BRANCH NOTES.
Fourth Re-Union Smoking Concert Organised
by the London County Committee,
October 21st, 1926.
140
The Yi'Kes Times.
The concert was again held in the Great Hall of the Cannon Street Hotel, and proved
in all ways an outstanding success.
Lieut.-General Sir H. Uniacke, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., took the chair at 7.30 p.m., and
was supported by the Military Attachés of both France and Belgium.
The main part of the entertainment was carried out by Tom Howell's well-known
company of Opieros." Everyitemwas good,and manyof them were vociferously encored,
especially, perhaps, the humour of Mr. Harry Williams and the singing of Miss Betty
Bowen and Mr. Tom Howell himself.
During the interval the Chairman announced that a telegram of loyal homage to
His Majesty The King had been despatched, and the following reply had just been
received from Sandringham.
The King sincerely thanks the members of the Ypres League assembled at their
annual re-union for their kind and loyal message, and wishes all present a happy and
successful evening."
This message was received with much enthusiasm and was greatly appreciated by all
present. The Chairman then announced that Mr. Max Darewski, the famous pianist,
was going to play to them that evening. Mr. Darewski's name is well known all over the
world, and it was most generous of him to come and give his services for the benefit of
the League. The new song, Marching Along," would be sung, and would be played by
the composer, who, with the author, Mr. Phillip Seeley, had generously given their
royalties on this composition to the League.
The Chairman of the London County Committee, Major Montague Jones, gave a brief
account of the activities of the London Branch during the past year he particularly
thanked General Sir H. Uniacke for presiding, and also put on record the great services
rendered to the League by Mrs. Charles Edwards, not only throughout the year, but
especially in the help she had given them in their programme for that evening. He also
thanked all members of the Committee for the hard work they had done, especially men
tioning Captain Alliston, Captain F. H. Davies, and their ubiquitous Hon. Secretary,
Mr. John Boughev.
Mr. Max Darewski then delighted all present with a wonderful display of genius for
pianoforte playing. He played several times the new song, Marching Along Major
Edwards sang the words, whilst the whole audience joined in the very taking and catching
chorus.
One of the songs signed by the author, composer and chairman, was then auctioned
by Colonel Pole and fetched, after a thrilling competition, the sum of £6, the winning
bid being made by Captain Cantlay, a guest of their Chairman.
After the Opieros had rendered the second part of their programme, the concert
concluded with the singing of God Save the King," thus bringing to an end a memorable
and successful evening.