LEAGUE SECRETARY'S NOTES. The Ypres Times. 241 TO OUR NEW MEMBERS. Had I the capacity, attributed by the historian to that great general, Julius Caesar, to do half-a- dozen different things at the same time, I should miss no opportunity of indulging my genuine desire to write a personal letter to each new member •on his entry into the League. But being only an average mortal, whose output is governed by the limitations common to such, I am forced to con- lent myself with addressing words of welcome to you collectively, instead of individually. May I, then, express on behalf of the Committee, as well as on my own, the very great pleasure it •has been to admit each one of you to membership? The League, as you know, is in its essence primarily commemorative. Every man and woman who joins gives proof of his or her faith fulness to the memory of that vast, silent host whose imperishable deeds rank among the most glorious traditions of the Empire. It would be to our eternal shame were their epitaph to run By the world forgot." There are thousands who, one believes from ignorance of the League's exist ence, have not yet offered themselves for enrol ment. Let yours be the welcome task of helping to make more widely known the raison d'être of ■our Association. The strength of our numbers must be ultimately the measure of our passionate and lasting gratitude to the heroic Dead, whose name it is our fervent wish shall be remembered for evermore. There is another aspect of the League on which I should like briefly to touch the intensity of our •desire to strengthen and re-animate where the flame has burnt low, that spirit of fellowship among those who once fought shoulder to shoulder in the grim battlefields of death. Between every member there should exist a freemasonry begotten of a common interest, evoked by that touch of nature which makes the whole world kin. In conclusion, I would re-echo the words of Tiny Tim God bless us, every one," in our endeavour ■to honour where honour is due, by keeping green the memory of our Beloved Dead, and in our efforts <to foster and promote that "brotherly love," uniting and beneficent in its influence, which we are bidden to let continue." 4 VISITS TO THE SALIENT. A re-union on the scale of last year has been found impracticable but members desiring to visit the Salient have applied in sufficient numbers to make possible the organisation of at least two four ■day trips on July 14th and August 4th respectively. It is hoped to conduct over about 30 members on July 14th and 60 on August 4ththe return journey may be made independently at the con venience of members. Those who wish to return before the end of the trip can do so. The cost third class return from Victoria to "Ypres, via Ostend, including food and accommoda tion whilst in Belgium, is £3 for each person. The cost has been kept down to the lowest figure, and a refund of any possible balance will be made immediately after the trip. The whole party must travel together from Victoria to get the benefit of a reduced charge. The train leaves Victoria at 8.35 a.m. Full instructions will be given on appli cation to the Secretary, 100, Eaton Place. On August 5th, the Belgium Branch will parti cipate in the ceremony of unveiling one of the Demarcation Stones, which the Belgian Touring Club is erecting for the Ypres League at those places on the roads leadirtg out of Ypres, beyond which the Germans failed to advance. The site at Hooge has been selected. The new pilgrimage centre will also be visited and opened. Prominent Belgians will be invited to be present. The summer trains via Ostend to Ypres are most convenient. Leaving Victoria at 8.55 a.m. (8.35 a.m. for pilgrimages), passengers arrive at Ypres at 6.49 p.m., and may leave there daily at 6.13 a.m. or 9.30 a.m., getting home to Victoria at 4.30 p.m. or 8.25 p.m. OUR REPRESENTATIVES IN THE SALIENT. The brothers Parminter, Managers of the Wipers Auto Service, both ex-officers, have been our in valuable allies for a considerable time. They will continue to exert themselves at the Centre together with St. Barnabas Hostel representatives who have come forward in the friendliest manner and are prepared to help us in every possible way, not only at Ypres, but also at Calais, Boulogne, Amiens, etc., in fact anyhow and anywhere. With Col. H. C. Moultrie, whose battlefield and cemetery tours in the Bethune and Hazebrouck areas are advertised on the first page of our journal, I have had the pleasure of serving for many years in different parts of the world. He has been acting as our representative outside the Ypres district, and his knowledge is at the disposal of members desiring information on matters which can be so easily and satisfactorily given by the man on the spot. Many have already availed themselves of the facilities offered. CORNFLOWERS AND WREATHS. Members and others are asked to apply to the Secretary should they desire to have despatched to them one of our artificial cornflower wreaths. Already a large number have been purchased. Many have been placed on graves by our representatives, and in each case a letter describing the grave and cemetery has been sent to the relative, who in several instances has expressed appreciation of our efforts. Wreaths can be obtained at 100, Eaton Place, and also at the Hotel Splendid in Ypres. The wreaths are about 14 inches in diameter, vary ing in design, the price is 7/- at home, 8/- in

HISTORISCHE KRANTEN

The Ypres Times (1921-1936) | 1923 | | pagina 31