Lives of the First World War

known 10th November 1916

Week ending 10th November 1916 CLUB CELEBRATION Tribute to Desboro’ Men Fallen In the War To celebrate the payment of the mortgage off, the assembly room of the Working Men’s Club, Desborough, was crowded with members on Saturday evening, when speeches were made by Mr George Johnson, president of the club (who occupied the chair), Mr J. G. Mobbs, Kettering, (president of the Northants Club and Institute Union), Mr Fred Tear (Rushden), Mr G. Luck (secretary) and others. But for the war the celebrations would have taken an even more memorable form; however, it was felt that the occasion should not be allowed to pass unnoticed. After an allusion by the Chairman to the circumstances under which they had assembled, Mr G. Luck went on to support the protest initiated by the Club Union against the Board of Control and remarked upon the five photographs which had just been procured of members who had lost their lives in serving their country. They were Pte. Arthur Wolleson, Pte. T. Davenport, Pte. W. Ellson, Lance-Corpl. W. Robinson and Pte. T. H. Panter. Mr J. G. Mobbs said he had often heard it said that if they wanted to see anything done well they should go to Desborough. Alluding to the war, which he believed would end as suddenly as it began, he said no war had been more just on their part and expressed sympathy with those who had suffered by the loss of gallant lads. Speaking of the manner in which the liberties of club members had been curtailed, he said that clubs did not exist for drinking purposes and the members were doing all they possibly could not only for the soldiers abroad, but the sick and needy at home. That the clubs did not exist simply for ‘beer and skittles’ was evidenced by the subscriptions and donations given from the clubs to the different funds in relation to the war. Mr Kirkton said clubs existed for the comradeship and friendship. They were doing what they could in support of the country in the war because they loved liberty and freedom. A financial statement was given by Mr G. Luck, which showed that the assets amounted to £725. A vote of thanks to the speakers was moved by Mr Miller Freer, who, as one of the members from the commencement, spoke of the hardships and energies that characterised their earlier efforts and of the difficulties experienced in procuring land for the club. He mentioned the late esteemed president, Mr Pridmore and Mr A. Coe in this connection and referred to the continual progress they had experienced. Mr Francis Panter suitably seconded. In supporting, Mr Mark Keep referred to the losses sustained in the war and with much emotion said he had one boy in the trenches and the only other two he had were in khaki. One of these who had gone this week had seven children. Mr Luck moved a vote of sympathy and condolence with the bereaved ones who had lost relatives at the front. The five photographs they saw before them represented men who spontaneously responded to the country’s call and had nobly fought. Whatever they felt about the war itself, they felt proud of them. Mr J. G. Mobbs, in seconding, said they were all heartily grieved for those who had lost sons, sweethearts, or husbands. When the war was over they would claim the right in saying what the country should do and they would do their best in seeing to it that there should be no more wars. In answer to a question that had been asked as to the Saltburn Convalescent Home not being used for wounded soldiers, he praised Mr B. T. Hall, the general secretary, for pointing out that that institution was doing as much for the war as if it were used for military purposes alone. Sandwiches were handed round during the evening.

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