[JWN's Notes. - I believe that some of the names have been reported incorrectly. The names in question are "Mankwick" and "Viller", which, I believe, should be "Markwick" and "Vidler or Vitler"
The "I. Newport" and "Irene Newport" are one and the same person and she was my Aunt Beattie. Her full name was "Irene Beatrice" but I, always, heard her reffered to as "Beattie".].
[COMMUNICATED]
"In spite of the darkness and the rain on Friday night in last week, a large and appreciative audience assembled in the schoolroom, to listen to what may be termed a juvenile concert in aid of the Widows and Orphans Fund. The performers, except one, were scholars at the National School, who volunteered to help by singing and reciting. Their efforts were successful beyond expectation. So eager were the little patriots to present a good programme that, after eliminating several items, it consisted of 36 pieces and occupied two-and-a-half hours. Miss A. Parks, of Barnhorn, kindly offered to assist and sang, The song that reached my heart."
"Four songs were encored Oh all the first clear song (with a whistling chorus); The Excursion Train (with bell, whistle, flag, and imitative accompaniments); I didnt get a wink all night; and The Soldiers Letter. Master T. Sinden as Dollys Doctor literally took the cake in a manner that provoked much amusement."
"Masters W. and A. Lewis song inspired their hearers to join with them in singing the refrain. "High in the Belfry," ("Ring the Bell, Watchman,") was sung with particular clear notes by Master James Taylor, Little Irene Newport, Master Tommy and Miss Flossie Sinden, reciting they pieces in a very pleasing style. Master William Jenner -- the comical character -- excelled in "I didn't get a wink all night," which he sang in character vivaciously and fairly convulsed the audience. To every child great praise you for the excellent motives and their efforts. After singing "God Save the Queen," the children, on their own initiative, vociferously gave three cheers for Her Majesty."
"The Vicar accorded a vote of thanks to the performers for the pleasant evening they had provided."
"Mr Newport replied for them, pointing out that the proceeds would be considered to be the children's contribution to the fund. He thanks those present for coming through the inclement weather, expressed a hope that at some other time they might enjoy a like successful gathering, and particularly thanked their good friend and well-wisher, Mr Smith, for the loan of the flags which adorned the room."
"Among those present were Mrs A. Lemmon and Mrs S. Dodson."
"The proceeds amounted to 2."
"The programme was as follows: -- Chorus, "To the Glorious Name of England"; song, "Dollies Dear"; recitation, The "Family Cares," A. Mankwick; song, "Advice to Dolly"; recitation, "Dolly's Doctor," (T. Sinden, I Newport); chorus, "Hurrah"; recitation, "Good Night, etc., "A. Bryant; song, "The Firemen," T. Noakes, F. Viller, W. Lewis; song, "Oh, we love, etc., E. Brett, L. Hutchinson, E. Bryant; recitation, "The Spring Walk," F Pocock; song, "Sing a song of Sixpence"; song, "Act by Work," W. Jenner, A. Lewis; recitation, "Where to Walk," A. Jenner; song, "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star; recitation, "Curfew shall not Ring," E. Brett; Musical Drill; recitation, "O tell me," F. Sinden; song, O the Queen of Night" E Brett, L. Hutchinson, E. Bryant; song, "High in the Belfry," J. Taylor; recitation, "The Orphan Boy," I Newport; song, "O the first clear Song," (Boys); song, "My Kettle," F. Sinden, I Newport, N. Brett; recitation, "The Ropewalk," L, Hutchinson; chorus, "The Excursion Train"; song, "The British Grenadiers, W. Jenner; recitation, "The Children's Hour, E. Bryant; chorus, "O for the stormy cold March"; recitation, "Song of Emigration," I Newport; song, "I didn't get a wink," W. Jenner; song, "Cuckoo," the Hutchinson, M. Vidler, A. Cornford; recitation, "Sunshine and Shower," T. Sinden; song, "The Soldiers Letter, W. Lewis, A. Lewis; round, "Life is Real"; song, "Home, Sweet Home," he raped, L. Hutchinson; song, "The song that reached my Heart," Miss A. Parks."
