Archived Extracts

The annual harvest service was held in the Common Road Schools on Thursday, the decorations of flowers and vegetables having been carried out by Miss Kitchen (Headmistress), Mrs. Dickens, Mrs. Hart and Miss E. Goodall. A good number of mothers attended and there were also present Mrs. C.H. Coupe, and the Revs. W.L. Boulton and T.A. Rockley. The last-named pleased the children with the story of "The Boy who wouldn't say 'Thank you.'" Each of the classes sang a harvest hymn, the Headmistress playing the accompaniments, and later invalids were cheered with the fruit and flowers which had been used as tokens of the harvest.

On Thursday a harvest festival service was held in the Infants' Department of the New Street Council School, under the direction of the Headmistress (Miss K. Searson). The room had been decorated with fruit, flowers and grain by the staff (Misses Horsey, Wells, M. Goodall and Bowler) and presented a very seasonable appearance. Harvest hymns were sung by the children, and the Headmistress gave an appropriate address. Psalm 104 was recited by Master H. Humphrey, and Enid Fidler told "The story of the wheat field." The youngest children recited "All things bright and beautiful," the various items, along with the address of the Headmistress, inculcating a useful lesson. The fruits and flowers were afterwards distributed to the sick and needy.

In aid of the Duchess of Portland's Ellerslie House for Paralysed Soldiers and Sailors, the annual "Autumn Leaves Day" was held on Saturday. Councillor Goodall was assisted in the arrangements by Miss Searson, and £6 13s. was realised. This was highly creditable both to the organisers and the public.

The male members of the Sherwood Street Methodist Church gave a highly successful performance of the drama "Joseph, a Reader of Dreams," on Wednesday evening, to a large and delighted audience. All the performers were picturesquely clad in eastern costumes, and the scenery depicting the desert and also the representation of Pharoah's Court, gave a realistic appearance to the whole performance. The twelve brothers were represented by Mr. Robert Purseglove; Mr. W. Harwood; Mr. P. J. Evans; Mr. E. Purseglove; Mr. J. Potter; Mr. L. Marshall; Mr. W. Smith; Mr. W. Hunt; Mr. F. Gascoigne; Mr. N. Evans; and Mr. Vincent Johnson; all of whom acquitted themselves with distinction. Mr. George Saxton was an ideal "Pharoah," Mr. E. Adkin played the part of "Steward" with requisite ceremony, as did also Mr. H. Purseglove as the "Butler." Mr. E. Walters, Mr. F. Gascoigne and Mr. R. Murphin, were court attendants. Mr. J. Brandreth played the part of "Jacob" impressively. The various scenes were connected by narrations, which were admirably read by Mr. R. Smeaton. Previous to the drama Mr. W. Hibbert, baritone, of Sutton, sang. Mr. Tom Barton, violinist, played the solos ... Mr. John Davies and Mr. C.H. Coupe were efficient chairmen.

Messrs. Betts and Broughton and Huthwaite West End met on the Top**** Rest Ground on Saturday, when West End were victorious by nine goals to six.