Page 35 - WW1 - 1915

Redditch Local History Society Remembering Redditch Residents & WW1

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The Bromsgrove, Droitwich and Redditch Messenger – Saturday 27 March
1915

Entertaining the Wounded Soldiers and Sailors – The Alexander Musical
Society under the direction of Mr Ernest C. Thomas, has made arrangements to give free
entertainments to the wounded in the hospitals within fifty miles of Birmingham, and
already they have given a large number of these entertainments. On Saturday the
Concert Party paid a visit to the Red Cross Hospital at Tardebigge, and gave a very fine and
enjoyable two hours entertainment. The following artistes took part:- Mrs E. C. Thomas,
Miss Nora Adams, Miss May Dinwiddy Miss Emily M. Burgess, Miss Nellie Dinwiddy, Little
Dot, and Winnie Wright. Sergt.-Major Charles Dawes (one of the veterans who took part in
the Indian Mutiny and Crimea Wars) recited “the Charge of the Light Brigade” and “Battle of
Inkerman,” which were greatly enjoyed by the soldiers present. During an interval
chocolates were handed round to the inmates, and were gratefully received. At the close the
Matron, in thanking the party for their entertainment, said she hoped they would shortly pay
them another visit, and Mr Thomas has made arrangements to do so again on Saturday April
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17 . Applications for entertainments, or donations to the society’s funds, for giving the free
concerts, would be welcomed by Mr Ernest C. Thomas, Queen’s College, Paradise Street,
Birmingham.

© RLHS 2014 Page: 35