Mid Sussex Times - Wednesday 05 January 1944

CHRISTMAS PARTY AT CUCKFIELD.

FUN AND GAMES FOR THE TROOPS.

The Cuckfield Residents’ Hospitality Association continues its good work of bringing bright entertainment in a pleasant atmosphere to men and women of the Forces, many of whom are far away from their own homes. Last Wednesday evening the .Association presented one of the big events of their season - a Christmas Party which was enjoyed by over 300 people at the Queen’s Hall.

During the first part of the evening a concert was given in which members of a

POLISH AIR FORCE CHOIR

achieved big success. Conducted by Lieutenant Ochman, they sang a series of songs, both grave and gay, of their homelands, and were warmly applauded. The men belong to Polish Initial Air Training Wing, and after the formal concert they were able enjoy real old fashioned English party fun, games and dancing.

Some of the younger pupils of Miss Vera Sutton also entertained the company with a charming display of dancing, and a first-class marionette show was given by Stan Edwards, Eric Morley and Dorothy Watson. Miss Flora Gregg (solo pianoforte) included in her programme three pieces by Schumann, while Miss Phyllis Preston (mezzo-soprano), rendered in agreeable style “The Road to the Isles” and an old Irish song, “Snowy Breasted Pearl.”

The Vicar of Cuckfield (the Rev. H. F. C. Kempe) cordially

THANKED THE ENTERTAINERS

for their show, and then announced that the company must now entertain themselves and join in a Christmas party. This everyone quickly proceeded to do, and dancing, to the strains of the Red Star Band, was varied with party games. There was also a competition for the best fancy dress, which was won by Mrs. Hobbs and Miss S. Hobbs, who appeared as “The Soldier and the Lady.” characters from the play " Quality Street.” by the late Sir James Barrie. The second prize-winners were Mr. A. Bilsby and Mr. A. Reed, who dressed those lively “cards,” the irrepressible "Gert and Daisy.” The judges were Mrs. Eggers, Mrs. Keckewich and Mrs. H. F. C. Kempe.

A happy evening was brought to a close by the whole company singing “Auld Lang Syne.”

The Christmas tree, which gave a topical touch to the Queen’s Hall, was kindly lent by Mr. F. H. M. Kaye.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!