8th June 1889 N&MDA

SANDON FEMALE FRIENDY SOCIETY [BY OUR PROSAIC REPORTER]

The usually quiet village of Sandon was quite en fete, on Wednesday, last on the occasion of the forty-sixth anniversary of the Female Friendly Society. The space in front of the Dog and Doublet was occupied by stalls of different descriptions, with the ever present cocoa nuts and shooting galleries.

These however formed a very small part of the attraction, as nearly the whole of the interest centres in and about the Ladies Society, which met in the school at one o’clock to transact the ordinary business and initiate three new members. Afterwards the members formed in procession and marched to church, headed by the Stone Military Band. The service was conducted by the vicar and an appropriate sermon by the Rev. Alfred Penny, curate of St. Judes, Stoke, from the words “Go to the ant thou sluggard, consider her ways and be wise,” and the preacher endeavoured to press home many useful lessons of thrift and thought, and eulogised such societies as the one under whose auspices, all were gathered. Service over, the members filed out of the church to the grand and ever welcome strains of the “Hallelujah chorus! Which Miss Coldwell rendered on the organ; passing into the churchyard, the members stood on each side of the path leading therefrom, while the officials and distinguished visitors passed between. Each member carried a blue wand, and each official a white one, which were decorated with wild flowers, and were carried pointing heavenwards. Leading the procession was a boy, carrying a beautiful floral cross—the work of Miss B. Astbury, the indefatigable secretary—and following this came the banner of the Society, which was once a pretty design, but now is indistinct. By the way, we venture to think that such a Society deserves a better banner—one which carries the name in plain letters, and not one that seems afraid of allowing its identity to be known. Verbum sat sapienti. Immediately following the banner were the Vicar and Mrs. Coldwell, Rev. A Penny, and Miss Astbury, and the ladies, who were followed by the band, playing lively airs. The sun was brightly shining, and the summer air was most pleasant, laden as it was with the fragrance of the flowers, and the odour of the new-mown hay; the birds had ceased to sing, and the heat of the sun caused one to look for shady sides of the lanes, through which we were passing. The procession made a tour of the village, and the merry villagers were dressed in holiday and summer attire, intent on making the most of this annual festival.

It was quite refreshing to leave the dusty lane, and enter the large room of the village inn, where a capital tea was provided by Mr. G. Hay, the genial host. About 100 sat down to tea and applied themselves to the welcome task of disposing of the good things provided. Quite homely and good natured were the presiding ladies, and the cups of tea and friendly chat made everybody feel comfortable and happy.

When the needs of the inner man had been satisfied, the Rev. W.E. COLDWELL adverted to the splendid weather and the inviting green awaiting the arrival of the visitors, and congratulated all upon the success of the day. Loyalty was a firm principle of the Society, and as it was so near the Queen’s birthday they were bound to remember the fact, and he was sure all present would join in praying that Queen Victoria may long be spared to reign over us. He felt sure they recognised the great assistance Lord and Lady Harrowby rendered to the Club, and though they were now absent taking a very needed rest, they would earnestly hope that their holiday would be a happy one, and they would return with renewed health. He had great pleasure in tendering the best thanks of the Society to the Rev. A. Penny, for his thoughtful sermon and words of counsel, and he gave him a hearty welcome to Sandon.

The Rev. A. PENNY, in reply, stated the great obligation he felt under to the friends for inviting him to leave the smoke of Stoke for the exhilarating and pure air of Sandon. It was most pleasant to see so many ladies taking so deep an interest in such matters and displaying such power of management; and he felt that the club would continue to be successful so long as its control was vested in such competent hands.

The VICAR next proposed a vote of thanks to the officers for the work of the past year, mentioning the names of Mrs. Joule, Mrs. Wright, Miss B. Astbury, Dr. Tylecote (Medical Officer), and Mr. Wells-Bladen (Auditor).

Dr. TYLECOTE, in responding for the ladies and himself, did so heartily; and stated his great willingness to do all in his power for the welfare of the members. He had little to do, because there were so few members; many were being lost year after year, and few were being added. He felt that each member ought to become more interested in the numerical well-being of the Society, and endeavour to increase the membership. He knew when they looked round they would see many eligible young women, and it ought to be the work of the members to bring them in and not allow the Secretary to work as a kind of recruiting sergeant/

Mr. WELLS-BLADEN thanked the Society for the honour conferred upon him by electing him as auditor, and stated that he would place the facts of the Society as concisely as possible before them, so that they might not appear dry. The Society was not in a satisfactory state, inasmuch as it was rapidly accumulating funds without increasing the number of members. At the end of last year it numbered 29 members; and the average number for the last 10 years was 34; for the 10 years preceding it, it was 16, so that now the number is very much below what it was 20 years ago. On the other hand, in 1870 the value of funds to the credit of the Society, was £302; and in 1888 it had risen to £650. This increase was the result, in great measure, of honorary subscriptions, accumulating and gaining interest year after year. The members’ subscriptions were £15 15s. last year; and honorary members’ subscriptions and interest made a total of £23 15s. There is always a profit of some £3 on the Annual Festival, and this for 40 years had helped to swell the total, which is now equal to £22 7s. 10½d. per member. Mr. Bladen spoke of the aptness of the time for the Annual Festival, and of the many friends the Society had; he eulogised the efforts of the Medical Officer, and congratulated the Society on having a representative of the Stone and Eccleshall Advertiser present, who would no doubt do his share in reporting the doings of the Society. He trusted that the members would take a fresh determination and embrace the privilege held out to them of retaining a heritage left to them and their children’s children, and recounted the benefits accruing.

Mr. Bladen was warmly cheered as the finished speaking, and it was very evident from his manner that he took a lively interest in the Society and its doings; and we heartily congratulate the members on having such an efficient and willing staff of officers.

The VICAR next rose to propose “Health and prosperity to all good servants,” and stated that as a Society they always encouraged long service, and as a reward they offered to present any servant with a dress who had been three years in one place without complaint. He was pleased to find there was an applicant for it this year, and Elizabeth Hine was accordingly awarded the dress.

The health of the Rev. and Mrs. Coldwell was proposed by the Rev. W. JONES, and responded to by the VICAR, who gave the welcome to all visitors, and included the name of the Rev. W. Jones, the new incumbent of Salt, who suitable replied.

The VICAR then stated that though Mrs. Whiston was in ill-health, yet she had most generously invited them to her lawn, and as the bright day was inviting too, he thought they had better all adjourn thither.

Preceded by the band the members hied to Sandon Lodge, the residence of Mrs. Whiston, and ere long a goodly number of visitors and friends followed in the wake. Sandon Lodge is a commodious looking place, pleasantly situated and commanding a fine view. Its appearance is not modern, and we believe it was the village inn in the old coaching days; and was at the time immediately following the fire of Sandon Hall, for some time the residence of Lord Harrowby. In the front and hanging over the entrance was a display of bunting, and as we passed by into the gardens we were delighted with the well kept gardens and grounds. The grounds in front of the drawing room are arranged in miniature terraces, and lead to one of the best-made and nicely-kept lawns it has ever been out lot to see. The picture was indeed charming. On three sides of the oval lawn were verdant trees and shrubs, and the many tints of green contrasted most pleasingly with the azure sky above. The lilac, laburnum, and hawthorn were gay with flowers, while the surrounding foliage was as soft as velvet pile and was in very truth, “nature’s carpet,” inviting youth and age to calisthenic exercises. And soon the well-known air of the “Triumph” caused the dancers to arrange for the opening country dance. Bright dresses adorned with dame Nature’s gifts of flowers, heightened the charm of the scene; and the brighter faces and joyous smiles were calculated to bring gladness to every heart, and sunshine into the life. Amongst the visitors we noticed The Misses Plant and Mr. and Mrs. S. and H. Plant, of Weston Vicarage; Mr. and Mrs. Joule, Mrs. Everitt and Miss Huskisson, of Abbeylands; Major and the Misses Steveson, Dr. and Mrs. Tylecote and Dr. Morris, Mr. and the Misses Coldwell and Miss St. George, of Sandon; Mr. A Hughes, of Weston Lodge; Mr. Joseph Hughes, of Burston; Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Adderley, of Florence; the Misses Hughes, of Sandon Lodge; Mr. and Mrs. Wells Bladen and Miss and Mr. P.H. Shaw, of Stone; the Misses Ashcroft, of Carr House; Mr. Oliphant, of Ingestre; the Misses Vernon, Somerhill; the Misses James, of Yarlet; Miss Bratton, Burston; Mr. and Mrs. Whitcombe, estate officer, Mrs. and Misses Wright, Sandon; Rev. and Mrs. Boyce and Rev. and Mrs. W. Jones, of Salt; Misses Wright, Yew Tree; Miss. B Astbury, &c. and as they moved about through the old-fashioned country dances and the pretty figures of the dancers, the scene was animated and attractive. By-and-bye the long shadows were cast athwart the mead, and we became conscious of a chiller air as the sun began to sink below the horizon; and about nine o’clock the various groups bent their steps homewards, having had a most enjoyable and happy day. Much of the success was due to the brilliant day and the unwearied exertions of Miss R. Astbury, who was ever flitting higher and thither, attending to the wants of the visitors. Sandon Female Festival will have many pleasant memories for one, who, having been there for the first time, looks forward to another kind invitation, and anticipates the enjoyment.

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