FERNLEAF CLUB

Grey River Argus, 15 February 1945, Page 3

FERNLEAF CLUB

N.Z. CLUB IN LONDON (Special to N.Z. Press Assn) LONDON, February 13. The New Zealand Fernleaf Club in London wnich opened a few days before Christmas, has proved itsell an instant success. IL is very adequately fullilling the need which has been felt throughout the war, and is extremely popular with all ranks. Under the able direction of Lady Freyberg and Colonel Fred Waite D. 5.0., and' backed by an experienced staff, many of whom worked in New Zealand Clubs in Cairo, Bari, and Rome, it has maintained that high standard which stamped it from the first day, and supplied just that homely touch of New Zealand which servicemen so throughly appreciate. Proof of this if any is needed is the fact that every bed has been filled from the first night and invariably emergency bedding has to be provided nightly, since no New Zealander seeking accommodation is turned away. Meals served in bright clean rooms with no overcrowding of tables, have been of good standard, and a snackbar which remains open until 11 p.m. nightly has. been very successful. A bar in addition io being well stocked, proved popular particularly because prices charged are not in excess of those elsewhere. In fact not as high as in some other clubs. One of the features of the club is its library. Stocked with good books and periodicals, it is a pleasant wood panelled room. Under the supervision of the librarian it is in use throughout the day.. Lady Freyberg is arranging lor periodicals to be sent to New Zealand hospitals in Italy, as a flow of the latest dated ones reach the club. There is also quite a well arranged writing room, and post oilice from whirh raules dan be sent. A doctor calls twice daily in case anyone requires medical attention, while a denial unit attends any New Zealanders with defective teeth. Dances which have been held fori nightly, proved so popular that faey are' now to be held weekly. They are limited to sixty couples and a modest charge of six shillings per couple, covers the cost of a good supper and orrhestra. Tne week-end saw the first C.E.M.A. concert. One artist was Miss Cecilia Keating, ol Greymouth, a well-known New Zealand violinist who made a reputation for herself in Britain. It was a very successful evening, and it is intended further concerts will be held regularly. Th e ballroom is also being used lor private parlies given by New Zealanders. The staff of Halifax House, New Zealand military headquaiteis London, held a party there lor New Year’s Day. Tne ballroom is also being used for wedding receptions, and one New Zealander is shortly giving a 1 went y-first birthday party for his wife. In addition to the military staff which together with Tuis who heln give so much of that New Zealand touch to the club, numbers about fifty, there are elso forty-five voluntary helpers, who give their time at'regular intervals -osnoq uuniAio jo joquinu utuptoo V maids, and parlourmaids are also employed One of the chief purposes ol starling the club is to provide a centre for New Zealand returned prisoners of war when they are on leave in London. It can be taken granted that everything possible will be don. for them at Fernleaf.