AL FRESCO CONCERT.
HARLINGTON.
Date -
JUNE 18TH, 1910.
Captain -
Mr. B. WHITTINGTON.
Several members of the Cycling Club at the kind invitation of Mr and Mrs Shawyer, partook of tea at Grove Mead, Cranford, at 4 pm. The Captain, during tea, made the suggestion that a photograph should be taken of each member of the Club, and placed in the book of reports which is to be published at the end of the season. This being thought a good idea, the operation was succxessfully performed and without chloroform. We then cycled to the Old House, Harlington, where we were met by the Misses Neighbour and Heyward, who escorted us to the grounds. The Captain and Mr Phillips begged to be excused for a few seconds while they visited the local stores. On their return we were presented with a book and pencil, in which we were requested to sign our names, in full, at every excursion we had attended. It was very amusing during the evening to see the Captain busy on the look out for members.
We were soon ushered into a cosy part of the grounds, to be musically entertained. Here we were favoured with a pianoforte solo by Miss Belch, I believe, a gold medallist.
We also had several lady and gentlemen soloists to entertain us, many being members of our Club. The songs that were rendered seemed decidedly in keeping with such a beautiful garden. Feeling we should like a stroll around the grounds, several members wandered through into the fruit gardens. The gooseberries looked very tempting, and the writer is almost ashamed to say, she tempted the Captain. Be it however remembered that he fell a remarkably easy prey, calmly remarking that stolen fruit always tasted the best.
On hearing the singers’ voices ringing through the trees, we all came to the conclusion we were missing a great deal by thus wandering away. On returning to the concert, we had not been long seated when we missed Mr Paul. He had, we found, made the acquaintance of a local artist. Our other gentlemen friends had also disappeared, but on looking around, we found they had made for the front row. Now may I suggest that it is just possible – I do not say probable, mind! That away back in the recesses of their minds there strayed thoughts of refreshments yet to come. In consequence, that noble sense of gallantry which always marks the gentlemen of our Club, might, by sad accident, have been allowed to give place to a keen relish for goodies. Mr Paul, hearing a rattle of china, joined the ladies in the back row. They will, I think all agree, that they owe him very many thanks for his kindness and thoughtfulness throughout the rest of the evening. It was rather a large number for one gentleman’s attention, but he faced the desperate situation manfully. The next item was the collection, this being for a good cause, we all gave liberally.
After this we had a short address from the Baptist minister, who made the remark that he did not wish to hurry the friends, but hoped they would not stay so late as to make them unable to attend the morning service next day.
It was suggested by one of the lady friends to join in a game of hide and seek, but owing to the time being nine o’clock, it was thought we ought to start on our homeward journey, especially those who had a long distance to go. There was a short meeting held, discussing the next week’s ride, and also a badge for the Club.
The Captain suggested for a badge, a black wooly policeman, which should be placed in a sitting position on top of each member’s lamp.
Owing to the party not all being in favour, the discussion was postponed until Saturday next. After saying adieu to our friends we made our way to the gate, where we found a great difficulty to recognise our own machines. Miss Enid Neighbour had to be assisted in the search with cycle lamps, which helped very considerably. It was quite a short ride back to Grove Mead. Miss Mabel Pool and myself rode at a good speed in order to get ourselves warm. We both had been feeling somewhat refrigerated during the evening, but fortunately have not developed anything serious to date.
We arrived back at Grove Mead about 9.15, and after a wash and brush up, we once more partook of the hospitality of our kind friends, Mr and the Misses Shawyer piling up still more that debt of kindnesses which we see so little prospect of every paying back.
KATHLEEN BLACKMORE
