On Thursday last a most successful whist drive and dance, organised by employees of Messrs. Hart and Levy, under the very able direction of the manager Mr. G.E. Gilbert, were held in the Preston Hall, Burton Latimer. Nearly 200 took part, and the prizes given by Mrs. Preston and Sir Maurice Levy, were won by the following: Ladies, 1 Miss Buckby (160), 2 Miss Sophie West (157), 3 Miss Lizzie Goodier, consolation prize Miss Ethel Allen (107); gentlemen, 1 Mr. T. Smith (152), 2 Mr. H. Tailby (151),3 Mr. C. Catling (143), consolation Mr. S. Whitney (108). The whist drive was conducted by Mr. J. Boardman and Mr. E. Larrad; and the music for dancing was supplied by a small band conducted, by Mr. W. Miller (pianist), the other members being Mr. E. Cheaney (cornet), Mr. H. Brown (violin), and Mr. H. Butlin (drums).

The object was to provide funds for the entertainment of wounded soldiers from Kettering V.A.D. and General Hospital. The financial result was highly gratifying, and a vote of thanks to the Rector and churchwardens for the use of the Hall, and to the donors of the prizes, concluded a very pleasant evening's enjoyment.

THE ENTERTAINMENT

A tea, followed by a musical and dramatic entertainment and a dance, was also held in the Preston Hall on Saturday, the Hall being placed at the disposal of the firm by the Rector and churchwardens. The soldiers were conveyed from Kettering in brakes and motors, kindly lent by Mr. C. Barlow. They were accompanied by Sister Watson, and two nurses, in addition to Sergt. Claypole and Orderly Corpl. Lumb. Brief speeches, welcoming the soldiers, were given by the Rector, Mr. Gilbert (manager of Hart and Levy), Mr. Barratt (Chairman of the Parish Council), and Mr. J. Boardman (Vice chairman of the Council).

A capital tea was provided, with a generous supply of fruit, the tables having been tastely decorated by Miss Harpur, of Fern Bank, and the the following ladies presided at the various tables: Mrs. Preston, Mrs. de Crespingy, Mrs. Richardson, Mrs. Gilbert, Mrs. Burros, Mrs. J.W.Coles, Mrs. Byrne, Mrs. E. Larrad, Mrs. F. Buckby, Mrs. N. Lewis, Mrs. H.S. Meadows, Miss Harpur, Miss Barlow, Miss Edith Neal, and Miss Tilley. In addition quite a large bevy of young ladies helped to brighten up the proceedings by waiting at tables, and their efforts were highly appreciated both at tea and during the social which followed.

A short interval enabled the soldiers to walk around the Rectory gardens, after which the following programme was gone through, fruit, cakes and coffee being provided at intervals, in addition to a plentiful supply of cigarettes sent by Sir Maurice Levy: Pianoforte duet by Miss Attfield and Miss Lottie Ward; song, "Benvenuto," Mme. Preckler; concertina solo: Mr. Tom White; comic sketch, "Apartments to let." the Church School Staff; song: "A long, long trail," Miss Lottie Ward; recitation, Miss Nellie Brennan; song, "Shipmates o' mine" Mr. F. Shortland, concertina solo, Mr. Tom White; duet, "La Miserere," Mme. Preckler and Mr. F. Shortland; song, "When you come home," Miss Lottie Ward; recitation, Miss Nellie Brennan; song, Mr. F. Shortland; concertina solo, Mr. Tom White.

During the concert and dancing Mr. J. Boardman acted as M.C. - a vote of thanks to the Firm was proposed by Sergt. Freestone, seconded by Corpl. Cummins, and supported by Corpl. Lumb. - Mr. Gilbert responded on behalf of the Firm, whose thanks he also expressed to all the ladies who had so kindly come forward to make the gathering a great success. - The rest of the evening was given up to dancing, Miss Loveday providing the music, and this part took the form of a "free and easy," the following contributing musical items between the dances: Corpl. Lumb, Pte. Short, Sapper McBride, Pte. Harrison, Pte. Holland, and Sergt.-Major E. Taylor.

The return journey was made in brakes shortly before ten o'clock, and the soldiers freely expressed their appreciation of the splendid entertainment, finishing up by singing in chorus, as they rode through the village, the strains of "A Perfect Day."

Hart & Levy workpeople, like these above, regularly took part in fund raising parades during the war - they were ideally placed to make their own costumes