Churches back war savings movement

 

Digest of stories from the Beds & Herts Saturday Telegraph: December 2nd, 1916.

At the invitation of the President of the Luton War Savings Committee (Alderman J. H. Staddon) and that committee, a conference of the clergy and ministers of the town was held at the Town Hall on Thursday afternoon.

Hon Secretary (Mr G. E. M. Walker) said the local committee had been endeavouring to get into touch with every organisation in the town as far as possible - religious, social, employment, clubs, societies, firms and so on. At the last meeting of the committee it was decided that the best way to get into touch with the places of worship with a view to finding out the manner in which they could help on the movement was to convene a conference of the whole of the clergy and ministers of the town.

There were 28 associations actually at work in Luton and others in process of formation. Associations had been formed in connection with some of the places of worship, including the Parish Church.

The Rev C. Morgan Smith (Christ Church) proposed, and the Rev H. Coate (St Matthew's) seconded: "That this conference of clergy and ministers of the Borough of Luton declare our support to the approval of the war saving movement, and pledge ourselves to use all our influence to encourage the formation of war saving associations in out congregations." The resolution was carried unanimously.

  • Bandmaster OgdenPossibly one of the best-known men in Luton, Bandmaster John Thomas Ogden (pictured right), died suddenly in the back yard of 35 New Bedford Road on Friday afternoon at the age of 56. A native of Lancashire, he came to Luton about 22 years ago to become conductor of the Red Cross Band. He was a champion soprano cornet player of England and was known to all bandsmen as a gold and silver medallist. He had been bandmaster of several bands, including the Black Dyke, all of which became prize winners.

  • Yesterday the circumstances surrounding the death in Upper George Street of William James Willis, aged 50, who has been living at the Model Lodging House were inquired into at an inquest at the Court House. Dr W. J. Cox, Medical Officer of Health, said he was called out about 4.30 on Wednesday morning. There was a scalp wound at the back of the head, caused by deceased falling, but death was due to heart failure owing to lung disease. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence.

  • We learn this morning from Mr A. R. Hopkins, of Hove, Sussex, that his son Arthur William was killed in action in France on November 14th. The deceased was educated at Dunstable Grammar School and joined the Honourable Artillery Company in November last year and went to France at the end of May. His father was in business for many years at 13 Park Square, Luton, as a draper.

  • The Managers of Christ Church Girls' School have unanimously appointed Miss Dowdall, an assistant mistress in one of the largest schools in Croydon, to succeed Mrs Hyder following her resignation as headmistress. There were 32 applicants for the post.

  • Second Lieut Charles Frederick Burley, younger son of hat manufacturer Mr Richard Burley, of Leagrave Road, Luton, is reported "missing, believed killed" in action on the Somme. [His death in action serving with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment on November 18th was confirmed later. He would have been 19 on December 1st.]

  • In its editorial, the Telegraph said: "The number of our heroes who by reason of wounds or sickness have been finally discharged for military service gradually grows and one cannot walk through the town now without meeting several. Some have fallen into good occupations, but others may have some difficulty in locating suitable and lucrative employment. Meanwhile there is a lot of preaching as to what the country is to do for these men after the war, but precious little practical effort at present. These men have already reached the aftermath of war, and it is high time something was done."

  • The Luton Red Cross Band has given largely of its members to the country. There was a time when the band was chiefly composed of middle-aged men, but the policy of the band for some years prior to the war had been to train young players in what was known as the Junior Band. When war broke out the bandsmen included a good proportion of young men who became very capable players. Since the outbreak of hostilities the band has contributed no fewer than 17 men to the ranks, and the committee has instituted a collection to send each one a Christmas parcel.

  • The Luton Town team travelled to meet West Ham, the leaders of the London Combination and the richest English League club. The Hammers were at full strength and in front of 8,000 spectators ran out 2-0 winners, with Luton players Hoar and Pennifer having to retire, leaving the visitors with nine men to finish the match.