Doyleston

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LXII, Issue 17, 4 March 1941, Page 4

Doyleston

SOCIAL. TO GUNNER E. VINCE

The pride felt by the residents of Doyleston in the men from the district who have joined the forces for service overseas has been well demonstrated on several occasions. Striking proof was again given on Saturday night when, at very short notice, a social was held in honour of Gunner E. Vince, who ihas lately been spending a period of leave with his relatives. Although notice of the function was only given in the Guardian on Friday evening, there was a splendid attendance at the Doyleston Hall, all the" surrounding districts being well represented. Several soldiers from other parts of the county were present and all spent a jolly evening. Dancing took place in the main hall to music supplied by Lambie's Band and with Mr C. Mitchell in charge as M.C. For a Monte Carlo the prizes went to Miss Mynette McLachlan and Lance-corporal Ray Young. Quite a large number took a hand at cards in the ante-room, where the successful players were Mesdames H. T. Manson and E. A. Johnson, Mr C. F. Turner and Gunner E. Vince. The ladies, assisted by members of the Patriotic Committee, served a first-class supper.

To inaugurate the formal part of the proceedings, during which the guest, his relatives, several visiting soldiers and members of the Patriotic Committee occupied seats on the stage, a verse of the National Anthem was sung in hearty fashion. Addressing the gathering, Mr J. R. Godsell, chairman of the Patriotic Committee, said that the people of Doyleston and adjacent districts were proud to assemble once more to 'honour a resident who had chosen the path of duty and self-sacri-fice in a period of great peril, not only for the British Empire but for freedom-loving people throughout the world. Never in the whole history of the world had there been so much at stake as in the present conflict. So dear to the heart of every loyal British subject was the democratic way of life that domination by Nazidom or any other form of dictatorship was unthinkable. Gunner Vince had spent all his life in the Doyleston district and was one of the first residents to offer his services to his country in the present war. It was not his fault that he had been unable to proceed overseas with the First Echelon. To many of those present he was well known as a first-class citizen, a young man of good character, high principles, honesty of purpose and always a conscientious and hard worker. Of various forms of sport in which he had been interested, that of rifle shooting had taken a prominent place. As .a member of the Doyleston Rifle Club for several years he had been most active not only as a competitor, but as one anxious to promote the interests of his club and of the sport generally. Winner or loser he had always shown the Tight spirit and in that respect had won the regard of his fellow members. In course of time Gunner Vince would no doubt have an opportunity of demonstrating his skill against the enemy, and his friends all hoped that he would score many "bulls." A young man with an alert brain, he would have a wonderful experience when the time came to voyage .to the other side of the world and his friends were certain that in the serious business of war he would uphold the honour of Doyleston and bring credit Upon himself. Concluding, Mr Godsell handed the guest a wristlet watch with luminous dial as a token of regard from his Doyleston friends and wished him success and an early return to his native land.

Through Mr J. Goss, the Ellesmere Returned Soldiers' Association conveyed " its best wishes to Gunner Vince, and assured him that anything it could do either for him or his relatives would be done gladly. Mr Goss said that the Association hoped that Gunner Vince would join the R.S.A. on his return and benefit from the comradeship and practical help of a Dominionwide organisation. Referring- to the Home Guard, Mr Goss strongly urged all who were unable to serve overseas to join up in case it should

become 'necessary to defend their own homes against the aggressor. All hoped that such a contingency would not arise, but no one could tell what might happen in the future. A meeting to urge support, for the Home Guard would probably be held in Doyleston shortly and he hoped there would be a good attendance. It was also hoped that a V.A.D. unit would, be formed at Doyleston.

Gunner Vince made a neat speech in acknowledging the gift and good wishes. He said that he was very proud to meet so many friends that evening and that 'he hoped to meet them all again on his return to civil life. They could rest assured that 'he would do his utmost to uphold the high traditions established by the men from New Zealand who had served in the war of 25 years ago and of those who had already served in the present conflict.

SOCIAL NEXT SATURDAY Next Saturday evening the Doyleston Hall Committee will hold another of its enjoyable feuchre and dance socials.