The Ypres Times.
175'
of more interest, and help forward the work of the
League, and it is hoped that the Gatherings to
be held during the next three months will still
receive/the same support, and even greater support,
and prove a link of comradeship with those spent
together in the Salient. May we then have your
support not only by your own attendance, but
also by advertising the Gatherings to all those
who may be interested Ladies are also specially
invited.
CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY.
The Third Annual Christmas Party, organised
by the London County Committee for the Junior
Members of the Ypres League and their friends,
was held on the afternoon of Saturday, the 15th
January, 1927, at -the Mary Ward Settlement,
Tavistock Place, W.C., which was lent by the
Mary Ward Settlement Council through the
kindness of the Hon. Eleanor Plumer.
Some 150 children were present, and it was
evident by the happy faces that they were having
a great time.
The children sat down to tea at gaily decorated
tables in the well beflagged hall.
Tea, served by a very active army of helpers,
consisted of tea, hot milk, bread and butter, jam,
buns, cakes, and biscuits, etc.
Christmas crackers proved the first exciting
item after the tea, and it was great fun watching
the children pulling them.
All eyes were turned towards the stage when
Capt. Alliston presented Professor Cragg, of the
Magic Circle, who commenced his performance with
ventriloquism and caused boisterous laughter by
the remarks of his model schoolboy.
Mystery followed mystery, much to the wonder
ment of all present.
The snowball affair certainly provoked much
mirth as eventually a long string of delighted
children were trying to retain in their arms the
large numbers of snowballs the Professor secured
from an empty hat.
To tell of all the amusing and magical events of
this performance would mean the use of many
pages of The Ypres Times.
After a long hour s entertainment the children
were keen to be on their feet, and then followed
many games in which all took part.
Mrs. Councillor Alliston acted as a very efficient
referee in musical chairs, and presented prizes
to the winning children.
At this stage, Major Montague Jones, O.B.E.,
Chairman of the London County Committee,
addressed the children and those adults present.
Obviously, many of the youthful members of
the Junior Division were impressed by his remarks,
noticeably when he referred to carrying on the
good work of the League in years to come.
Of course, the most exciting event of the day
was the toy distribution from the Christmas tree,
as during the afternoon the children were con
stantly gazing at the well decorated and illumin
ated tree, wondering, no doubt, as to which toy
they would be fortunate in securing.
The balloting and presentation of the toys was
accompanied by great excitement, a fact which
proved it to be the event most looked forward to.
Small children were unable to hold the numerous
toys and parents came to their assistance.
When the children were in possession of their
toys further games were out of the question.
More Christmas crackers were pulled, and milk
and biscuits served.
Further gifts of fruit and chocolates were made
as each child left after spending a most enjoyable
afternoon.
The success of the Third Christmas Party was
very pleasing to the London County Committee
after putting in so much ground work.
Major Montague Jones, Chairman, Jlr. J.
Boughey, the energetic Hon. Secretary, Capt. C.
Alliston, Mr. A. Copland, Capt. F. H. Davies, Mr.
T. Ross Turner, Jlr. E. Glover, and Mr. L. A.
Weller, of the London County Committee, were
present and worked hard before, during, and to a-
late hour after the party.
A large body of helpers contributed to the-
success of the afternoon.
Notably among them were a party of Mrs.
Rayner's Boy Scouts, who undertook any duty
Jlrs. Councillor Alliston, Mrs. F. H. Davies, Mr.
and Mrs. Denman, Mrs. E- Glover, Jlr. F. J.
Patterson, Jlr. W. ICerslake, and Mr. A. R.
Brown.
The Committee were grateful to many friends
whose donations were a great help towards the-
success of the party.
To JXajor Jfontague-J ones, O.B.E., who pro
vided the conjuror, Mr. Schlienger, for his gift
of boxes of chocolates, Mrs. E. Glover, for cakes,
and Jfessrs. Stemp Bros., of New Cross, for their
generous gifts of toys.
The League is anxious to have a larger number
of Junior Jlembers, and points out that the mem
bership is only Is. per annum.
THE POPLAR TOWN HALL DANCE.
At the Poplar Town Hall on J anuarv 20th, 1927,
a successful dance was held which was well-
attended, in spite of the fog which reigned during
the day. This was the first attempt made in the
Poplar District, and from all accounts proved to-
be a satisfactory event. A good number were
present, and the presence of many members of
the League (some who had come a good distance)
was greatly appreciated.
Capt. C. Alliston, Treasurer of the London
County Committee, spoke on the work of the
League, and the League song, Tramping Along,'
was played by the orchestra and sold during the
evening. The best thanks of the London County
Committee and all interested in the work of the
League in the London area are given to the or
ganiser for his kindness in arranging the dance,
and also for his work in the co-operation in the
work of the Committee. The balance from the
dance was handed over to the funds of the London
County Committee, and received with grateful!
thanks.
