Cheslyn Hay pupils knitting for the war effort, or the Belgian Children’s Relief Fund@
Another one I have had to nick from the Great Wyrley/Cheslyn Hay Old and New Facebook page (and Tony Kulik) as the comments were turned off. I thought I would add a couple of paragraphs to this photograph for context – as I am proof reading the 1916 year from the upcoming book on the Great War – at the moment, and as it ties in with Children in Need day, tomorrow. These paragraphs could be describing the photograph above, although we cannot be sure…
To show the continued, and in general, goodwill that existed from the people of Great Wyrley, Landywood and Cheslyn Hay towards the allied nations, we shall look at events of 10 July 1916 (reported in the Cannock Courier on 15 July). While the general Belgian Relief Fund continued, there appears to be have been a switch in the latter half of the year from supporting that fund to supporting a Belgian Children’s Fund. This fund was more attractive to schools, for obvious reasons. It is worth remembering that these events examined, held at the Schools of Great Wyrley, Landywood and Cheslyn Hay, took place when the British offensive on the Somme was less than two weeks old.
At Great Wyrley Council School on the Walsall Road, Mr Samuel Mason, the Rowley Regis born headmaster, organised an open-air event: ‘There was a very large company present, presided over by Mr W.J. Bowen, who made some interesting remarks concerning the object of the gathering and also the efforts put forth by the headmaster, his staff of teachers and the children, but he could not forget the enthusiasm displayed by the general public. The entertainment consisted of a large number of drills by the children, the patriotic songs, recitations etc being greatly appreciated. At the close of a most successful gathering a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the Chairman, the teachers and children. It is anticipated that £7 13s 6d will be realised when the full returns are forthcoming.’
At Landywood School, under the care of the 35-year old Albert Ezra Henshall, the Parish Council Chairman: ‘[He] and his efficient staff had arranged a capital entertainment, which proved highly successful. The Chair was occupied by Mr W. Hawthorne, of Essington, who made a stirring speech on the object of the gathering, congratulating all concerned on the successful efforts for the Fund. The programme was a lengthy and varied one, including songs, drills, recitations and dialogues, in which the children excelled themselves. At the close of two hours enjoyable entertainment, Mr Dudley of Essington proposed a vote of thanks to the teachers, the accompanist Mr Reggie Whitehouse [who would be drowned when the Leinster was torpedoed in 1918], and the children for providing such an enjoyable evening. The event will realise something like £11 when everything is settled up, so it can be said that Landywood Schools have done remarkably well.’
Cheslyn Hay Schools went further: ‘A procession was formed and marched through the principle streets in the afternoon. The younger children were placed on a waggon kindly lent by Mr E. Smith. The waggon was prettily decorated with flags and bunting, and along the route children were busily collecting. Patriotic airs were sung, and the children appeared to enjoy themselves immensely… at 6.15pm a concert was held in the school yard… the children performed exceedingly well in their drill and various exercises, while their singing and marching left little to be desired.’
It went on: ‘Mrs [Mary] Allan for the girls’ school, and Miss Scragg utilised their efforts to the greatest advantage, and one of their chief items was an action song, “the knitting song,” in which over 100 children took part, and each child was knitting something. It was quite a novelty, and met with the appreciation of the large audience. The Chair was Mr Thomas Weetman… who commended [the teachers], also the accompanists Mrs Perks and Miss Copestake [Great Wyrley], with the children… The event concluded with the audience heartily singing the National Anthem, followed by hearty cheers for the teachers.’ The event had raised nearly £8 at the time of the report being printed, with the expectation of more to come.
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