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HORSHAM FIRE SERVICE WAR TIME SOCIAL CLUB SOCIAL ACTIVITIES OF THE HORSHAM FIRE SERVICE.
STATION C.1.Z. RECORDS KEPT BY SOCIAL SECRETARY Fm. CHARLIE JONES. ORIGINALLY TYPED BY Fw. BENNET 1943 TYPED BY MARGARET BALDWIN 1998 Charlie Jones joined the Auxiliary Fire Service in 1938 at Dorking. Went full time at the out break of war. Made up to leading Fireman and based at Dorking Hospital with a part time crew, trailer pump and Buik car. Later conscripted to the National Fire Service and posted at Chichester. Later transferred to Horsham[ April 1943 ] until the end of the war. Note: My husband and I met Mr Jones in a Dorking pub Friday 11th September 1998 after he had telephoned me He generously lent me his records and gave me permission to copy them or make use of any information that they contained.. Margaret Baldwin 1998 April 1943 On arriving at this Station in April 1943 I was asked to join the Social Club, and on payment of 3/- [ 15p ] found myself a member for the period of six months. It was a week or two later, when I enquired, what the club consisted of, or what happened, only to find that outside of running a cigarette canteen and being able to supply two bars of chocolate, to members each week, off the ration, seemed to be all that was done. Nobody knew where the money ever went to, or even cared, and nothing was ever arranged, in fact there was no interest in the club at all. Apparently in bygone days of the A.F.S. the club had prospered, and was everything that could be expected, but had in the last twelve month just faded away. However Fm. Nye, Fm. Greest and myself were rather keen on having a Dance, run in connection with the Station, by the Social Club, but the committee did not seem very interested and it did not come into being for quite a while. Anyway we kept worrying the poor Secretary something cruel, but with no results. Then we told him ( In fun of course ) if they did not soon do something in the matter, we would. He must of thought we meant it, imagine our surprise on coming back to duty one morning to find the three of us had been formed into a Sub. Committee of the club covering Social Events, and told as we were so interested in this sort of thing, now was our chance. Well we decided to try and see what we could do and started to arrange for a dance to be held on the 29th May 1943. Much against the judgement of our fellow firemen, who said it would not work and we would only run the club into dept . to get over this difficulty Fm. Nye agreed to stand all loss, if we went down, and so we went ahead. Our next trouble was getting a hall, as about this time there was a lot of trouble with the troops, and licences had been withdrawn. Nearly every where we tried. In the end we had to content ourselves with the Nelson Hall, a rough old place and of shady character, also adjoining the pub, which made things worse. We had tried the Drill Hall but with no luck, and after hearing the last dance held there went down to the extent of £40 we thought it just as well, or at least Fm. Nye did. For the band we engaged Mary Marchant and her Music Makers. The next thing was what to do with the profit, if any, well it was never any trouble to know what to do with any spare money, the Flower Show Committee wanted some to finance their show, so we decided to let them have it, ( if any ). Luckily the date was our leave day, and was just as well as there was quite a lot of last minute details to get settled, and the hall to decorate, for this we raided the local Council’s bunting store, and spent the best part of the day putting the darn things up. To keep it select we decided to have admission by ticket only, we had a devil of a job pushing those tickets, but by the day 75% had gone, and at the door we could of sold double that number. The Dance was a success, a little over crowded, but it turned out all right. Col/O Knight, Col/O Harte and several other Officers and their Lady friends were in attendance, and I think all enjoyed themselves, anyway they all wanted another dance. Col/O Harte suggested one at the Drill Hall, and we agreed to try it out, providing we could get the hall. We were able to hand over £10 to the Flower Show fund, much to their surprise. So ended our first enterprise. BALANCE SHEET NELSON HALL DANCE 20TH MAY 1943 CASH PAID OUT. RENT FOR THE HALL £1 5s 0d (£1. 25p) DANCE BAND £2 2s 0d (£2. 10p) PRINTING 16s 6d 82p) CATERING £1 4s 51/2d (£1. 22p ) WHISKY 13s 6d (67p) DRAW BOOKS . 2s 111/2 ( 5p) BORACIC 7d (3p) LOAN OF PLANTS 2s 6d (12p) 2 DOZ TUMBLERS 5s ( 25p) TOTAL £ 6 19s 6d (£6 . 97p) CASH PAID IN BY TICKET £10 11s 0d ( £10.55p) WHISKY DRAW £4 17s 0d ( £4.85p) CAKE DRAW £ 11s 10d ( 58p) CLOAKROOM 9s 3d ( 47p) CATERING £1 13s 9d( £1.84p) DONATIONS £1 11s 0d (£1.55p) TOTAL £19 14s 4d (£19.72p) TOTAL PROFIT £12 14s 10d (£12 . 75p ) £10. Paid to Flower Show Fund. £2.14s 10d cash in hand.(£2.78p) June 1943 Well the next thing to do was get the Drill Hall booked, and this proved to be no easy matter. We had, by the way decided to run this Dance in aid of the Prisoner of war fund. The Drill Hall, at this time, was not readily let out for dancing, as the Army and the Home Guard were in occupation, anyway after applying to the C/O I was asked to put this application in writing and it would be considered. This I did right away, on the 7th June . We awaited results. While waiting for this to come into being, it was decided to run another dance at the Nelson Hall. We had made up our minds to run one dance a month. The date was set for the 16th June 1943, the profit was to go to the St. John Ambulance Brigade, (if there was any ). With this Dance we did not go to so much trouble, as the balance sheet will show. Very few tickets were sold before the day and we cut down on the amount sold at the door. In this way we learnt our lesson. The undesirables we kept out last time, managed to get in this time, and nearly ruined the evening. However things turned out all right. At the end of the evening we were able to hand our £5 profit to the St. Johns Ambulance Brigade. NELSON HALL DANCE 16TH JUNE 1943 Cash paid out. Cash paid in . Rent of Hall £1 5s 0d £1.25p Tickets £6 6s 0d £6.30p Dance Band £2 2s 0d £2.20p Cloakroom 7s 0d 35p Printing 10s 6d 52p Whisky Draw £3.8s3d £3.41p Catering 18s 0d 90p Catering 16s 5d 82p Prizes 4s 8d 24p Donation 5s 0d 25p Whisky 13s 6d 67p Tumblers 4s 0d 20p Total £5 17s 8d £5.89p Total £11 2s 8d £11.14p Total Taking’s £11 2s 8d £11.14p Expenses £ 5 17s 8d £ 5.89p Total Profit £5 5s 0d £5.25p paid to St. John Ambulance £5.00 Balance in hand 5s 0d 25p Brought Forward £2 70s 10d Total £2 19s 10d £2 .99p Prize paid out for Drill Hall Dance 5/- 25p = £2 14s 10d £2.75 in hand. It was generally agreed upon not to run any more dances at the Nelson Hall, it would only have got the Fire Service a bad name and we did not want to spoil our chances for the Drill Hall. At the end of June we began to give up hope of the Drill Hall Dance ever happening, so we began to get other ideas, one was to hold an open air Dance. How it Started. The members of this Station had for the last two years run a small Flower Show, which they held in the garages at the bottom of our yard. This year, for some unknown reason, somebody (very unusual for Horsham) hit on the idea of having a larger show, the local Council were approached about the loan of the park, in which we are fortunately situated, this seemed to fit in very well with the Holidays at Home program, so naturally was granted. This is where the trouble started. About this time the Social Club Dance Committee, consisting of myself, Fm. Nye and F.m. Greest found things getting rather awkward, as we could not get a decent hall for running dances. it was proposed that we run a dance in one of the local councillors private gardens, in fact the thing was all arranged. Then we decided to run a Fete with the dance, the proceeds to go to The Prisoner of War Fund.. Well, the truth of the matter was that it grew into something far larger than the garden could possibly cope with. We were at our wits end, when we heard of the Flower Show idea. This gave us the idea of incorporating our Fete and Dance with their Show. After a lot of diplomatic wrangling it was agreed to, but we realised we would need a proper committee to run it, we called a special meeting for Sunday 4th July 1943. And the proposition was put to all and sundry. The out come was that the profit should be divided between the Prisoner of War Fund and the local Hospital.. At this time only the three of us knew how big this thing was going to be, if we had told them all our plans they would of said it was not possible. We let them think it was to be a Flower Show supported by a few side shows etc. I really do believe that if everyone concerned had realised that we had already set a target for £1,000 profit, half of them would of died on the spot. We decided not to tell them until we had got ourselves well established. Then we broke the news gently, they took it well, considering. But some did discourage us. However we got round these after a struggle. And a committee was elected. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING 4TH JULY 1943 CHAIRMAN Fm. H Rowland. Flower Show and Fete to be held in Horsham Park on 21ST AUGUST 1943 as Proposed; 50% proceeds to Horsham Hospital 50% proceeds to The Red Cross Prisoner of War Fund. GENERAL COMMITTEE PRESIDENT COL/O HARTE CHAIRMAN Fm. NYE SECRETARY Fm. JONES ASSISTANT Fm. HAMBLETON ORGANIZER S/L HILL ASSISTANT Fm. PARFITT JOINT TREASURERS Fm. CHRISS and Fm. WALES COMMITTEE SUB STATIONS. NUTHURST Fm. BATEMEN SOUTHWATER Fm. SHULEBRIDGE WARNHAM Fm. DENMAM FLOWER SHOW COMMITTEE Fm. Peskett, ………………………..Secretary S/L Etheridge L/F Brooks L/F Howard Fm. Brackpool Fm. Gates Fm. Bush SIDESHOW COMMITTEE Fm. Watts. L/F Budgen L/F Nelson L/F Rogers Fm. Cowls Fm. Lampard Fm. Osley Fm. Denman Fm. Ward Fm. Woolgar Fm. Shulbridge Fm. Rowland. SPORTS COMMITTEE Fm. Hyde Fm. Blake Fm. Laker Fm. Richardson Fm. Elcome L/F Nelson Fm. Williamson Fm. Parker L/F Sewwell WHITE ELEPHANT STALL Firewoman Lawrence ,, Bennett ,, Jarvis ,, Murrell CATERING COMMITTEE Fire woman Denham ,, Weekly ,, Henderson ,, Weller ,, Mears DANCE COMMITTEE Fm. Nye, Fm. Greest Fm. Jones Fm. Francis Fm. Hedger Fm. Laker L/F Duffield It was proposed by Fireman Watts, that the General Committee select a person to open the show. This was seconded by Fireman Nye. S/L Hill resigned as Organiser. Fireman Nye was elected to take his place. Fireman Parfitt resigned as Assistant Organiser and L/F/ Peskett was elected to take his place. Why it was decided to have such a large Committee nobody knows, but that did not deter us. All sorts of ideas came along, some of them good, others out of the question. We had about six weeks to arrange everything. FIRST GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Monday 5th July 1943 Fireman Nye was the Chairman. It was proposed that we ask Fire Force Commander Firebrace to open the show. Or the Duchess of Norfolk. It was decided that Mrs. Buckly Commandant of the British Red Cross and Mr. Neathercoate, president of the Horsham Hospital, are to contact a person for opening the show. London N.F.S. Broadcasting Dance Band to be engaged, also the Base Hospital Brass Band, the Horsham Borough Silver Band, the R.A.F. Silver Wings Dance Band, and also the Serenaders Accordian Dance Band. It was decided to advertise on the local cinema screens. The local council was to be approached re- advertising on the Holidays at Home programme and hoarding’s. All Sub Stations to be invited to run their own side shows and stalls, or to help with the others. The British Legion, Rescue and Demolition Parties, the Home Guard, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, St. John Ambulance Brigade and all Civil Defence Units also to be invited to have their own stalls and side shows. It was suggested that we had a Knobby Knight mystery Man ? the prize to be offered by the Sub Station taking the most money in connection with the show. These are only a few of the suggestions made, everyone was full of enthusiasm , Having no experience of being secretary I had no idea where to begin. It seemed obvious that a typewriter was going to be essential but Horsham Fire Station did not posses such a thing, I was told that one of our part time fire women owned one, and when I asked her she was agreeable to lending it to us. I had never used one and tome was so short that it would be impossible to learn, so our stores and records Clerk Mildred was dragged in to help us. Most of the work had to be done in the evenings. Around this time Crawley Fire Station was short of staff and we had to take it in turns to help them out, this often happened in the evening. It was a good job we had use of a car, in order to keep up with the work typewriter, correspondence, notes and Mildred all came to Crawley with us. But still the paper work got to much for us. Fire woman Bennett knew how to use a typewriter and said she was willing to help, this she did. A General Committee Meeting was held every Sunday morning and sometimes two or three Sub meetings during the week. We approached the local Cinemas and they agreed to put on a slide free of charge to advertise the Show and the local paper also helped. One of the shops gave us free advertising space for two weeks. And we delivered leaflets that were to be displayed on shop counters throughout the town. A prominent radio firm were engaged to drive around the town in their loud speaker van to announce the forth coming advent. Horstmans Shop allowed us to display the goods given for the White Elephant stall, in their window. Erridge The Bakers displayed the Flower Show Cups and the draw prizes. Chart and Lawrence displayed the Miniature Railway Engine. Fireman Nye and myself canvassed all the shops in the town, begging donations, and Prizes. We also tried to sell advertising space in our programme in the hope of covering printing costs. I think the whole affair must of been one of the biggest scrounges Horsham ever came up against during the war. On July 7th we received a reply from the Drill Hall, our dance booking was granted for Saturday 31st July. We had waited so long that we had given up all hope, and devoted our time to the Fete’. but we could not let the opportunity pass us by now, besides any profit made would help with Fete and Flower Show funds . Mary Marchant was engaged once again and Messrs. Quicks agreed to lend us their microphone free of charge. Posters were printed and the town was flooded with them. We were lucky on the day as the hall had been decorated for a Civil Defence Social, which had been held the same week, this saved us a great deal of work.. Considering the small amount of work we had been able to put into it the dance was a great success. We made £60. Nuthurst Sub. Station ( Mannings Heath ) also ran a dance and Fete of there own making nearly £70. And Fireman Greest ran a dance at the village hall of his native home Broadbridge Heath and donated his profit of £7 6s 1d to the fund.. In addition to our advertising and shop canvassing, we also sent out a letter of appeal which helped to swell our coffers. Unfortunately there were no less than half a dozen other such appeals in the same month, for various other charities. DRILL HALL DANCE 31ST JULY 1943. BALANCE SHEET CASH PAID OUT. ADVERTISING £1 10s 0d ( £1.50p ) CATERING £2 13s 3d ( £2.67p ) WISKY £1 7s 6d ( £1.35p ) CARETAKERS FEE 10s 0d ( 50p ) RENT OF HALL£2 2s 0d ( £2.10p ) DANCE BAND £2 2s 0d ( £2.10p ) DRAW TICKETS 2s 6d ( 12p ) BREAKAGES 2s 6d ( 12p ) PRIZES 5s 3d ( 27p ) TOTAL £10 15s0d ( £10.75p ) CASH PAID IN £54 5s 41/2d ( £54.27p ) CATERING£ 5 11s 2d ( £ 5.56p ) WHISKY DRAW £ 5 7s 6d ( £ 5.38p ) CLOAK ROOMS £ 2 0s 71/2d ( £2.03p ) DONATIONS 11s 0d (.55p ) ADD. TICKETS 19s 6d ( 98p ) TOTAL£71 15s 2d ( £71.76p ) TOTAL TAKEINGS£ 71 15s2d (71.76p ) - EXPENCES £ 10 15s0d ( 10.75p ) PROFIT = £ 61 00s 2d( £61. As the big day got closer, so the problems got bigger. The Organiser had to go to London on a three day course, then on his return started a spell of continuous duty. The Fire Station was turned upside down until it looked at one time like the fete would have to be cancelled. But we made the best job of it we could. On the morning of great day Fireman Nye was called to a meeting at Worthing and did not know when he would get back. Luckily he arrived at Horsham Fire Station in time for the opening. The weather wasn’t all that good to us but once we got started everything went well. Here is a list of the side shows and the money they made. WHITE ELEPHANT STALL---------------------£24..17s.. 4d = £24.87p TOY STALL( Including Dressed Doll)---------£20.. 18s.11d = £20.95p BINGO ----------------------------------------------£20 .. 5s 0d = £20.25p ASCOT RACER -----------------------------------£54.. 7s.. 7d = £54.40p AXIS RATS ----------------------------------------£ 2..13s.. 7d = £ 2.71p TOSSING THE COIN ----------------------------£10.. 0s.. 4d = £ 1.4p TREASURE HUNT (MR JONES)-------------- £ 9..16s.. 4d = £9.82p TREASURE HUNT (MRS. CHASE)------------£ 4.. 6s .. 6d = £4.35p EXHIBITION ARTS & CRAFTS-------------- £ 4 .. 1s .. 6d = £4.07p ROLL A PENNY ------------------------------- £11 10s. 00d = £11.50 SWINGING BOATS --------------------------- £ 7 .. 7s . 0d = £7.35p COIN-LA ----------------------------------------- £20 .. 2s .. 0d = £20.10p AUNT SALLEY & CUTTING CARDS------ £ 3 . 12s ..10d = £3.65p CYCLE DARTS ----------------------------------£ 1 . 11s . 4d = £1.57p BOWLING FOR PIG ---------------------------- £ 9 .. 6s . 10p = £9.40p FORTUNE TELLING --------------------------- £ 5 ..15s . 0d = £9.75p STEPPING STONES ---------------------------- £ 3.. 2s 2d = £3.11p THE DERBY ------------------------------------- £ 9 8s 2d = £9.41p STOPPING THE TRAIN ----------------------- £ 7 3s 6d = £7.17p GIFT SHOP --------------------------------------- £18 2s 0d = £18.10p DARTS(BRITISH LEGION)-------------------- £12 3s 11d = £12.20p BOMBING BERLIN ---------------------------- £ 8 11s 6d = £8.57p DARTS (ST. JOHNS) --------------------------- £ 6 15s 02d = £6.16p SPINNING JINNY ------------------------------ £ 7 . 8s 3d = £ 7.42p GUESSING COMPETITIONS ---------------- £10 8s 1d = £10.40p TOUCHAMS--------------------------------------£ 7 15s 5d = £7.77p BUBBLES -----------------------------------------£15. 6s 9d = £15.34p ROLLING HORSE ------------------------------ £ 18s 10d = . 95p PENNY ON THE SHILLING------------------ 7s 0d = .35p MONEY ON THE PLATE -------------------- £ 4 8s 6p = £ 4.45p MINATURE RAILWAY ----------------------- £ 7 4s 4p = £ 7.22p SWITCHBACK ---------------------------------- £ 4 1s 1d = £ 4.05p PONY RIDEING-------------------------------- £ 1 11s 9d = £ 4.59p GOAT CART ----------------------------------- £ 1 1s 5d = £ 1 07p DANCING -------------------------------------- £15…1s 0d = £15.05p TEAS AND CATERING --------------------- £22 15s 6d = £22.80p AXIS ROGUES -------------------------------- £ 5 5s 2d = £ 5.26p DUCK STALL ---------------------------------- £11 16s 9d = £11.79p LEMONADE STALL -------------------------- £ 8 12s 6d = £ 8.62p BASKET OF FRUIT ---------------------------- £ 9…16s 0d = £ 9.80p LONDON FIRE FORCE DISPLAY --------- £ 6 9s 3d = £ 6.36p HONEY EXHIBIT (MR BLAKE) ------------- £ 3 15s 6d = £ 3.77p COLLECTION ON LEAVING THE SHOW- £ 2 18s 9d = £ 2.99p BABY SHOW ------------------------------------ £ 2 18s 6d = £ 2. 98p CRAWLEY TOY STORE ---------------------- £17 13s 3d = £17.66p TOTAL £440..10s..00d = £444.50p NATIONAL FIRE SERVICE FLOWER SHOW & FETE 2IST AUGUST 1943 INCOME AND EXPENDITURE STATEMENT. INCOME SIDE SHOWS AND CATERING -------------------------------- £440.10s.00d = £440.50p SALE OF PROGRAMES------------------------------------------- £ 21. 3s. 5d = £ 21.17p DRAW BOOKS ---------------------------------------------------- £ 99.13s. 6d = £ 99.67p BALANCE OF FLOWER SHOW COMMITTEE BOOKS £ 40. 10s.01d = £ 40.50p PROGRAME ADVERTISING ---------------------------------- £ 5. 4s.00d = £ 5.20p MANNINGS HEATH DANCE ---------------------------------- £ 26. 00s.00d = £ 26.00p MANNINGS HEATH AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY ------- £ 43. 05s.06d = £ 43.27p DRILL HALL DANCE 31ST JULY------------------------------ £ 61. 00s.02d = £ 61.01p BROADBRIDGE HEATH DANCE ---------------------------- £ 7. 06s.01d = £ 7.30p DONATIONS ------------------------------------------------------- £ 43 . 17s 00d = £ 43.85p TOTAL £788. 09s 09d = £788.49p EXPENDITURE F. BULL. THE SERENADERS DANCE BAND---------------£ 2.02s.00d = £ 2.10p F.G. BARNARD. HAULAGE-------------------------------------- £ 2.06s.00d = £ 2.30p CRAWLEY CAKE & BISCUIT CO. LTD. (CAKES ETC.)- £ 8.10s.06d = £ 8.52p C. CHENELL. (BOUQUET) -------------------------------------- £ 1. 01s.00d = £ 1.05p W.T.DALTON. (PUBLIC ADDRESS EQUIPMENT)------- £ 8. 09s.00p = £ 8.40p HORSHAM URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL(Hire of chairs)£ 2. 10s 00d = £ 2.50p LINTOTT & SON LTD (PRIZES ETC.)------------------------- £ 3. 2s 07d = £ 3.12p MARSH & CO LTD ( PRIZES ETC.)-----------------------------£ 1 19s.07d = £ 1.99p W.T.MARTIN & CO LTD (HIRE OF SIDE SHOWS & CROCKERY)------------------- £ 25.15s 08d = £ 25.80p JAMES MEAD ------------------------------------------------------- £ 3.05s.00d = £ 3.25p MRS F.J. PEARL (REFRESHMENTS)------------------------- £ 6.01s 00d = £ 6.05p WEST SUSSEX GAZETTE ( ADVERTISING )--------------- £ 2.18s 06d = £ 2.82p A.E.WILLETT ( PRINTING)-------------------------------------- £ 13.10s 02d = £ 13.51p WEST SUSSEX COUNTY TIMES (ADVERTISING )------ 6s.00d = .30p R.A.F. SILVER WINGS DANCE BAND ---------------------- £ 7. 00s.00d = £ 7.00p COLGATE AND FAYGATE NURSEING Association (10% of taking on Ascot ,Bingo, & Axis Rats )--------------- £ 7. 14s.07d = £ 7.70p STAMPS, STATIONARY, LICENCES, AND SUNDRIES £ 6. 11s.06d = £ 8.57p Balance of £685.7s.8d divided equally between the British Red Cross Prisoners of War Fund and The Horsham Hospital £342.13s.10d each. TOTAL EXPENDITURE = £788.9s.9d. I said things turned out all right, but we did not reach our target. It had proved very difficult to get the co-operation of everyone, if it had not been for efforts made by the part time Firemen we may not of done as well as we did. There were 1999 and 1 jobs to do on the morning of the show, with the organiser away and the assistant organiser busy on the Flower Show tent all day. Half the Station had been granted six hours special leave, naturally they wanted to spent it at home, the rest were on urgent station work, concerning the show. We did our best and things were more or less ready for the opening. Some of the stalls were never erected, and a few entries had to be refused for the baby show, of lack of time and space. Being the main cause. The miniature railway was not really successful, the track was not fixed correctly, it had taken a week to build, then had to be taken up and re-laid. The building crew got busy on this and had done it in a few hours, however the track was no where near the length it should of been. Then only one pony turned up, we had expected a dozen, I had been notified of this during the morning but it allowed no time to find replacements. A lot of things went wrong like that, it was enough to turn one grey. SUSSEX DAILY NEWS TUESDAY 24 AUGUST 1943 (Extract from papers report ) FIREMEN’S SHOW and FETE HORSHAMS SUCCESS On Saturday the N.F,S, personnel at Horsham, assisted by the crews from surrounding sub-stations, completed a wonderful effort in aid off the British Red Cross and St. John Prisoners-of-war Fund and the Horsham Hospital, as a result of which, it is expected over £700. Will have been realised. For their Flower Show and Fete in the park on Saturday afternoon, the N.F.S. had the ready co-operation of other branches of the Civil Defence Services, and the programme arranged was in such an attractive variety, and the attendance so large that the success was easily the outstanding feature of the town’s summer holidays at home functions. CUP CONTEST Hundreds of people swarmed into the park and supported the great range of side shows and other events, to the accompaniment of the Horsham Borough Silver Band and loudspeaker music. The Flower Show, the third to be held by the N.F.S. Station, far exceeded the entries of previous years, and this was of special interest since the exhibits were confined to the produce of the N.F.S. gardeners. The exhibits were so fine a quality in garden cultivation as to bring this commendation from the Judges, Messers. C Crump, E. Buckman, and P. Sparkes. “We find a great improvement on last years show. The Quality was first class, and a great credit to all exhibitors. The shallots were outstanding” In the co-operative collection of vegetables, where the exhibits comprised contributions from a number of men at each N.F.S. Station or Sub-Station, Southwater secured the cup given by Mrs N V Laughton, J.P. with a total of 29 points. Christ’s Hospital was second with 22 points. And Warnham third with 17 points. Cups awarded for the highest points secured by individual exhibitors in the vegetable classes were won as follows:- 1. H Bush, cup given by Mr Andrew Bryce. 2. W Gates. Cup given by Mr W Watts 3. W Peskett cup given by Mr P Budgen. EVENING AUCTION. All the exhibited produce, together with that given by various donors, not for competition, was auctioned in the evening, and realised £30 for the fund. There was a section also for Fire Women and Firemen’s Wives, who exhibited home produce and needle work, and for firemen’s children, who displayed wild flowers. The proceedings, over which Company Officer Hart presided were opened by Mrs George Hornung from the park band stand, and those present at the ceremony included Ldt Hermione Buller, Mrs Buckley, and others, representing the British Red Cross, County Commissioner Dbryce, St. J.A.B. Colonel H.B.Vernon, Chairman of the Urban Council Mrs Laughton, and other members of the council, and Mrs E.T.Neathercoat, CBE J.P, Chairman of Horsham Hospital. Mrs Hornung, who said the show and fete was organised through the kindness and co-operation of the Urban Council, and Divisional Officer Jones A.F.S. paid tribute to the splendid work of the Red Cross and praised the efforts of the N.F.S. a WORD WAS ADDED BY Mr Neathercoat, on the activities and needs of the Hospital. BABY SHOW Tremendous interest was centred in the Baby Show, which attracted some 120 entries, the difficult task of judging being entrusted to Sisters Bunbury, Henderson, Letland, and other members of the Nursing Service of the Royal Canadian A.M.C. with Mrs Hambleton. The winning babies were 1 Margaret Brown. One to six months 2 Rosemary Gidley 3 John Dunscombe Six months to one year 1 Geoffrey Scott. 2 Janet Byron 3John Brenton One to Two years 1 Barbara Steward. 2Sylvia Dixon 3 Michael Thompson Other Attractions included Sports, Ankle Competition, display of St John Cadets, weight lifting display by members of the London Fire Forces sport’s association, and Dancing. A very successful evening, considering we did not do anything about the affair until the last minute, as the people who were engaged to sing let us ect. Rather let us down and it was too late to get anybody else to take their place, although we tried our best to do so. However we had the Serenaders Dance Band and started the evening going with a dance followed by community singing, then the Fwn from Sub Division gave us a song or two accompanied by Fwn Weller on the piano, followed by Fm. Francis with a recitation of ‘’ I lay down my tools’’ which went down very well. Fm. Brackpool contributed with a comic police man’s song which was also very amusing. Refreshments, Beer, and Cider were supplied by the kitchen canteen and Warnham Sub. Station. Supplied Personnel free of charge. The evening was finished off with dancing, much to every bodies enjoyment. We also announced a Whist Drive to be held on the following Saturday evening. Coy / Harte stated it was his express wish for a social evening to be held every Saturday Night SOCIAL EVENING SATURDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER WHIST DRIVE A pleasant evening, not a large attendance but Whist Drives are never very popular at this Station. Coy / Harte donated 5/- for prize money and we charged 6d entry. Afterwards Coy / Harte presented S/L Hill with a cigarette Lighter that we had collected for on his leaving us for promotion at H.Q. We then finished off the evening with a sing song. SOCIAL EVENING SATURDAY 9TH OCTOBER 1943 A very good evening. The Concert Party could not attend at the last minute, but we had the Seranaders Dance Band, and with dancing games and a sing song everybody had a good time. We have decided to resign from the committee and hope that the new committee will be able to take over where we have left off. HORSHAM FIRE SERVICE SCOCIAL CLUB PRESIDENT COY /. HARTE VICE PRESIDENT FM. H. ROWLAND HON. SECRETARY L./F. D.G. NELSON ASSISTANT SECRETARY FM. S. CHRISS. GENERAL COMMITTEE FM. W.C. HAMBLETON FWM. HENDERSON FM. L. BRACKPOOL FM. F. HEDGER FM. H. FRANCIS. FM. H. OSLEY SOCIAL COMMITTEE FWM. HENDERSON. FM. OSLEY. FM.BUSH. FM. HAMBLETON INDOOR COMMITTEE FM. ROWLAND. FM. BRACKPOOL. FM. HEDGER. FM. FRANCIS. OUTDOOR COMMITTEE S/L BARTON. L/F.BROOKS. FM. LAKER. FM. HEDGER. FM. WILLIAMSON LITARY SECTION L/F.BLAKE FM. BOOKER. FM. HAMBLETON CANTEEN COMMITTEE L/F.BROOKS L/F.DUFFIELD. FM. HEDGER. ST JOHNS AMBULANCE BRIGADE & DEDISHAM CHILDRENS HOME FUND the preceding pages show the outcome of the Annual General Meeting of the Social Club. The new committee started off very well and things went with a swing. At the of the previous September the then secretary Fm. Charles Jones had applied to the Drill Hall in order to hire it for more Dances, one to be in aid of the St Johns Ambulance Brigade and one for the Dedisham Nursery, the later was very much in need of funds at this time and were doing a very important job of nursing sick children back to health. As the previous committee had started to get all this organised it was decided that they should carry on. The new committee promising to give there help. The dates booked were the 21st and 30th of December. We thought it may be a risky undertaking as there were many dances booked for that month. We also decided to run a toy draw, so we sent out letters to all the Sub Stations asking for toys, needles to say the response was very good bringing us twenty very good prizes. The toy Draw raised £23.18.s 3d. we also sent out an appeal which raised another £44 .. 1s ..6d . the dances did not do to bad considering the competition and we made another £39..12s ..3d. FAREWELL PARTY / SOCIAL DANCE 16TH OCTOBER 1944 On being informed of the departure of the Colour Scheme Personnel being fixed for the 16th October ( the Colour Scheme being the personnel transferred to this part of the country from the North and Midlands, for the purpose of the ‘D’ Day preparations ect, most of them having been here since January ). The Committee decided to hold a farewell party for those in our division. Being in the form of a Social / Dance. I approached the Column Officer with this proposition and it was received favourably. It seems that most divisions are doing the same thing. The Canteen manager came up with the idea that everyone should club together to provide a Super as well. This we did. Everyone donating a shilling and bringing food as well. This worked very well, apart from a nerve racking moment when we realised super would be later then planned as the potatoes were not done and it looked as if we would still be eating when the public turned up for the Dance. We need not of worried, it all turned out well. In fact it was about the best Social we had ever held with about 100 people in attendance. The hut was really to small. EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OCTOBER1944 This meetings called because of the constant bickering among the men, some thought we should of done things differently. After much arguing and a change of a committee member, it was decided to carry on. Although people were willing to moan and tell the Committee where they had Gone wrong, and what they ought to be doing, no one wanted to do the job themselves. LANTERN SHOW 16TH NOVEMBER 1944 SUBJECT BOURNMOUTH AND DISTIST. The Committee wish to render thanks to Mr. Booker for making this evening also to Mr. Blake for commentating, and to the Southern Railway for the loan of slides. APPLIANCE ROOM SOCIAL / DANCE. 18TH NOVEMBER 1944 The Committee wish to render thanks to Miss Henderson, who kindly played the piano free of charge. Also thanks to Mr, Rowland for gifts of Milk and Cakes. And to Mr. Duffield for 40 cigarettes for prizes. Coy/O Carter and Mr. Francis for apples. Also all those that helped in making this evening. BLACK HORSE HOTEL. DANCE 25TH NOVEMBER 1944 SOCIAL DANCE. 9TH DECEMBER 1944 The charge above for the Band does not include Miss Henderson who once again kindly played the piano and gave her services, for which the Committee would wish to render grateful thanks. The committee would also thank Mr. Brockford for prizes, Mr. Rowland for cakes and , of course not excluding Coy/O Carter and all those who helped make this such an enjoyable evening. CHILDRENS CHRISTMAS PARTY. NOVEMBER 1944 In past years the Christmas Party had been getting later each year- last year it was held in April. We decided this year to hold it at the proper time, around Christmas. We also decided to make it bigger and better this time. The next thing was funds. Well we can usually scrounge around for these, in the past this has proved no difficulty, so we decided to run a couple of dances at the Black Horse Hotel and also try for the Drill Hall for another. The first two we had no difficulty in arranging, the first bringing in £15..4s..2d profit. The second was not so good, apparently the band we had on the first occasion was by all accounts lousy, also we slipped up on lack of advertisements, even so we made a profit of 14/-. The dance at the Drill Hall we could not at first arrange, as the hall was not for hire, but after a little wrangling, was granted, but was too near Christmas and there too many other dances going on. nether the less we showed a profit of £12. By this time we had decided to call a meeting and elect three sub-committees, one for toys, one for entertainment’s, and the other for catering. We also had a new Coy/O and he was all for the Party with some big ideas and our committee on its own could not manage it all, and s with the flower show and fete we found that with more committees the more interest was shown. This was done and things got moving. We scrounged everything we could for prizes and ran several draws, these bought in quite a bit more money. Freddie Geest ran a whist drive which made a profit, Freddie wanted this to be spent on saving stamps for the children. This got us onto the idea of giving each kiddie a 15/- certificate but over 100 children this would take some doing. In the end there was not enough cash and we had to cut this down to 5/- a child. CHILDRENS CHRISTMAS PARTY. NOVEMBER 1944 In past years the Christmas Party had been getting later each year- last year it was held in April. We decided this year to hold it at the proper time, around Christmas. We also decided to make it bigger and better this time. The next thing was funds. Well we can usually scrounge around for these, in the past this has proved no difficulty, so we decided to run a couple of dances at the Black Horse Hotel and also try for the Drill Hall for another. The first two we had no difficulty in arranging, the first bringing in £15..4s..2d profit. The second was not so good, apparently the band we had on the first occasion was by all accounts lousy, also we slipped up on lack of advertisements, even so we made a profit of 14/-. The dance at the Drill Hall we could not at first arrange, as the hall was not for hire, but after a little wrangling, was granted, but was too near Christmas and there too many other dances going on. nether the less we showed a profit of £12. By this time we had decided to call a meeting and elect three sub-committees, one for toys, one for entertainment’s, and the other for catering. We also had a new Coy/O and he was all for the Party with some big ideas and our committee on its own could not manage it all, and s with the flower show and fete we found that with more committees the more interest was shown. This was done and things got moving. We scrounged everything we could for prizes and ran several draws, these bought in quite a bit more money. Freddie Geest ran a whist drive which made a profit, Freddie wanted this to be spent on saving stamps for the children. This got us onto the idea of giving each kiddie a 15/- certificate but over 100 children this would take some doing. In the end there was not enough cash and we had to cut this down to 5/- a child. ( West Sussex County Times December 29th 1944 ) PUBLIC NOTICES N.F.S SOCIAL CLUB CABARET DANCE WILL BE HELD AT THE DRILL HALL,HORSHAM ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22 FROM 7 TILL 11 P.M. TED STREETER & HIS BAND IN AID OF FIREMANS CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY TICKETS: 2/6 SINGLE 4/6 DOUBLE OBTAINED AT COOK AND CHART, WALLIS AND CHEESEMAN, ERRIDGE, NORTH STREET. WARD. EAST STREET, FIRE STATION AND N.F.S. PERSONNEL. N.F.S. CABARET AND DANCE. To raise funds for children’s Party During recent weeks the National Fire Service personnel of Horsham Station have been busy in their off duty hours toy making for a party which they are giving at Christmas, to their children. They have also been making toys for the Hospital Christmas fair. During the last two years these men have been doing good work for charities and have raised over £1000. On Friday, December 22, they have organised a cabaret and dance at the Drill Hall to raise funds for their children’s party. It is hoped the public will give them every support. (west Sussex County Times) N.F.S. CABARET AND DANCE. Funds Raised for Children’s Party. The social club Committee of the Horsham N.F.S. held a successful cabaret and dance at the Drill Hall on Friday to raise funds for their children’s Christmas Party which is to be held tomorrow ( Saturday) afternoon, a large company of dancers attended and funds will benefit by nearly £12 The cabaret was organised by Miss Elaine Scutt and those taking part were Miss Joy Swain, Mr. F. Giacmelli and Company Officer H. Carter. Ted Streeter and his Band supplied the music and C/O H. Carter was M C. the Draw for Christmas Dinner was won by Fireman H. Rowland and the manicure set by a member of the forces. N.F.S. CHRISTMAS PARTY 30TH DECEMBER 1944 LIST OF CHILDREN INVITED. HORSHAM FIRE STATION. Wendy Belton Jene Gardener Mary Tyrell David Belton Master T. Inkpen Marion Penfold John Bloome Miss G. Burrage Georgina Penfold Dorothy Gravette Paul Hyde Pauline Penfold Shirley Peskett June Hyde Janet Penfold Pamela Peskett Micheal Sampson Susan Penfold Peter Peskett Master B. Cowles Eric Baker Marion Nelson Master C. Cowles Brian Baker Jean Nelson Freddie Mills Ann Linfield Brian Osley Geoffrey Killick WARNHAM Audrey Parfitt Richard Tyler SUB. STATION Angela Jones Baby Tyler Mollie Priston L.Lindfield Master J. Holmwood John Priston Brenda Laker Miss E. Holmwood Patricia Dodd Avis Haymen Miss M.Holmwood Tony Mathews Jean Haymen Richard More Edna Mathews Yvonne Sewell Denis More Sandra Mathews John Hyde Anthony Woods Rhoswen Redford Micheal Hyde Mavis Williamson Thelma Goring Ann Jarvis Peter Walker Tony Goring William Gates Ann Bull Margaret Goring Peggy Brooks George Hemsley Denzil Perkins Muriel Holloway Pat Dent Pam Perkins Shirley Greest Master King. Colin Perkins John Langridge SOUTHWATER Brenda Booker Sylvia Blake SUB. STATION Janet Booker John Sampson Ivy Richardson BARNS GREEN Doris Hedger Peter Richardson SUB. STATION Master Wales David Richardson Drina Barrett Miss Wales senr Lily Richardson Terrance Barrett Miss Wales junr Shiela Hall Jennifer Barrett Margaret Birchell Coral Hall Pauline Weller Marion Birchell Cyril Napper Rodney Parker Baby Birchell Stella Giacomelli Micheal Ludbrook BARNS GREEN SUB. STATION cont. Patricia Frisby Fred Head Joyce Head Colin Baker Marion Thorpe Nita Clarke Ronnie Clarke MANNINGS HEATH SUB. STATION. Donald Bateman John Sylvester Robert Barden Derek Birchell Mary Woolgar KINGSFOLD SUB. STATION. Corralie Hamilton Thomas r. Hamilton Stewart Webb Charles Redford KIDDIES PARTY 30TH DECEMBER 1944 RECIEPTS AND PAYMENTS STATEMENT. RECIEPTS Donations ………………..£14 .. 14s .. 3d Dances October ..£15 .. 4s ..2d Black Horse November £ 14s..0d Drill Hall £15.. 5s ..7d ---------------- = £31 .. 3s .. 9d Broad Bridge Heath Whist Drive --------------- £ 6 .. 5s .. 0d Draws ---------------------- £26 .. 16s .. 0d Total £78 .. 19s .. 0d PAYMENTS Entertainments Expenditure £ 5 ..19s .. 7d Toys Expenditure ----------- £ 6 .. 11s .. 1 1/2d Catering ---------------------- £12 .. 8s .. 1/2d Prizes for Draws ------------ £ 5 .. 17s .. 0d Printing and Stationary ----- £ 5 .. 7s .. 9d Postage ----------------------- 17s .. 3 1/2d Insurance (Drill Hall) ------ £ 1 .. 1s .. Boracic Crystals ------------ 3s .. 7d Cigarettes and Beer---------- £ 1 .. 16s .. 2d Gift Vouchers -------------- £ 2 .. 5s .. 0d Savings Stamps ---------- £29 .. 10s .. 0d Sub Total ------------------- £71 .. 16 .. 6 1/2d Balance in Hand ---------- £ 7 .. 2 .. 5 1/2d TOTAL £78 .. 19s .. 0d WEST SUSSEX COUNTY TIMES FRIDAY JANUARY 5TH 1945 N.F.S. ENTERTAINS 100 CHILDREN Annual Christmas Party at the Fire Station. On Saturday the Social Club of the Horsham National Fire Service entertained over 100 children to their annual Christmas Party. It took place in the main Station and proved to be the best the N.F.S. has yet held. This year all the children received a Christmas Card which was in the form of an invitation, in verse - composed by one of the fire men- to the party. The station was gaily decorated with holly, and standing at each end of the stage were two large Christmas trees lit with fairy lights. Both were loaded with toys, made by the firemen in their spare time. The long tables were heavily laden with food. A large iced cake was the centre piece of each table, and was surrounded with cakes of every variety, jellies, blancmanges, chocolate and apples. The greater part of this fare was provided by fireman’s wives, and the sweets were from coupons given up by the firemen. CHILDREN ‘S CONCERT. Company officer H. Carter said grace and while the children were eating their tea, three firemen dressed as clowns, entertained them. Afterwards they enjoyed a concert, given by a group of children, under the tuition of Miss Joy Swain.. Joan Colson, Janet Wakefield, Judith Pierce, Joy Lampard, and Sally Dalton. Gave displays of skipping and dancing, and Miss Swain sang ‘’ Christopher Robin’’ Miss Mary Marchant played a medley of popular songs and the children joined in the choruses with the clowns as conductors. This was followed by an amusing sketch ‘’ The Ring Master and his intelligent Donkey’’ given by firemen. The ring master was fireman l.Brackpool and the ‘’donkey’’ was played by fireman R. Mills Leading Fireman W, Swell and D. Nelson and Fireman R. Mills were the clowns. The children were not shy in coming forward for the talent contest and their happiness was complete when Company Officer Carter announced the arrival of father Christmas ( Leading Fireman SEWELL) who in the glare of a spot light slid down the escape pole. Forts, railway engines, boats, hobby horses, dolls, Tommy guns, ironing boards, and scooters were among the toys, from which the children were allowed to pick .. they also received a National Savings Christmas card with five shillings (25p) worth of stamps, a new three penny piece, and a bag of sweets and apples. Mrs N.V. Laughton, j.p. and Mrs Gadd were among the guests. FIREMANS SOCIAL. Through our columns the Social Club wish to thank all those who ,by their gifts of food and donations, or their help on Saturday contributed to the success of the party. During the evening members of the N.F.S. their wives and friends were invited to a social evening over 100 attended and enjoyed dancing, games, and singing. Most amusement was caused by Leading Fireman Lintott, of Midhurst who gave a true to life sketch of a country yokel. Ted Streeter and his band provided the music and company officer Carter was the M.C. Company Officer Carter, on behalf of the Social Club, made a presentation to Fireman C. Jones, OF Dorking, who has now been released from duty with the N.F.S. Fireman Jones has acted as Hon- secretary of the club. Tribute was paid for the fact that he had given up most of his spare time in journeying to Horsham to ensure the success of the children’s party, and regret was expressed at his departure from Horsham. West Sussex County Times Friday January 5th 1945. WEST SUSSEX COUNTY TIMES, FRIDAY NOVEMBER 17TH 1944 A Wealden Causerie Now that fuller details of the enemy’s bombing attacks on this country are being released, the public of Horsham can be told of the part their fire force played during the Battle of Britain days. The Auxiliary Fire Service was started in Horsham Urban District at the end of 1938 when an appeal was made for volunteers and members of the town’s fire brigade gave a demonstration. At first there were ten recruits, but the numbers gradually increased. Training was carried out at the Fire Station, and after a time men were selected from the ranks to take charge of A.F.S.Crews. Shortly before the outbreak of war a sub-station was opened at Jackson’s Garage and when hostilities began several men were posted to the main station and the sub station on a whole time basis, The first real baptism of fire for the A.F.S. came during a raid on the London Dock area in September 1940, when six firemen and a messenger boy, with patrol Officer Gravett as Officer in charge, formed the crew which went from Horsham. A.F.S. Personnel later gave valuable service in other raids on London and on Portsmouth and Southampton. On one occasion, while fighting a fire during a raid on Portsmouth, Leading Fireman Sewell and Fireman Booker were burnt about the face. Sewell and Fireman Hamilton had an alarming experience during another attack on Portsmouth. They were standing on the Quay when they heard a bomb whistling down. They immediately threw themselves flat on the ground, and the bomb shot over their heads and exploded in the sea a few yards away, throwing up a huge column of water, but causing no injury to the two firemen. When the main post office at Portsmouth was set alight by enemy action, a crew from Horsham were the first on the scene and were commended for the efficient manner in which they tackled the blaze. Horsham firemen had an amusing experience when on their way to the London Docks. They stopped at a shop to get cigarettes and found the occupants in a very flustered condition. The request for ‘’smokes’’ went un answered, and shortly afterwards the men learnt that there was a delayed action bomb in the garden at the rear of the shop! On another occasion a crew from Horsham approached a canteen van to get some refreshments, but a few minutes later the van and the firemen beat a hasty retreat when a delayed action bomb was discovered a short distance away. Another exciting but tragic experience came their way when having a snack. They had shared there rations with two men who a few seconds after they had parted from there hosts, were killed instantly by a bomb. Once when returning from a raid on Portsmouth their towing vehicle ran out of petrol, but with the aid of a stirrup pump, they managed to extract some petrol from their trailer pump and were able to continue their journey homeward. Patrol Officer Gravett was walking through some water in London Dock area during the Blitz when he fell into a bomb crater and hurt his leg. Leading Fireman Sewell received phosphorous burns on his arms when he was engaged at an enemy action fire at Warnham. These experiences serve to show the hazards which fire fighters had to face in the days of the Blitz and which they would willingly have faced again had the invasion of the Continent brought in its wake the expected resumption of heavy bombing. Apart from their ordinary duties, Horsham Firemen have assisted the local community in many ways. They have organised a number of social functions and have lent a hand in running Fetes and Functions for many worthy causes. Each Christmas the children of whole and part time fire men in the town have been given a party at the fire Station, and toys have been made for them by the personnel. There is a excellent savings group at the Station, and the average monthly collection for the Red Cross Penny a week Fund is about 30/- co-operation between the N.F.S. and the other Civil Defence Services has always been most friendly and combined exercises have frequently been held. Troops and Home Guard personnel have benefited by instruction in elementary fire fighting, given by the towns firemen. WEST SUSSEX COUNTY TIMES OCTOBER 27TH 1944 N.F.S Helps Drought Stricken Farmer During the summer months 32 Fire Force Area, of which Horsham forms part, did some good work in supplying water to farms and houses which had been affected by the long spell of drought. More than sixty appeals for supplies of water for various purposes were made to the N.F.S. and all were answered with promptitude. The greatest number of calls came from West Sussex where on forty three occasions the N.F.S. either conveyed water by means of a Dam Lorry or pumped it from streams. In eighteen cases water was supplied to farms and nurseries for food production and on twenty five occasions for domestic use owing to well having dried up or fallen to a low level. Approximately 39,000 gallons were supplied for human consumption. Outstanding examples of this special service in West Sussex were seen at a farm in Horsham and at a nursing home. In the first instance the N.F.S attended on four occasions and about 90,000 gallons of water were pumped to the farm from a stream. For consumption by a dairy herd. WEST SUSSEX COUNTY TIMES FRIDAY OCTOBER 27TH 1944 CAME TO THE SOUTH FOR ‘’D’’ DAY Horsham’s Farewell to Northern Firemen. In order of reinforcing N.F.S. personnel who are shortly returning to their home stations in the Northwest a social was held at Horsham Fire Station last week. About 100 persons were present, including reinforcing firemen from Storrington. Supper was followed by Dancing and Games. During the interval Firemen Brackpool, chairman of the Station Social Committee , said the time had now come for the reinforcements to return to their homes stations, and they would leave behind them many friendships and happy memories. Although ‘’D’’ Day Had not brought the work and anxiety that had been expected and for which preparations had been made. The Northerners had joined in the preparations whole heartedly and were ever willing to play their part in what ever they were asked to do Column Officer Whitehouse who came to Horsham from the Midlands early this year, responded and said they had made many friends and would take back with them happy memories. |
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