1914 : W Pluck Sings at a Smoking Concert

 

Source:  United Society of Boilermakers & Iron Shipbuilders
Title:  Monthly Report, April 1914, Newcastle-on-Tyne, 46 .
Date:  April 1914
Place:  Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH — On Friday, March 6th, the members of this branch held a successful smoking concert, the occasion being the presentation of the emblem of the Order (kindly granted by the E.C.) to Bro. J. Baker, who has acted as honorary shop steward at Gosport for upwards of thirteen years. A good number of members and friends attended to do honour to the recipient, who always looks after our members’ interests in a most satisfactory manner. His shop being at a distance from the branch, his services are in constant requisition, and his ready help to the branch officers and members is greatly appreciated. Fortune favoured us with the presence of our worthy District Delegate (Bro. R. Downer), who was in the district on business of the closer unity with the Shipwrights’ Association. Bro. A. Kerr (president of the branch) was in the chair, which he ably filled to the satisfaction of the gathering. Songs were rendered by Bros. W. Pluck, C. Hutchings, T. Hodson, A. W. Tilford (past president), A. Mew (song and dance), F. Chapman (Chiswick). and W. Hicks, and friends, including Mr. Doidge Bloomfield and the Brothers Percival, the enjoyment of the harmony being kept up until 11 o’clock. The toast of “The Society” was proposed by Bro. A. Kerr, and responded to by Bro. R. Downer (D.D.) in a fitting speech, in which he emphasised the necessity of strictly working together in conformity with the rules of the Society, and therefore to the benefit of all members, the toast being received with musical honours. The event of the evening was the presentation, which the President called on Bro. R. Downer to make. Bro. Downer made the presentation in a happy speech, and said he was glad that our E.C. had granted the honour to Bro. Baker in appreciation of his sterling and plodding work, and in token of the expression of the thanks of the members for his very able services. Bro. J. Baker, in his reply, said he was only too pleased to render any service to the Society, and hoped to continue to do so, it being pointed out that the emblem was not to be looked upon as a discharge note, and in conclusion he thanked the E.C. for granting the emblem on the representation of the members. A most enjoyable evening was brought to a conclusion by the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” It is hoped to arrange further gatherings of this kind to bring the members closer together.

 

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