THE BANBURY BEACON
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29,
1888
HELMDON
OPENING OF A READING ROOM
For the purpose of publicly thanking Mr C. Fairbrother, of Wappenham (late of Helmdon), for providing a reading room at Helmdon, and also to celebrate its opening, a dinner was held on Wednesday evening at Helmdon. The building, which had been placed at the disposal of the villages by Mr. Fairbrother in memory of his parents and other relatives, presents a most pleasing appearance, and covers in all a chain of land. It is divided into two portions, viz, a large reading-room 35ft. by 20 ft, and caretaker’s residence, containing two sitting rooms, a kitchen, and three bedrooms. It is intended that the room shall be used both as a reading and concert-room, and it was stated that seating accommodation could be found for 250 persons. Mr. W. Hern was the architect and Mr. Brown (Wappenham) the builder.
The dinner, which was supplied by Mr. H. Clifton, of the Bell Inn, was in every way a success, the arrangements being ably carried out by the following committee: Rev. F Barnes (rector), Mr. G. Thomason and Mr. J. Jeffery (churchwardens), and Mr. W.H. Ellis. The Rev. F. Barnes presided, and eighty persons sat down to the excellent repast, including Mr. H., Mrs. and Miss Barnes, Helmdon: Rev. W.B. Chapman, Eydon: Rev. R.D. White, Moreton Pinkney; Rev. C.E. Blencowe, Marston St. Lawrence: Mr. And Mrs. C. Fairbrother, Mr. W. Harding, Sulgrave: Messrs. J. Bartlett, jun . and sen., Whitfield: Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Ellis, Helmdon, Mr. J.C. Bradshaw, Mr. and Mrs. T. Bird, Sulgrave: Mrs. and Mrs. G. Thomason, Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Jeffrey, Mr. and Mrs. T. and Miss Roberts; Mr. and Mrs. R. Williams, Helmdon: Mr. and Mrs. G. and Mr. J. Barford, Fawcutt: Mrs. and Miss Elkington, Mr. and Mrs. W. Thomason, Mr.J. and Miss Wrighton, Helmdon.
Letters of apology had been received from Mr. E. J. Russel and Mr. Pearson, Brackley: and Mr. Bazeley, Walton Grounds.
The usual loyal toasts were given from the chair and duly honoured.
Mr. T. Bird proposed “The Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese,” and referred in eulogistic terms to the excellent service their respective Bishop had rendered. The name of the Bishop of Peterborough was a household word throughout the length and breadth of the country, and he certainly had no equal in the country.
(Hear, hear).
Rev. W.H. Chapman, in response spoke of the interest the Bishop always took in such institutions as theirs, and also referred to the kindness of Mr. Fairbrother in presenting them with such a noble building.
The rev. Chairman, in a cheery speech, next proposed the health of Mr. C. Fairbrother. They were aware how much they were indebted to him for the excellent gift. He then alluded to the circumstances of attending to the building of the place, which was erected as a memorial of the Fairbrother family. There were few parishes possessed so handsome a room as the one in which they were assembled, and he hoped it would be made good use of, and supported so as to fulfil the purpose for which it had been erected. He was pleased that Mr. Fairbrother had consented to become their first president – (applause) – and he thought he could, in the name of the inhabitants of Helmdon, Astwell, Fawcutt, and Stutchbury, offer him their best thanks.
Mr. Fairbrother, in the course of his remarks, referred to the lamented death of his relatives, and expressed a hope that the reading room would become a general benefit to the parish. (Applause). He also hoped it would be attended by all classes, both farmers and labourers.
The remaining toasts were “The Architect and Builder”, proposed by Mr. J.R. Bartlett, and responded to by Mr. W. Harling: “The Ladies” by Mr. W. P. Ellis, responded to by Mr. H Barnes: “ Visitors”, by Mr. G. Thomason: “The Chairman” by Mr. Hearn, and “The Host and Hostess”. The speechmaking was interspersed with vocal selections, the following programme being efficiently rendered.
Glee - “Oh who will o’er the downs so Free – Miss Barnes, Mrs. W.P. Ellis, Mrs. R Williams, Mr. W. P. Ellis, and Mr. Goodwin.
Trio – “O Memory” – Mrs. Barnes, and Mr. and Mrs. W.P. Ellis
Song – “Smiling Faces” – Mr. R. Williams
Trio “Ye Shepherds Tell me” – Mr. R. Williams, and Mr. and Mrs. Ellis
Duet – “Friendship” - Mr. and Mrs. Ellis
Song – “My love is a kitten” - Mr. Ellis.
The proceedings were brought to a close about ten o’clock with the singing of the National Anthem, a most happy and pleasant time having been spent.
The Banbury Beacon - Saturday December 29th, 1888
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