Ypres British Schooi.
54
THE YPRES TIMES
who visited Ypres last summer (and in particular that of a Nottingham father and
mother whose son, an officer of the Sherwoods," lies in Bedford House Cemetery,
on the outskirts of the city) it has now been decided to continue it throughout the
whole year, the time during the winter months having been fixed for 8 p.m. I may
add that these devoted Nottingham parents volunteered personally to pay all
expenses incurred during the winter months, so that the ceremonial might be
perpetuated day by day, but the Yprois, whilst appreciating the generosity of the
offer, would not accept it.
just now a notice of the event is being prominently posted in all the leading
hotels, as the Burgomaster desires British visitors to unite with the inhabitants in
this simple tribute of homage and respect. The number of the former is legion,
since 80,000 persons signed the visitors' book at Menin Gate during 1929.
Incidentally it may be mentioned that the Belgian Government has just given
a further practical demonstration of its appreciation of the beauty and dignity of
the Menin Gate Memorial by engraving its representation on a new issue of postage
stamps which has just been brought into circulation. Philatelists will be interested
to learn that the issue is only temporary, and supplementary in character, and that
a small percentage has been added to the face value of the stamps, the proceeds of
which will be devoted to the funds of the Belgian Red Cross. The principal banks,
insurance companies and commercial and industrial concerns throughout the
country have promised to use only these stamps while they are in circulation.
Reprinted by kind permission of
The Nottingham Guardian."
THANKS to a generous grant promised by the Imperial War Graves Commis
sion, we have been enabled to augment the staff of our teachers. This will
enable us to undertake the education of all the British children at Ypres and
its surroundings, bringing the numbers attending the School up to 120.
We have gone further afield for these extra children, and our thanks are again
due to the War Graves Commission for providing transport to bring them in.
We have been put to considerable expense in providing extra accommodation,
fittings and furniture.
In April we shall have completed our first year's work with the School, and
thanks to the good offices of Mr. Palfrey, of the London County Council Educa
tion Department, the following firms have provided us with very beautiful book
prizes for the pupils, namely: Messrs. Thomas Nelson Co., Messrs. Blackie
Sons, and Messrs. Macmillan Co.
The first year's work at the School has exceeded all our expectations. Every
credit is due to Mr. and Mrs. Morris for the way that they have overcome all the
obstacles in teaching the children, which were greatly accentuated by the language
difficulty. The local Committee of Management at Ypres deserve our best thanks
for their help. The complete confidence of parents and children has been
obtained.
The after-care of the children is now engaging our attention; Lady Plumer
and Mrs. Adeane have successfully interested themselves in this work.
Ypres British Settlement are sure that all members of the League will learn
with interest that all the buildings are practically completed.
