6th April 1936 SS
ARRANGEMENTS FOR VISIT OF FOREIGN EX-SERVICEMEN
NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE BRITISH LEGION CONFERENCE AT DENSTONE COLLEGE
Arrangements for the forthcoming visit of foreign ex-Servicemen were announced at a Conference, held at Denstone College yesterday, of the North Staffordshire County Committee of the British Legion.
Mr. W. Green presided and was supported by Admiral Lord Stafford (who distributed sports trophies), Sir Percival Heywood Bart., Commander R.T. Critchlow, Mr. M. C. James-Darlington, Mr. J.L. Smith and Mr. C.F. Barker (secretary).
Sir Percival Heywood said he was glad to welcome the delegates on behalf of the governing body and Headmaster. He apologised for the Headmaster’s absence owing to a preaching engagement at Derby Cathedral. He wished the conference every success, and hoped they would visit Denstone again.
The Chairman replied, and said they had many happy recollections of Denstone College. He announced that 26 branches were represented, the number of delegates being 46.
TROPHIES PRESENTED
Lord Stafford presented trophies to the following branches: Cobridge (billiards); Longton (cribbage); Burslem (Don); Cobridge (skittles); Hanley (whist).
His Lord[ship] said that at the Midland Area Conference at Stafford there was a proposal that such competitions be abolished, but he was happy to say it was turned down. He congratulated all the branches on the very fine show they made at the Midland Area parade. Under the very efficient guidance of the Chairman, Hon. Secretary and Committee, the branches of the North Staffordshire area continued to enlarge and improve. He sincerely hoped that progress would continue.
It was announced that the dedication of the Cheddleton Branch standard would take place at Cheddleton Parish Church on Sunday, April 19th, at 3 p.m., and the dedication of the Tean Branch standard on May 3rd at Oakhill, Tean. A good attendance of members was urged.
[…]
FOREIGN VISITORS
The Secretary referred to the Sandon Park rally and visit of foreign ex-Servicemen. He said the men would arrive at Sandon Hall on May 12th. The following day they would visit Stafford and be received by the Mayor. They would be conducted over a boot factory and the General Electric Works, and would be entertained to lunch by the Mayor. On the Wednesday, they would visit Newcastle and be welcomed by the Mayor and be conducted over allotments and housing sites. The Mayor would then take them to Trentham Gardens for tea. On Thursday they would arrive in Stoke-on-Trent and be welcomed by the Lord Mayor. They would visit factories and be entertained to lunch by the North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce at the North Stafford Hotel. In the afternoon they would visit more factories, and would then have tea with the Lord Mayor in the Jubilee Room at Stoke Town Hall. They would attend the Regent, Hanley, in the evening.
On Friday, May 13th the visitors would go to Leek. They would be received by the Leek Urban Council Chairman, and visit silk factories and be entertained to lunch. In the afternoon they would visit Alton Towers and have tea there. In the evening they would be entertained at a concert in the Sandon Village Club. Later, they would visit South Staffordshire. On Sunday there would be a Legion rally and drumhead service at Sandon Park.
Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD
