u Ypres Times55 S.O.
6
THE heavy annual expenditure in the production of the pres 1 imes has been
a source of great anxiety to us during the past two years, and the Committee,
at the Annual General Meeting of 1931 decided to establish, if possible, an
Ypres Times Maintenance Fund. With this object in view, we felt that our Life
Members who joined from 1920 to 1926 might appreciate the opportunity of being asked
to head a donation list and so form a nucleus to such a fund.
We are happy to report that the appeal is meeting with a generous response and
with the best of goodwill which is indeed most encouraging.
We herewith publish the letter addressed to our old Life Members
Ypres League,
9, Baker Street, W.i.
Ypres Day, 1931.
Dear Sir or Madam,
We hope that you receive the Ypres Times regularly and find the Journal of interest.
The publication has been issued quarterly since October, 1921, at a cost of over £300 per annum,
but we much regret that the general depression of the past two years has created a problem in regard
to the possibility of future editions of this extremely popular illustrated Journal. It is our earnest
desire to continue the publication of the Ypres Times for years to come and to retain, if possible, its
present high standard.
This important matter was brought before the Annual General Meeting of the Ypres League on
July 23rd, 1931, and the Committee decided to take the liberty to appeal, first of all, to our old Life
Members to head a donation list with a view to establishing a Ypres Times Maintenance Fund.
The Ypres Times fulfils one of the League's principal objects in keeping alive the memory of
what is perhaps the most notable feat of British Arms of all time, and in addition serves as a strong
and valuable liaison of our members throughout the world.
This appeal is made with great reluctance, because we certainly do not wish to harm the feelings
of our Life Members, especially those of so long a standing but we are sure you will appreciate our
grounds for appeal, and if you are so kind as to see your way to send a contribution to the Ypres Times
Fund it will be received with the greatest gratitude by the Committee.
Cheques should be made payable to the Ypres League.
Yours, very truly,
G. E. de Trafford,
Secretary.
The result of this appeal, at the time of going to Press, is £272 18s. 6d., of which
amount £200 has been placed on Deposit. The donations range from is. to £20, and
we should like to express our very grateful and hearty thanks to all these loyal subscribers
for the generous support, and immense interest they have shown in the establishment
of an Ypres Times Maintenance Fund.
The Fund is now open to any of our members who care to subscribe, and wé sincerely
hope that as many as possible will follow the splendid lead given by our old Life Members.
We reprint hereunder some letters typical of the many which have been received.
J. H. R. (Torquay).I have pleasure in sending a 10/- note and promise to repeat next year, if
necessary, in order that the Ypres Times may continue.
A.M.M. (Bath) Thank you for your letter. I always receive the Ypres Times regularly and after
reading, pass it on to an ex-soldier who much appreciates it. I have often felt that I ought to contribute
towards the expenses of the publication, so have much pleasure in sending enclosed donation, £1 2s.
J. N. B-L. (Peterborough).The Ypres Times must not be allowed to languish. Times are hard,
but if a tenner is any good, you are welcome to it for so deserving an object.
L. B. W. (Penrhos Bay).I hasten to send you a cheque for 2 2s. towards the fund which you
mention, and only wish that I were able to make my contribution much more. Such a cause, I think,
calls for the highest praise and is worthy of the greatest self-denial. It would be a calamity were these
journals to lapse, and I always enjoy every page of them. I sincerely hope that the Ypres Times
will continue to function for many long years to come.