A very enjoyable social gathering was held on Saturday evening in the Congregational school-room in connection with the Rushden Adult School Male Choir. Tea was served at 5p.m., the tables being very attractively laid out, and a good company of members and friends assembled. Keen regret was expressed at the fact that the conductor of the choir, Mr. T. T. Clarke, was prevented from attending the gathering trough illness.
After tea a social evening was held. Mr. Garley sang “The holy city,” Miss Clarice Button and Mr. G. C. Parker gave the duet “Excelsior,” and the choir sang two selections, “Comrades in arms” and “Martyrs of the arena.”
A presentation, consisting of a wicker chair, nicely upholstered, was made by the choir to Mr. Whitney, in recognition of his services as the librarian of the choir. Mr. John Claridge, J.P., C.C. (the secretary of the school), Mr. Walter Howes (the secretary of the choir), the president of the school, and others testified to the care and zeal with which Mr. Whitney carried out his duties. Mr. and Mrs. Whitney appropriately responded. The chair was supplied by Mr. W. H. Darnell.
A Limerick competition was held, open to the ladies present, who had to fill in the last line. The first prize went to Miss L. Hensman, the completed Limerick reading:-
The Rushden Adult School Choir went
To Harborough on victory bent,
They came back with the Cup,
And their spirits were up;
And their lips to their feeling gave vent.
The second prize went to Mrs. Gelnister (“Though they wished it was given, not lent”), and the third to Miss C. Button (“But they came down the next time they went”).
A recitation contest was also held, open to the members of the choir. Considerable interest was taken in the contest, and the prize-winners were:- 1st, Mr. Garley; 2nd, Mr. Willey; equal 3rd, Mr. W. Howes and Mr. W. Bailey.
Refreshments were served at intervals, and games were indulged in, a most enjoyable evening being spent.
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