Branch Notes.
56
THE YPRES TIMES
TWELFTH ANNUAL REPORT.
We wish to draw attention to the exceedingly
interesting Twelfth Annual Report of the
Imperial War Graves Commission, containing
some fine reproductions of war cemeteries
situated in France, Germany, Syria, Italy,
Greece, Holland and South Africa. Copies of
the Report may be obtained on application to
the Secretary, Imperial War Graves Commission,
32, Grosvenor Gardens, London, S.W.i, price
is., post free.
BACK NUMBERS OF THE YPRES TIMES."
We frequently receive applications from
members for back editions of the Journal, of
which the October (1928), April (1929) and
January and October (1931) are out of print.
Will any member willing to part with one or
all of these specified copies kindly post to the
Secretary, Ypres League, who will be very
grateful.
YPRES OFFICIAL HONOURED.
We extend our hearty congratulations to
Monsieur P. Vandenbraambussche, on his receht
honour of the M.B.E., and it is a great pleasure
to know that his services in connection with the
initiation of the ceremony of the Last Post
at the Menin Gate, and the interest he has taken
in the welfare of the British colony, have received
deserved recognition.
WAR SOUVENIRS.
Will any member of the Ypres League posses
sing war souvenirs and willing to dispose of same,
communicate with Mr. Victor Hyde, 6, St.
Mark's Crescent, Regent's Park, London,
N.W.i, who wishes to add to his collection.
LONDON COUNTY COMMITTEE.
INFORMAL GATHERINGS.
It is very gratifying to record the immense
success of these gatherings held during the first
quarter of the New Year. Our fresh quarters at
the Bedford Head Hotel appear to be much
appreciated, and each successive gathering so
far this year has eclipsed previous ones in the
matter of attendance. We are, therefore,
naturally looking forward to enrolling a good
number of new members this year through the
medium of these gatherings. A splendid start
to the season was made when we were fortunate
enough to induce Mr. R. S. Beck to give an
illustrated talk on Arras and the Somme," on
January 21st. The slides used in connection
with the lecture were of particular interest, as
many of the photographs had been taken by
himself.
On February 18th we had the privilege to
enjoy one of the most successful concerts ever
produced at our informal gatherings, given by
the members of the 85th Club, and presided over
by their Chairman, Mr. S. F. Phillips, who
opened the proceedings with a brief but interest
ing talk on the origin and activities of his Club.
Each item was loudly applauded, and it is hoped
that we shall be favoured with another such
evening's entertainment from the stars of this
Club in the not too distant future. The standard
of entertainment at the gatherings for this
quarter was admirably maintained by Captain
H. D. Peabody, D.C.M., at the last informal
gathering on March 17th (St. Patrick's Day),
when he gave an exceedingly fine illustrated
talk on Ypres." The lecture proved highly
interesting, and many of the places shown on
the screen recalled old times and aroused con
siderable enthusiasm among the male members
present. A number of the slides used in connec
tion with the lecture had been very kindly lent
by our Corresponding Member for Broadstairs.
Mrs. Briggs, to whom we desire to express our
sincere thanks. In congratulating Captain
Peabody on the great success of his lecture, we
feel we are voicing the sentiments of all those
privileged to be present.
The Committee wish to convey their heartfelt
appreciation to all those who have so ably
supported them at the aforementioned gatherings
and we look forward to continued support.
On April 21st next, we anticipate the pleasure
of a programme by the Royal Field Artillery
Association, and arrangements regarding the
May and June gatherings are in hand and the
programmes will be announced in due course.
We earnestly request members to support us not
only with their presence, but by encouraging
those interested to join the League as full
members. The London Branch of the League
must improve on their last year's second in the
recruiting competition. This honour can be
achieved if every member will make a special
effort to recruit at least one new member during
the year.
