VALEDICTORY.

Thames Star, Volume LXV, Issue 18333, 3 November 1931, Page 2

VALEDICTORY.

REV. AND MRS. DAVISON.

Last Evening’s Function.

VALUABLE WORK DONE

IN ST. GEORGE’S, PARISH. There Avas a full schoolroom last evening of parishioners and friends to say farewell to the Rev. R. B and Mrs Davison. * Mr ,C. R. Cooke presided, and in briefly Avelcoming those present exp essed the general regret that Avas felt everyxvhere at the departure of the vicar and his Avife, Avhom everyone had learned to love and respect during their stay at Thames. Mr C. H. Poulgrain, People’s Warden, in making a presentation of a pyrex dish, Avith handsome silver stand, said his task in making a fareAvell speech Avas not one that he sought. During their short stay in Thames the vicar arid his wife had done particularly fine work, and the news of their departure had depressed everyone. They had to realise, hoAvever, that such feelings were selfish ones, and more thought should be given to Mr Davison’s career. They were all genuinely sori’y to lose him, and appreciated the admirable work done by him. Both had helped in all the church organisations, and had established others. The vestry owed the vicar a deep debt of gratitude by the help he had rendered during a most difficult time. Mr Poulgrain expressed the hope that they Avould be able to % visit 'Thames again some time in the future. They could not let them go without some token of the appreciation’ from the parish, and hoped the present would recall pleasant memories of Thames. They all wished both Mr and Mrs Davison a good future, Avith happiness and success in their neAV work at Devonport. The (Rev. Davison, replying on behalf of himself and Mrs Davison, said it was ahvays difficult to say good-bye, but after tAvo years in Thames he found it more than ever so as his heart Avas bound up AAuth the Thames folk. He thanked them for coming in such numbers to say good-bye. 'Times Avere hard, but the church-Avorkers had proved very loyal and steadfast, and he had been very appreciative of this help. The kindergarten, Scouts and Guides which had been established during his term, Avere all doing Avell, but lie disclaimed any credit, saying it Avas due to those Avho had come foi'Avaid to help so Avillingly. His successor would have a hearty ayc!eome, as Thames folk opened their hearts very readily. j Four beautiful bouquets of flowers Avere presented to Mrs Davison, and the following’ musical programme Avas gone through, all the items being encored: — ■ v Songs,' Miss Ray Kerby, Miss .Macnamara, Mrs and Master'Willis, "the Rev. Davison and Mr H. Beech; violin solo, Mr H. Dickson; orchestral selection, Williams’ orchestra. The accompanists xvere Mrs Williams and Mr 'B. Gleeson. An excellent supper Avas handed round; after which several dances were played by Mrs Willis and Mr Dickson, and Williams’ orchestra.. Those present then bid fareAvell to Mr and Mrs Davison, x\4io left to-day for their hoav home.