Branch Notes.
THE YPRES TIMES
59
LONDON COUNTY COMMITTEE.
INFORMAL GATHERINGS.
The object of these Gatherings is to promote
the spirit of comradeship and to bring all those
who served in the Salient into one bond of
fellowship, but this is only possible by the
co-operation of all who have the cause of the
League at heart. We extend very hearty
thanks to our members for their regular help,
and should any others feel disposed to run a
programme at some future Gathering, such
services would be exceedingly welcome. We
wish to convey our best thanks to the following,
who have so ably assisted us at our Gatherings
during the past three months Brigadier-
General A. Burt, C.M.G., D.S.O. Commander
H. M. Denny, D.S.O. Mrs. E. Heap Mr. W. E.
Taylor and Mr. E. P. Johnson.
The Committee feel that the time has come
when a change should be made in regard to the
government of these meetings owing to the
ever increasing attendances. Up to the present
all have been admitted free with the hope that
friends would join up as members of the League,
but there are a great many non-members who
regularly attend these Gatherings and enjoy
the privileges but do not join up, so the Com
mittee have decided that in future a members'
ticket shall be issued to all fully paid-up members
entitling them to come to the Gathering free
and non-members shall be charged 6d. at each
meeting, but, of course, the Committee naturally
hope that they will become members. Our aim
is to increase the membership of the League
and we trust that all members and friends will
realize this fact in the attitude adopted.
Members requiring tickets for the Informal
Gatherings kindly forward name and address
to the Honorary Secretary, London County
Committee, Ypres League, g, Baker Street, W.i
Particulars of the forthcoming Gatherings
will be found overleaf and we look forward to the
valued co-operation of all interested.
The London County Committee desire to
place on record their hearty congratulations on
the honour which has been bestowed by H.M.
The King upon their Patron, Colonel The Lord
Wakefield of Hythe, C.B.E., LL.D.
The Committee expresses its grateful thanks
to Mr. E. G. Holmes for so kindly presenting a
case for the Ypres League Flag. The gift will
be of great service in enabling the bearers to
travel more readily with this most prized
possession of the League.
THE SIXTH ANNUAL CHILDREN'S PARTY.
The weather would seem to favour our
Children's parties as little as it did our British
offensives in France and Flanders. The glorious
morning of January nth failed to fulfil its
promise and the children arrived in an icy,
torrential rainfall. Let us here say how greatly
we appreciate the kindness and courtesy of the
Governors of the Westminster City School and
the Headmaster, Mr. J. C. Dent, M.A., in placing
at our disposal the spacious and well-warmed
gymnasium. No party could fail to be a success
in such a venue. As to the party itself, what
needs to be said Tea, conjuror, games,
presents from the Christmas Tree The
children's faces registered delight. Mr. R.
Simpson amused the whole assembly with a
clever conjuring and ventriloquial entertainment.
These League functions necessitate much hard
work behind the scenes and thanks are due to
Mr. J. Boughey, our indefatigable Hon. Secre
tary and his band of lady and gentlemen helpers
who effaced themselves to ensure a real treat for
the kiddies and before the singing of the National
Anthem, Major E. Montague Jones, O.B.E.,
spoke a few appropriate words emphasizing the
work of the Ypres League in one word
Remembrance."
T. R. F.
PRESENTATION OF UNION JACK.
A handsome Union Jack has been given to
the London County Committee through the
generosity of Capt. G. E. de Trafford, M.C., to
whom our grateful thanks are due, and also for
his many other gifts on behalf of the work of the
League in the London Area.
Arrangements are being made for this Flag to
be presented at a special parade to be held at
4 p.m. on Saturday, May 24th, in Hyde Park,
just previous to the Empire Parade, at which
it is hoped Royalty will be present. Full
particulars will be forwarded on application to
the Honorary Secretary, London County Com
mittee, Ypres League, 9, Baker Street, W.i
A successful dance, organized by the London
County Committee, was held at the Veterans'
Club, Holborn, on February 27th, and as many