Castlethorpe school children

AN ATTRACTIVE FETE

The grounds of Hanslope Lodge, Castlethorpe, was the venue on Saturday of an attractive garden fete and jumble sale organised for the benefit of the Hanslope and Castlethorpe Nursing Association. The grounds were lent with the customary generosity of General Sir Arthur Holland, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., and Lady Holland, were looking at their best, the roses garden and the well kept flower beds being a great delight to the visitors during the time of the holding of the fete. The kitchen gardens were also opened and many took the opportunity to make a visit, Lady Holland, who is president of the Association opened the fete with an appropriate little speech in which she appealed for generous support to the funds of the Association which is doing and has done for years past, such excellent work in the relief of suffering in the neighbouring villages of Castlethorpe and Hanslope. Such a worthy object was deserving of every support and with the fete opened, the many workers set themselves out to raise at least the sum of £40 which was realized by last year’s effort. Their self-imposed task for charity was well supported by those present although unfortunately the attendance of visitors during the afternoon was not large. A reason for this latter fact was not hard to find for during the early part of the afternoon, frequent claps of thunder gave every appearance of a heavy storm, being experienced. Luckily only a sprinkling of rain fell and not sufficient to dampen the enthusiasm of the workers. It was a cause, however of keeping many people away who would otherwise have enjoyed a pleasant afternoon in such delightful surroundings. Sir Arthur and [Lady]Holland were hard workers for the success of the effort as was also their daughter, Miss Holland. Mrs. J. Whiting, who is vice-president of the Committee was responsible for many of the preliminary details of the fete and also worked hard in many ways during the holding of the functions. In addition to the many stalls and sideshows there were other attractions to occupy the attentions of visitors. A Punch and Judy show managed by Mr. Stanley, of Northampton not only amused the young people but also the adults at frequent intervals. An afternoon concert was given with their customary ability by Mrs. E. G. Oliver’s “Merry and Bright Concert Party” from Wolverton, which was under the charge of Mrs. H. Baker. The programme presented was made up of many popular items which were loudly applauded. Although the audience would have wished for encore numbers, the length of the programme would not allow of these being given. The party consisted of Miss. L. Haycock, Miss Ruby Mould, Miss Dorothy Canvin, Miss Winnie Booth, Miss Nellie Adnitt, Miss Ivy Gear, Miss K. Parkes, and Miss Elsie Russell. The detailed programme was as follows: opening chorus, “Merry and Bright”, The Party song, “Mighty Lak a Rose”, Miss Haycock; dance, “The Middy,” Misses R. Mould and D. Canvin; concerted items solo, Miss N. Adnitt; humorous song, Miss I. Gear; dance, “Cachucha,” Misses Mould and Canvin; duet, “Contradicting,” Misses Gear and E. Russell; song “Big Lady Moon,” Miss K. Parkes; dance, “Gavotte,” the Party; bone solo, Miss Gear; humorous song, “Touch the Harp,” Miss Russell; melodrama, the Party; Miss Adnitt was the accompanist at the pianoforte.

This programme was repeated in the rose garden in the evening.

Maypole dances were prettily executed by 16 Castlethorpe school children trained by Mr. H. H. Middleton, the schoolmaster, who played the dance music. He was assisted in the direction of the children by his wife.

Of the stalls, arranged round the grounds, Miss Tarry (Wolverton) had charge of a fancy stall which contained many pleasing Swiss novelties given for sale by Lady Holland. Mrs. H. Robinson (Wolverton) had charge of a flower stall to which Mrs. Watts of Hanslope Park sent many choice blooms. Mrs. Robinson was assisted by Miss Mark Poore who also found time to help in the conducting of the competitions. Cake competitions were under the charge of Miss Vaughan and Nurse Brown, who found a ready sale for their tickets. Mrs. Duncan and Miss Markham had charge of the produce stall with its assortment of large articles, whilst under the shelter of a large tree, excellent teas were served by Mrs. F. Tompkins, Mrs. P. Whiting and Mrs. Br[o]wnsell. A jumble stall with its assortment of bargains was managed by Mrs. Willingham and Miss Crick. Both young and old found pleasure in a visit to the sweet stall which recorded good visits under the charge of Mrs. H. Beesley. Cocoanuts were under the charge of Mr. W. Willingham, whilst Mr. J. Short jnr. (Newport Pagnell) with his hoopla stall did good business. Many tried their skill in a bowling competition superintended by Messrs. C. Harding, A. Burbidge and Rawlinson, for a pig, given by Mr. J. Whiting. “Happy Benny,” under Mr. F. Clarke, the lucky post office under Mrs. Johnson and skittles under Messrs. J. Evans and F. Mills, were also well patronized. Miss Bailey told fortunes and was assisted in her work by Misses Edith Cowley and Lily Marsh who represented gipsy girls. Miss Stella Tompkins provided amusement for the youngsters with donkey cart rides. Refreshments were served by Mrs. Lansbury, Mrs. Evans, Mrs. Harding, Mrs. F. Clarke, Mrs. Marsh and Miss Burbidge. During the afternoon, the Hanslope Band, under the conductorship of Mr. W. Key, played selections of music and also for dancing on the lawn in the evening. The secretarial duties were carried out by Miss Stevenson. The Treasurer was Mr. Alfred Smith. Gate duties were performed by Messrs. G. Tebbey, A. Smith, and S. W. Platten.