Police Entertainment.
The Police of the Watford Division gave their annual concert in aid of the Watford Police Court Peer Box on Wednesday evening in the Clarendon Hall. A lengthy programme was submitted to the large audience and not one dull moment marred the complete success of the evening’s enjoyment.
Superintendent Wood said that it was a pleasure to see them once more. He was pleased to tell them that, in addition to selling all the tickets they had, one gentleman had kindly renewed a donation of £5 5s, and another one of £1 1s. These donations showed the appreciation that was felt for their work. Out of the proceeds of the last concert they gave a donation of £5 to the Poor Society, £5 to the Preventative and Rescue Society, £2 10s to the N.S.P.C.C. and £20 to the Poor Box Fund. Ninety one pairs of boots were given away and assistance was given to 14 wives and 30 children. Three boys were assisted during the year in various ways; one for whom a situation was found in Essex was living with a farmer and doing well. (Applause). Two other boys they went to sea. The fares of five persons were paid to their homes or they would have gone into the Workhouse. Four convicts were assisted and in connection with this he said that a man who had been assisted before had sent him a photograph and letter. This man was now living a respectable life as a working man. (Applause). Assistance had been given in various ways to temporary unemployed and there had been some very distressing cases.
Miss A.R. Wood opened the entertainment with her solo, “La Polka de la Reine” and a series of songs by members of the force followed. The humorous side was strongly represented and there was not one singer who did not fail to draw appreciative applause. Police Constable Francis, who possesses a pleasing tenor voice, was heard in three songs, “Goodbye Jenny,” “Somewhere” and “To the End of the World.” Police Constable Cousins, who was dressed in plantation costume, gave the song “On the Banks of the Old Canal” successfully and Police Constable Debnam also gave a pleasing rendering of the song “When the Roses Bloom.” There were two instrumental items, a mandolin duet, “Over the Waves” by Police Constables Boud and Digby, and Police Constables Lewin and Grange’s turn was a banjo duet “Cromartie.” Mandolins and banjos were played very well, and the performers were rewarded with hearty applause. Each of the humourists on the programme was attired in some costume appropriate to the song and the performances were excellent. Sergeant West sang “It’s a lie” and “Now we can both laugh together;” Police Constable Wright, “Beautiful Dreamy Eyes;” Police Constable Wicks, “I played my concertina” and “He’s got no work to do;” Police Constable Brewster, “What will become of England?” and “I cheered when the boat went out;” Police Constable Huggins, “I must go home tonight” and “The Agitator;” Police Constable Smith, “For Months and Months and Months” and “Little Willie’s Wild Woodbines.” One rendition was included in the first part of programme, and this, “The Last Shot,” was effectively given by Police Constable Wright.
A capital minstrel entertainment followed this part of the programme, being in the hands of Police Constables Cousins (Johnson) Digby, Lewin, Brewster, Francis, Boud, Debnam, Grange and Wright. Sergeant West was Bones and Police Constable Huggins, Tambo.
Miss A.R. Wood accompanied skilfully throughout the concert.
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