Y.M.C.A.

Observation Post, Volume 1, Issue 30, 11 December 1942, Page 4

Y.M.C.A.

(By 448027). ■ “A cup of tea and two cakes, please.” “Two orange drinks.’’ “Four ice -creams, please ’ ’ —business in the Regimental Y.M.C.A. is brisk as usual as the hut officer, Mr. Brydon Harvey, and his fatigue for the day, labour cheerfully at their tiring work. The indispensable service to the unit of the Y.M. as a meeting house, supper room, and “night spot’’ where some swing expert is usually to be found playing the piano, has been greatly appreciated during the year. Mr. Harvey has worked hard to ensure that the men have received a maximum of service, and his efforts have not been lost on them. Every night the building hums with conversation, mingling with the strains of the piano and, in the rare quiet moments, the chink of coin is heard as the money is dropped into the till. In the corner of the room someone usually avails himself of the use of the —another indispensable service attached to the institution.

It is not only in catering for the nightly recreation of the men that the Y.M.C.A. has proved a boon to the Regiment, however.. Mr. Harvey is a keen athlete, and has rendered sterling service in the capacity of Sports Officer. His activities in the noble art of self defence have resulted in some very fine boxing tournaments being held during the winter months; Rugby .football matches were arranged, as well as the organising. 'of Hockey, Soccer, and Basketball games. His sporting ability has proved of great benefit to the men throughout the year, and now that summer has arrived, Mr. Harvey has lost no time in securing Cricket matches and making possible the membership of soldiers who wish to join one of the local Tennis Clubs. A big factor in camp life, too, is that of letter writing. Once more, the Y.M.C.A. provides the paper and envelopes for the use of the men service which is widely used and sometimes taken too much for granted. The democracy of the Regiment, too, is amply demonstrated by the action of the officers, who have quite often given up their free'nights to help hardpressed secretary, and run the business for him when he has been called away on sports business. This unselfishness is typical of the Y.M. spirit, and raises a point for —“Would such a case of officers looking after the men occur in any British Army unit?” The heartfelt thanks of the men are extended through these pages to all who rendered such grand service during the year in the Y.M.C.A., to Mr. Harvey, in particular, who has even arranged concerts almost every Wednesday evening, for the men’s entertainment, we repeat, “Thanks for everything. ’ ’