Enlargement of Everyman’s Hut

Camp News, Volume 1, Issue 12, 1 March 1940, Page 6

Enlargement of Everyman’s Hut

Remarkable Demonstration The great popularity of Everyman’s Hut at Trentham Camp was remarkably demonstrated on Monday evening when a function was held to celebrate the enlargement of the institution to cope with its increasing popularity among the men. The members of the controlling committee and their wives and quite a number of private citizens were present. Mr. C. J. Drake,

the Chairman of the Committee, presided. The Camp Commandant was represented by Captain Haddow, who was accompanied by Captain Ready and Captain Milash. Representatives of the other church hutments were present. The evening was opened by the Camp Band playing the National Anthem, after which the chairman, in a short address, outlined the purposes for which the hut had been established. These, he said, were to give the .men a home away from home, and in addition to give them the Gospel under suitable conditions. The committee had been delighted that it had been necessary to enlarge the institution, and hoped that the men would continue to take full advantage of the facilities provided for them. In concluding the chairman paid a tribute to the work of Mr. Gordon Blair, who is in charge of the Hut, and who had been so successful in his work among the men. The mention of Mr. Blair’s name was greeted with rounds of applause. Captain Ready, on behalf of the Camp Commandant, expressed appreciation to the committee for the work that was being done at Everyman’s Hut, and stated that the military authorities recognised its value. Representatives of the other institutions in camp then added their tribute. A touching episode was reached when one of the “Diggers” came forward and as a surprise packet presented to Mr. Blair the results of a spontaneous subscription taken up among the men which amounted to over £2O. After the formal proceedings had been concluded, the evening was given over to musical items of a sacred na-

ture, several of these being most appreciatively by the Band. Just before supper was sen ■ j! Drake gave the men a show •talk and ti was noticeable how listened with the utmost rest attention. j Supper was served all row the happy evening ended in L r allow the men to return to fit! before “lights out.” b Pt