Fete for the Somercotes Fallen - 17 August 1917
by SLHS on
Friday 16 September 2016
Many fetes and fundraising events would be held during the war. Below is a report from the Belper News published on 17 August 1917 regarding one such fete held to raise funds to commemorate the fallen soldiers of Somercotes. It is transcribed in its entirety, as written.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the report is the reference to the provision of a public memorial. Another fifteen months of war would follow after this fete was held, and the names of many more soldiers from the parish would be added to those who had already lost their lives.
FOR SOMERCOTES FALLEN - OPEN AIR FETE
The promoters of the patriotic fete on the Somercotes Cricket Ground last week, the object of which was to provide the nucleus of a fund suitably commemorating those gallant boys of Somercotes and Lea Brooks who fall in the war encountered wretched weather, but in spite of this misfortune we confidently expect that the proceed will amount to a good sum. Wednesday’s heavy rain had a discouraging effect upon the gathering, and but for this adverse element it was confidently expected that the receipts would have amounted to at least £200. However, the promoters and all concerned are to be warmly congratulated upon their efforts. Comprehensive arrangements had been made to entertain the public, and at the same time secure every available penny for the object. There were no less than seven committees, composed in the aggregate of about 100 persons, an indication of the interested and zealous work of the villagers generally. So far as the general officials were concerned the movement was admirably served by the following in their respective capacities: Chairman, Mr. Carter E. Pegg; vice chairman, Mr. G. Beastall; treasurers, Messrs. J. Merriman and W. H. Abbott; secretary, Mr. S. Whyld; assistant secretary, Mr. J. Smith.
The fete was opened with a parade through Somercotes and Lea Brooks, in which various characters were depicted. This was headed by the Birchwood Ambulance band, while two comic bands, in the Ladies Band from Selston and the Riddings Cold Steam, added piquancy to the turnout. The amount collected for the fund on the parade was £2.5s.0½d. Prizes were given for scenes and characters in the procession. The judges being Messrs. W. H. Abbott. W. Gibson, W. Palmer, W. Poyser, J. Bown, G. Edwards and J. Thompson.
Awards:
Drays: – 1.”Secret of England’s Greatness”, Pye Bridge; 2. “Summer”, (Langley Avenue), Somercotes; 3. “Morning and Evening”, (Jubilee Cottages), Selston.
Cycles and Prams: - “Baby in Pram”, Latham and Burnham.
Characters: - 1. “Old Lady”, Louie Grainger, Lower Somercotes; 2. “Collier Girl”, Alex Bacon; 3. “Charlie Chaplin”, - Cockayne, Somercotes; 4. “Italian Lady”, Mrs Clarke, Selston.
The proceedings on the ground were formally opened by Mrs. Dykes Robson, who made reference to the character of the object and its claim upon their support.
Mr. Whyld (secretary) also referred to the scheme for the provision of a public memorial for their fallen soldiers, and called for a generous response that day.
Mrs. Robson was presented with a handsome bouquet and silver flower vase by Miss Joyce Edna Whyld on behalf of the promoters for her services, and heartily thanked on the proposal of the Secretary, seconded by Mr. W. Brown.
There were numerous attractions on the ground, including a baby show, art gallery, an exhibition of war souvenirs, which perhaps was one of the most interesting sections of the fete and many exiting competitions well designed to bring in all “stray” coppers. The baby show attracted many healthy baby competitors, and this was obviously a “mothers” section, and certainly a popular one. Mrs. J. J. Smith, of Victoria Street, carried out the duties of secretary for this, and the adjudicators were Dr. Pooler of Stonebroom, assisted by Nurses Liddler and Moulton. Mrs. Pooler presented the prizes, and she received a bouquet from Miss Marjorie Price for her services. The awards were: Under four months – 1. Elsie Wilde; 2. Aldred Murray Parker. Under eight months – 1. Nellie Wright; 2. Cyril Burt. Under 12 months – 1. Albert Parkin; 2. Stanley Myles; 3. Armentieries Jones.
The pea guessing competition afforded some amusing estimates of how many peas can be squeezed into a glass bottle of moderate size. The total number of peas in the bottle was 2037, and the prizes went to: 1. A. Riley with 2020,; 2. H. Coupe, 2006; 3. C. Coupe, 2055. Some guessed as low as 200, but few comparatively speaking ventured into the realm of thousands.
The balloon driving on the ground proved entertaining and dancing was maintained to the strains of the Lea Brooks Excelsior Orchestra. At the local schools there was a whist drive, under the direction of Mr. Jos. Banks. Miscellaneous items following the opening were contributed by Miss mabel Morley, Miss Pattie Frost, Mr. Ted Morley, Lea Brooks Orchestra, the Birchwood Children’s Prize Choir and Miss Williams.