £3 was realised.

A Sunday School tea party took place in the Common Road Schools on Saturday. The children, forty in number, belonged to the Parish Church classes, and the admission charges will be placed in purses and presented at the bazaar opening. Games and singing followed the tea, and the little ones had an enjoyable time under the supervision of Mrs. Heathcote (superintendent), Misses W. Wright (assistant superintendent), A. Wilson, E. Lawrence, L. Lucas, P. Maltby, J. Stopps and H. Grattage.

In the Free Church Schools on Saturday evening, a hot supper was organised by the lady members of the church on behalf of the church funds. About 50 friends sat down, the menu consisting of sausage and mashed potatoes, peas, cream buns, tea and coffee. The first course had been cooked to a turn, and the whole was tastefully served, the ladies responsible being Mesdames Marshall, A.C. Smith, Bradley, Ramsell, N. Evans, P. Evans, Workman, Purseglove, Herrod, Hawley and Miss Hawley.

A series of functions on behalf of the forthcoming Parish Church bazaar is now taking place, and in this connection a whist drive was held in the Common Road Schools on Wednesday. It was organised by the sidesmen in aid of their bazaar stall, and some very desirable prizes had been given for the occasion. It was something of a pity, therefore, that there was such a meagre attendance. Mr. A. Heathcote, acted as M.C., and the refreshment department was supervised by Mesdames Grierson and Alexander. The prizes were handed by Miss Lineker to the following:- Mrs. H. Ensor (fruit dishes); Mrs. P. Fitchett (box of biscuits); Mr. R. Lowe (pair of lustres); Mr. Calin Peters (wallet). The hidden number prize was also won by Mrs. Fitchett and the Rev. W.L. Boulton thanked all who had assisted.

The members of the New Hucknall Ambulance Division were highly gratified with the support which was accorded to the dance held in the Drill Hall on Saturday night. It was on behalf of the Division's funds, and the attendance exceeded expectations, for about 150 dancers put in an appearance. An ambulance, or first-aid movement, merits public support, whilst the Drill Hall is an ideal place in which to hold a dance. The floor was in good condition, and the dresses made a fascinating display. The Boston Five played for dancing, and all tastes were provided for in the dance programme. As a matter of fact, some of the old-time dances seem to be coming into their own again, and are very popular with many people. The M.C.'s were Messrs. H. White and T. North, who were assisted by Mr. R. Beighton, while minor duties were performed by uniformed members. The refreshments were superintended by Mrs. Slack and assistants, and the success of the venture encouraged the organisers to contemplate holding a similar function in the near future.

The scheme whereby a recreation room has been provided for the use of the unemployed men in Sutton was successfully inaugurated on Friday evening, when a concert was held in the room, which is over the entrance of the Public Baths, Sutton. Mr. G.G. Bonser presided, and was supported by the Revs. R.P. Tinsley and K. Sellers. the room has been provided by the Sutton Urban District Council, and during the remainder of the winter is to be open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays form two to eight p.m.
  At the outset Mr. Bonser said they had met in a free and easy manner as friends among friends and seeking what they could do for each other. The origin of the meeting was the Librarians; Conference at Cheltenham, where one of the librarians brought forward the question of what unemployed men were to do who did not join clubs and did not care to go to public houses. The question was discussed in the Library Committee, and then a letter was sent to the Urban District Council to see if a room could be provided in which the unemployed could play games, read, smoke and spend a pleasant hour or two in social intercourse.

"One of the greatest institutions ever formed in the history of England," observed the Chairman, "was the old inn where people used to have their pipes and indulge in conversation which had smoothed many a difficulty and rounded off many a political complaint. We have lost that through our weaknesses. Some of us stopped there too long, and some took more beer that was good for them, so the Government had to step in and regulate us and then they taxed our beer. There is nothing in the world that will settle differences like getting together. The Council had risen to the occasion and placed this room at your disposal. There is nothing to pay - you have simply to come when you feel so disposed and manage the place yourselves. All your friends will see that you are provided with newspapers and means for games. It is you bounden duty as men to help one another, and you can appoint your own committee and manage things yourselves."

  They had to realised that it was definitely for the unemployed and old age pensioners. The proposal was to have tables at one end of the room with papers, games, etc., so that there would be something to do whenever they came to the room, which was purely and simply a place of social intercourse where they could have a happy time and try and forget some of their troubles. Papers and games would not be allowed out of the room. The men would be on their honour in this respect, and the Library Committee were sure the room would be used properly. The Baths Superintendent had promised to help all he could, and hoped to be able to supply gramophone music occasionally.
  Mr. E. Burton, a member of the Library Committee, expressed the hope that talks on natural and social history would not be barred, and the Chairman said he saw no reason why these should be.
  The meeting resolved unanimously that the room would be appreciated. The following were elected as a Committee to combine with the Library Committee in the management of the room; Messrs. Clarke, G. Waterfield, H. Boot, H. Bennett, A. Stringfellow and Willey. Committee was given power to co-opt, and Mr. A.W. Hole, of the Sutton Employment Exchange was co-opted.
  Expressing his great sympathy with the movement, the Rev. E. Sellers said he was exceedingly glad when it was brought forward in the Library Committee. It did seem a pity that there should be no place for men to go on wet and cold days, and the Committee felt that anything they could do in the matter would be well worth while. Several people in the town felt the same and were ready to help, and the speaker was sure there would be a good deal of support for the movement. He would gladly do all he could.

  Mrs. Morris said she was delighted to see so many present, and she thought it was one of the greatest things the Library Committee could have done. She would do all she could to help forward the movement.
  One of the company asked if men attending the room would get into trouble at the Employment Exchange as a result, as they were supposed to be seeking work.
  The Chairman said if men sought work until two o'clock in the afternoon they would not have done so bad. He promised to see the Exchange officials with regard to the matter.
  In reply to a query as to whether the room could be used by unemployed women on the days when the men were using it, the Chairman said the matter had already been discussed. The room was let for the rest of the week, but the Committee hoped to get a room for women later.
  The speeches were interspersed with the following items, all of which were ably rendered and delighted the audience:- .....