The Ypres Times.
209
Some suggestions were made by members pre
sent as to extending the work in London, and to
these the Committee gave careful consideration.
Mr. C. Schlienger proposed a hearty vote of
thanks, which was duly carried, to the Chairman
of the London County Committee (Major E.
Montague Jones, O.B.E.) for his valuable services
during the past year, and mentioned that the
Chairman was a very active member of the League,
and expressed the wish that Major Montague
Jones might be able to come along often to the
Informal Gatherings, although, as everyone knew,
he was a very busy man. Mr. C. Schlienger also pro
posed a vote of thanks to the London County
Committee for all their successful efforts during
the past year, and expressed the hope that their
endeavours during the present year would be
met with the support of all members of the League
and be as successful as those in the past.
Major Montague Jones, in reply, thanked all
members for the cordial vote of thanks passed
both to himself and the other members of the
London County Committee. In his remarks he
mentioned that the work is a work of love and
we all want to keep the League alive and bring its
objects to others who may not be interested at
the present time, and especially to bring the
League to the notice of all ex-Service men. The
spirit of comradeship was still needed, and it
was by the Informal Gatherings, etc., that we
got to know one another and new friendships
were formed. Major Montague Jones also
mentioned the Battle Book of Ypres shortly
to be published, a copy of which he had gener
ously presented to the London County Com
mittee for use at the Informal Gatherings. In
conclusion he again thanked the members present
for the hearty vote of thanks and assured
the meeting that the Committee would do their
utmost to make the League in London a success,
and urged all to do their very best to co-operate
with them in their undertakings, especially at
the Annual Smoking Concert to be held on
Thursday, 20th October, 1927, at the Caxton
Hall, Victoria Street, S.W.
INFORMAL GATHERINGS.
The closing Informal Gathering for the session
was held on Thursday, the 2nd June, and the
London County Committee, in reviewing the
meetings held during the past three months since
the last edition of The Ypres Times was published,
have again to thank all members for their kind
co-operation, not only in attending the gatherings
themselves, but also in bringing along friends, and
thus interesting others in the work of the League.
A good number of strangers who have been
brought to the meetings have become members,
and the Committee are quite certain that it is
only by individual and personal help of members
that the Gatherings and also the London Branch
can continue to extend and grow. The Gatherings
have been very well attended, and the Committee
can point to many friendships formed at them
which they are sure will be life-long, and all are
animated with the one desire to keep alive the
old spirit of comradeship formed in the Salient.
When one talks over some incident that happened
in the Salient it invariably brings to the mind
some pal who is not with us in the flesh, but in
the spirit, and once more we fight the old battles
over again and recall the old days spent together.
The London County Committee have had vari
ous proposals made to them to which they have
given careful consideration. The Committee
wish to thank many kind members who come
regularly and do all they possibly can to
help forward the work of the League in the London
area. The Informal Gatherings will be renewed
again in the autumn, and the Committee are hope
ful for the continued support of all members, not
only in attending themselves, but also in bring
ing some friend in order that he may become
interested in our work and again renew an old
friendship made in the Salient. Further criticisms
or suggestions which may help forward and make
the Gatherings a greater success are invited. It
is hoped that in the autumn it may be possible
to have one or two talks on the Salient and also
another illustrative talk. The Secretary will be
glad to receive the names and addresses of any
friends who may be interested, in order that a
notice of the meetings may be sent to them in
due course. A list of fixtures arranged for the
autumn will appear in the next issue of The Ypres
Times, and while thanking all for past support
the Committee again appeal for your continued
and increased help.
The suggestion has been made that members
may have some old maps or souvenirs which
might be of interest to other members, and if
any should possess them will they be kind enough
to bring them along to the Gatherings in the
autumn in order that they may be passed round
SMOKING CONCERT.
The Fifth Annual Smoking Concert organised
by the London County Committee will be held
at the Caxton Hall, Caxton Street, Victoria Street,
S.W.I, on Thursday, 20th October, when an
excellent programme will be given. The Com
mittee are, at the present moment, considering
the details for the concert, and full particulars
will appear in the next issue of The Ypres Times.
These annual concerts have been given splendid
support in the past, and the Committee are con
fident that they may rely upon London members
and friends to rally round them again in order
that another great success may be achieved.
Will members, therefore, book the date fot this
Annual Smoking Concert, and be sure to be
present so that we may be able to announce a
full hall Ladies are also invited.
