The C.W.S. employees at Rushden held their 12th annual supper in the Co-operative Hall on Friday evening last, when about 280 sat down to an excellent repast. The manager, Mr L Tysoe, presided supported by the cashier, Mr H Durham. The catering was by Mesdames W J Cure, Cave, Dennis, Webb, Todd, Panter, Hornsby, Cox, Ward, Webster, Stokes, and Warren, and Mr Cure.
An excellent musical programme was given, Mr Tysoe presiding as follows: Song, Mr P Pope; song, M Valencon; song, Miss B Whitworth; song, M Devries; song, Mr H Toby; song, M Valencon; song, Miss K Thompson; song, Mr P Pope; song, M Devries.
Dancing took place to the music of Mrs J George and Mr S Whitworth, Mr E Wright officiating as M.C.
The Chairman introducing M Valencon, said he was a young Belgian soldier who had been in battle against the Germans but had been shot through the head and sent to England. He had a father, mother and three brothers and four sisters living in Vervia when he left home, and his biggest trouble now was that he could get no tidings as to their safety.
Continuing, Mr Tysoe said he had been much in company with their friend Adolph, and was charmed with his manner, and was very much gratified with the way in which employees had rallied round him.
In announcing M Devries, Mr Tysoe said that he was another friend from Belgium who had been on the battle field picking up the dead and wounded, and had left father, mother, wife, and daughter in Brussels. Could he know they were safe and well and assure them of his own safety, much of his anxiety would be spared, but as yet he had heard nothing nor did they know where he was.
Mr Tysoe expressed thanks to Mr Cure and the ladies who had rendered such valuable assistance in making the function a success.
Light refreshments were handed round, kindly provided by Mr Tysoe. The arrangements were made by Messrs W Durham (president), G Rodwell, B V Page, J George, C Shrives, C Hefford, E Hopper, J Greaves, E Wright, F Oliver, Misses M Percival, E Short, E Mantle, and Mr E Bandey (secretary).
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