FAREWELL CONCERT

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 54, 1 September 1945, Page 12

FAREWELL CONCERT

CAMP ENTERTAINERS END SIX YEARS' SERVICE

The final concert to be given by the Official Camp Entertainers was presented at Trentham last Wednesday before a large, audience of soldiers and "guests. ; This farewell performance marked the end of six years of entertainment provided; by the organisation, which has been run smoothly and efficiently by the honorary organiser, Mrs. Dennistoun-Wood. Over the war years, concert parties ..visited men in the camps in and around Wellington, and a total of 1796 artists in. 9£ different parties visited Trentham alone in that time. A grand total of 3512 performers were transported in 182 groups to all the camps, and approximately 30,000 miles were travelled. The splendid voluntary effort of members of the Automobile Association (Wellington), who always organised numbers of private cars for transporting the concert parties, contributed largely to the success of the organisation. The camp commandant, Colonel D. T. Maxwell, paid a tribute to all connected with the Official Camp Entertainers and thanked them on behalf of the many thousands of soldiers who had enjoyed their concerts. He congratulated the 2YA Concert Party, which gave the final concert, upon the high standard it had always set. The Hon. W. Perry, M.L.C., one of the guests of the evening, was welcomed by Colonel Maxwell, as one who had always had the interests of the soldiers at heart. Colonel Maxwell said that the thanks of all were due to Mrs. DennistounWood and Mrs. G. Webb, honorary secretary, for their untiring services. In appreciation, a W.A.A.C. officer presented Mrs. Dennistoun-Wood and Mrs. Webb with beautiful sheaves of flowers. Mrs. Dennistoun-Wood said that though it was sad to say good-bye she thanked God for its reason. She paid tribute to the Automobile Association, Messrs. Batt, Sutherland, and Laurenson, and Mrs. Perry, who had generously donated money for the prizes given to servicemen at concerts. » Mrs. Webb introduced Mr. Eric Harrison, the producer, who brought the first concert party to Trentham in October, 1939. Gifts were presented to Staff-Ser-geant Gabb and Sergeants C. Bryant and Robinson for assistance at the concerts, and to Mrs. Morrison, who arranged for the car drivers. A small dinner party was given at the camp before the concert, at which Colonel Maxwell was the host. Present were Mrs. Maxwell, Mrs. DennistounWood, Mrs. Arnold, Miss Holdsworth, Messrs. Perry, Batt, Rickard, Sutherland,, Beeby, and Yates. ' The headquarters mess provided a savoury buffet supper after the concert, the mess being festively decorated with flags and greenery, the work of W.A.A.C.S, who also prepared the supper menu. A dance followed for the special guests and officers from the camp.