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THE YPRES TIMES
LONDON COUNTY COMMITTEE.
Informal Gatherings and Other Activities.
Gratitude is extended to all who have helped
to forward this most important work of reunion.
In April we were honoured by the presence
of our friends of the 85th Club, who gave us a
truly excellent entertainment. Mr. R. Barnes
(Chairman of the Club) kindly presided, and the
evening was thoroughly enjoyedin fact, this
concert is regarded by our members as one of
the best of the season, and we are deeply grateful
to Mr. A. Skinner (Hon. Secretary of the 85th
Club) and to Mr. W. F. Taylor who generously
undertook the arrangements for the programme.
Two other Gatherings during the past quarter
were of an impromptu character, and sincere
thanks are due to those members and friends
who came forward and helped with some of
their excellent talent. These meetings are
held to provide the spirit of comradeship and
so maintain this important object for which the
League stands.
The London County Committee are now
busily engaged in preparing next season's
programmes and much look forward to renewed
support from members and friends. Those
wishing to kindly offer their services should
send their names to Mr. J. Boughey, who will
be glad to send fixture dates for selection.
Invitations to the Informal Gatherings will be
sent to any friends whose names and addresses
are submitted by members.
At the request of members, a Gathering will
be held on Thursday, July 20th, at the Bedford
Head Hotel, Maiden Lane, Strand, W.C.2, from
7 to 10 p.m. No special programme is being
arranged, but it is hoped that many will come
and spend an hour or two to chat over old times.
The attendances, during the past few Gather
ings, have not been up to the usual high standard
so the Committee looks with anticipation to
increased support at these meetings.
Several new proposals are being adopted for
next year, including a Whist Drive, and any
further suggestions will receive the Committee's
consideration.
The London County Committee took part
in the parade of the League of the Empire
Review at St. Paul's Cathedral on Saturday,
May 27th, when a small contingent of London
members was commanded by Capt. C. Alliston.
Larger attendances are called for on future
parades so as to keep the League more in the
public eye.
The Annual Meeting of the London County
Committee was held on Thursday, April 13th,
when we were pleased to elect as a member of
the Committee, Mr. John W. Franklin, repre
senting the 5th London Field Ambulance. We
regret the loss on the Committee of Mr. L. A.
Weller, owing to business reasons, but apprecia
tion is recorded of his work done for the London
Branch.
The Eleventh Annual Reunion Smoking
Concert will take place at the Caxton Hall,
Caxton Street, Victoria Street, S.W.i, on
Saturday, October 28th, 1933, at 7.30 p.m.,
and the support of all London members is
requested. The preliminary arrangements
involve heavy detailed work, so it is earnestly
desired that members will do everything in their
power to assure a full house." Particulars
will be given in the October edition of the Ypres
Times, and notices will appear in the Press.
Reunion Dinner and Dance.
This annual reunion was held on Saturday,
May 6th, at the Royal Hotel, Woburn Place,
W.C.i, and thanks are due to the management
for the excellent arrangements. Over ninety
members and friends were received by Colonel
G. T. Brierley, C.M.G., D.S.O., who presided.
Berry's Band was in attendance and gave
popular musical numbers during the dinner and
played admirably for the dance which followed.
Mr. E. C. Stone kindly acted as M.C.
After the toast to His Majesty the King, a
one-minute silence was observed in memory
of Absent Friends." The Chairman then rose
to propose the toast of The London County
Committee," and recalled the workings of the
Branch from the time of its inception when
he himself was Secretary of the Ypres League.
The names of old friends were mentioned who
were connected with the original Committee.
The Colonel congratulated the Committee on
their achievements and work they had done for
the League and also on the splendid muster
present and added what an immense pleasure
it was to preside. In mentioning the general
work of the League, he expressed his apprecia
tion of the Ypres Times, and was sure every
body felt the better for reading it.
Major Montague Jones, Chairman of the
London County Committee, thanked Colonel
Brierley for his kindness in taking the chair, and
said how pleased they all were to see him once
more amongst them and also Mrs. Brierley.
Major Jones made a very strong appeal to all
to do their utmost to increase the membership
of the League and proposed the health of Colonel
Brierley who replied by expressing his sincere
thanks for a very pleasant evening.
At the conclusion of the dinner an adjourn
ment was made to the ballroom, where a happy
time was spent, and those who did not brave
the floor equally enjoyed themselves exchanging
war reminiscences and the friendly atmosphere
of an exceedingly successful function. Much
thanks are due to all who gave their valued
support.
