With a view to raise funds in aid of the new Church schools an enjoyable, entertainment was held in the Bede House, Higham Ferrers, on Thursday evening. There was a large attendance, and those present greatly appreciated the fare provided, which chiefly consisted of selections from "The Geisha," permission to give these having been readily granted by Mr. G. Edwardes. Upon Mr. A. E. Wright had devolved the work of conducting the preparation, and under his direction all were well given. The soloists were Mrs. W. Tassell (Rushden), Miss W. Horne, Mr. G. H. Parkin (Rushden), Mr. F. Brazier, and Mr. W. Jolley. Mr. F. Frost was the pianist, and an excellent orchestral band, led by Mr. J. W. Randall, played selections and assisted in the choruses, etc. The band was composed as follows:—Violins, Mr. J. W. Randall (leader). Miss Crew, Mr. E. Parker, Mr. H. Underwood. Mr. G. Page, and Mr. A. Parker; flute, Mr. B. Dennis; 'cello, Mr. H. Bollard; double bass, Mr. W. Lockie; cornet, Mr. F. S. Knight. The chorus included the following:—Mesdames Frost, A. E. Wright, J. Randall, Tassell, C. Felce, and Shelton; Misses M. Bates, Randall, W. Horne, A. Horne, L. Horne, S. Newman, E. Newman, E. Bayes, Baxter, E. Sargent, Hector, E. Bates, Withers, Dickenson, and B. Dickenson; Messrs. Parkin, Brazier, W. Jolley, J. B. Martin, T. Baxter, C. West, S. Robinson, E. Wadsworth, F. G. Sugars, and W. Groome.

The room had been tastefully arranged as a drawing-room by Mrs. S. Frost and Mrs. A. E. Wright, Japanese lanterns, art muslin, and banners being most effectively used. At the entrance to the hall cloak rooms and refreshment buffet were provided, in the charge of Mrs. Brazier, Miss Robinson, and Miss Horrell. The first part of the programme included an overture by the band; the choruses "Happy Japan," and Here they come"; song, "Jack's the boy," Mr. G. H. Parkin; song, "The dear little Jappy-Jap-Jappy,"  Mr. W. Jolley; song, "The amorous goldfish," Mrs. Tassell; concerted piece, If you will come to tea"; song, "Chon Kina," Miss W. Horne; and song, "Chivalry," Mr. G. H. Parkin. The second half of the programme embraced: Chorus, "Day born of love"; song, "The interfering parrott." Mr. G. H. Parkin (ercored); song, "Chin, Chin, Chinaman," Mr. F. Brazier (encored); song, "Love, love," Mr. G. H. Parkin; song, "The toy monkey," Miss W. Horne (encored); song, "Star of my soul," Mr. G. H. Parkin; finale, "Before our eyes" and National Anthem.

The programme was repeated on Friday evening.