WOODBURY SCHOOL PICNIC

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVI, Issue 23083, 23 December 1944, Page 3

WOODBURY SCHOOL PICNIC

Marred By Rain Pupils of the Woodbury School and their parents and friends held a picnic on Wednesday at Waihi Gorge. Misty rain began to fall shortly before afternoon tea was ready, but a tarpaulin was stretched between trees to afford partial shelter. Mr G. Cain, chairman of the School Committee, spoke before distributing the prizes and U»e teacher outlined arrangements fonjhe evening concert. After the prize-gi#ng ceremony, it was decided to return home immediately, as the rain had became too heavy for further activities.

The following children received prizes:—Tommy Stevenson (F2), special prize for neatness; Mona Steward (F2), special prize for general usefulness; needlework, Colleen Cain (Fl), Geraldine Walker (SI), Helen Rae (P 3 most improvement, Dorothy Scowen (SI).

The needlework prizes were given by Mrs D. Sharpe and Mrs G. Brown. Art prizes given by Mrs M. S. Barker were distributed as follows: —Michael Stevenson (F 3 Allen Prattley (S 4 June Walker (S2), Geraldine Walker (SI), Helen Rae (P 3 Diana Fergusson (Pi). Children’s Concert A concert by the Woodbury schoolchildren was held in the Coronation Hall. There was a large attendance in spite of heavy rain and the efforts of the children were much appreciated by the audience. During the evening the teacher thanked the following people for their generous assistance—Mrs G. Johnston (for lending curtains for the stage, and material for costumes,' helping at rehearsals, and dressing children for items), Mrs G. Cain( for helping at rehearsals and at the concert), Miss E. L. Davies (for lending a large number of costumes), Mr G. Cain( for helping behind,the stage), Mr G. Keen (doorkeeper) and the parents who had made costumes for the children. Mr G. Cain, chairman of the School Committee, spoke at the conclusion of the concert, congratulating the children on their performance. The gross proceeds from the concert amounted to £9/3/-, including the takings for a guessing competition, which was won by Miss Vera Cain. After the expenses for the concert and picnic were deducted, the remainder was handed over to the School Committee.

Four plays were presented by the children, the perfoiners being as follows:—“A Christmas Play.” by the infants: “The Ugly Duckling,” by P 4, SI and 2; “The Three Tests,” by Donald Bates, Arthur Butters. Bruce Stevenson, Peter Fifield, Ina Johnston and Geraldine Walker; “Moses Goes to the Fair.” an adaptation from “The Vicar of Wakefield,” by Fl and 2, Donald Bates and Vera Cain. Songs and a Christmas carol were sung by the children, accompanied by Tommy and Bruce Stevenson, who also gave a mandolin-banjo duet. The boys of S 3 and 4 gave a choral speaking item. Ronald Scott acted as announcer, and Allen Prattley as reader for the plays. At the conclusion of the concert, refreshments were served to the children. Combined Sunday Schools The children of the combined Woodbury Sunday Schools were entertained at a Christmas party arranged by the superintendents, Mesdames D. Sharpe and F. Flatman. Games were played under the supervision of Cannon Norris and Rev. E. Ross. The ladies served tea to the children, after which Christmas carols were sung, music being provided by Mrs Ford. Each child received a present from the Christmas tree.