Friday 29 January 2016

Tea for Soldiers’ Dependants at Sowerby Bridge

From The Halifax Courier, 29th January 1916.

SOLDIERS' DEPENDANTS.


ANOTHER PLEASANT ENTERTAINMENT

The thoughtfulness of the people of Sowerby Bridge and of the members of the local Soldiers and Sailors' Families' Association in particular, in looking after the comfort and pleasure of the dependants of the brave fellows who have gone forth in defence of liberty and Empire, was again demonstrated on Saturday, in the Wesleyan Sunday School at Bolton Brow.  A fortnight ago about 500 wives and children of soldiers and sailors from Sowerby Bridge were entertained, while on Saturday another 400 were treated in the same sumptuous manner.  This second party was for those “dependants” who don't come under the head of “wives and children,” comprising chiefly the mothers and sisters, or the nearest home relatives, of the men who are “on duty.”  Altogether 380 invitations were sent out, but rather more than this number sat down to tea, the benevolent spirit of the organisers prompting them to turn no one away who had a reasonable claim to partake of the good fare provided.  It was a happy idea to bring together in this way the local folks who have made great sacrifices for the benefit of the country, and in a very real manner the party served to create friendships and cement the feeling of those who have dear ones away on active service.

A substantial tea was served, and in the evening a splendid concert helped to while away a few pleasant hours.  It is scarcely necessary to add that the guests thoroughly enjoyed themselves.  The room was decorated in a neat and effective manner by Mr Walter Lumb.  The platform front was covered by small Union Jacks, the flags of the Allies were placed round the room. and streamers radiated from the centre in all directions.  On all the tea tables there were beautiful floral decorations.  The tea was what is known locally as a “knife and fork” one, and of appetising food there was enough and to spare.

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