County: Westmorland
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 21/10/1901
Number issued: 10 or 11
Gold chains & pendants, suitably inscribed, to:
APPLEBY TO THE FRONT.
THE HOME-COMING VOLUNTEERS.
Preparations at Appleby.
Last night week a town's meeting was held at Appleby for the purpose of considering what steps should be taken to welcome home the Appleby members of the Active Service Company on their return from the front, and also what form, if any, of public memorial should be devised in their honour. The Mayor (Ald. Heelis) was in the chair and there was a large attendance.
The Mayor said that after several disappointments there seemed every likelihood now that they would soon see their own gallant lads back again and they might possibly arrive at Southampton on the 30th of the present month. (Loud applause). He therefore thought that the earlier they could get together to decide upon what they could do in the way of welcoming the men the better. (Applause). He would suggest that so far as the actual first welcome was concerned, they should do very little. It appeared to him they owed a duty to the parents of the lads, and they should let the gallant fellows get quietly off to their homes as soon as possible. He would suggest therefore that on the day they arrive a procession consisting of the Town Council, the Volunteers, and the Fire Brigade, headed by the Borough Band, should meet them at the station to escort them down to the town. There he thought it would only be fitting and right there should be a thanksgiving service of a more or less un-denominational character. That was all he would advise to be done on that day. On the following or some very early day after he would like to see a general holiday. (Applause). He was perfectly confident they would be able to raise sufficient funds to have sports, with a substantial tea for the brave boys and their parents, and refreshments for the children. Such a day would be a very happy and memorable one for Appleby. (Loud applause). In the evening they might have a free and easy concert, with perhaps one or two speeches, although he was not much in favour of speeches, and he would suggest that it be something where the ladies could be present. Very probably some of the energetic young fellows of the town would want to have a torchlight procession and altogether they might spend a very happy and memorable day (Loud applause). With regard to the permanent memorial, it would be proposed at the next meeting of the Town Council that the honorary freedom of the borough be granted to the lads. (Loud applause). In the ordinary course a duty of £3 was payable upon every document of freedom, but the Treasury had consented to forego that in the case of Volunteers. (Applause). In all probability the document in each case would be illuminated on vellum, and he would like to see each enclosed in a neat frame, so that it could be hung up as a memorial in the men's homes. (Applause). So far as the town was concerned there should be some permanent memorial of the nature of a tablet of brass or marble. He did not know how far they would be desecrating the Low Cross, but that would be the most public place and certainly the most suitable, if they could keep it distinct from the Cross itself. They must not let their children's children think it was erected in memory of the men. They could so word the inscription as to keep that matter right. They sent out eleven lads and one — Private ATKINSON — of course, would not come back, and he thought they all wished to have some separate and independent memorial to him. (Loud applause). He did not know which would be the most suitable place for its erection. Of course, if it was considered desirable it could be in the church or churchyard at Bongate, because his parents were in that parish. Kirkby Thore was, however, the family resting place, and it might be put up there, but in any case he thought the parents should be consulted on that matter. (Applause). The suggestions he had put forward were merely his own ideas and the meeting could reject them if they thought fit.
Major Nanson said that they would cordially agree with the Mayor in every respect. (Applause). He (Major Nanson) did not think any better suggestions had ever been put in a meeting in that town and in a better way, and he did not see that any one of them could be improved upon.
The Rev. W.M. Shepherd seconded the motion. He fully and cordially agreed with all the sentiments expressed by the Mayor, and he was glad to hear, although he fully expected to hear it, that it was a desirable thing to have a thanksgiving service. (Applause).
A short discussion took place, Mr W. Chatterley suggesting that instead of a brass tablet three tablets of marble be erected to be placed one on each side of the most prominent sides of the Cross.
APPLEBY TOWN COUNCIL.
A meeting of the Appleby Town Council was held at the Moot Hall, on Monday night when there were present: The Mayor (Ald. Heelis), Aldermen Shepherd, Warton, and Graham; Councillors Dixon, Webber, Moordaff, Alderson, Nixon, Slinger, Forbes, and Steadman; Mr. W. Hewitson (town clerk), and Mr. F. W. Knewstubb (surveyor).
THE RETURN OF THE VOLUNTEERS.
The Mayor said that he had to propose a motion to the effect that the honorary freedom of the borough be granted to the ten lads who were then on their way home from service in South Africa. The resolution took the following form:
"That this Council being desirous of signifying their appreciation of the services rendered by ———— to this Borough and the Empire at large, in that he, being a member of the Appleby Company of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion of the Border Regiment, in a spirit of patriotism and loyal devotion to his Queen and country did volunteer for active service in South Africa, and served there as a member of the Active Service Company of the 1st Border Regiment, do hereby in pursuance of the provisions of the Honorary Freedom of Boroughs Act, 1885, confer upon him the honorary freedom of the Borough of Appleby, and do hereby admit him to be an honorary freeman of the Borough of Appleby accordingly".
THE RETURN OF THE VOLUNTEERS.
RETURN OF THE APPLEBY MEN.
A SPLENDID RECEPTION.
Enthusiastic Scenes.
Never, perhaps, has such a scene of enthusiasm and fervour been seen in the old town of Appleby as that which took place on Tuesday when the inhabitants, almost to an individual, turned out and gave a right-royal reception to the Appleby Volunteers who have served at the front with the 1st Border Active Service Company. Since the date of their return became known approximately it had formed almost the sole topic of conversation, and great preparations had been made for the homecoming. The disappointment of Monday caused no hitch in the proceedings and on Tuesday it became pretty generally known that the men would arrive by the 6-32 from Carlisle by the Midland Railway.
The town itself was in holiday attire. The householders vied with each other in decorating their houses, and as a result the principal streets presented a gay appearance. In Boroughgate the shops and houses were especially bright. The low Cross was draped with red, white, blue, and green muslins, and from the top to Messrs. Smith's, Cusson's, and Furness’s establishments respectively, were streamers of banners. About half way up the street was another row of flags across the roadway, and two mottoes "For King and country", and "Welcome Home" were hung in the centre. Inscriptions similar to the latter were very plentiful. Doomgate, Bridge Street, The Sands, and Clifford Street were also very gay with bunting.
Quite an hour before the train was due the people began to assemble in large numbers near the Midland station. The Corporation met at the Town Hall at 6-15, and marched to the station in procession, together with the Town Band under Bandmaster Parkin, Volunteers, Fire Brigade, and the members of the Reception Committee. The members of the Corporation present were the Mayor (Mr E. Heelis), Aldermen Warton and Graham, Councillors Leach, Nixon, Webber, Dixon, Forbes, Moordaff, Bertwistle, Chatfield, Slinger, Steadman; and Mr. W. Hewitson, the town clerk. The Mayor was wearing his chain of office and was preceded by the sword and mace.
The station entrance was decorated, over the gateway being the word "Welcome". The public were not admitted, and the down platform was reserved, as far as possible, for the relations of the men. The train arrived punctual, and as it steamed into the station, amid ringing cheers, the band struck up "See the conquering hero comes", followed by "Home, sweet home". The crowd had now assumed large proportions, many having come in from the surrounding villages and from Kirkby Stephen. The men, who were wearing their great coats, rolled, looked fit and well, and were soon in the midst of groups of friends and relations who had evidently been anxiously awaiting their coming. The scene was a very affecting one. The majority of the crowd had, as yet, had no view of the men, the train standing between, but as it moved out of the station, amid a rattle of fog-signals, and exposed the returned Volunteers, loud cheers were raised. The men then crossed to the opposite platform, where they were greeted by the Mayor and the rest of the Corporation. A procession was then formed, with the Council at the head, followed by the Volunteers, who closed round the Active Service men, while the crowd joined in behind. The band played "The Swanee River", and the route of the procession was by Clifford Street, Station Road, The Sands, Bridge Street, and Boroughgate, to the Town Hall. The stairway leading to the door of the latter had been tastefully decorated, and on it, the Mayor, clergymen, and members of the Corporation took their stand. The Active Service men were formed up in double file immediately below and the Volunteers formed a semi-circle behind keeping back the crowd. Here a thanksgiving service was held. The Mayor opened the proceedings and stepping forward said:
RETURN OF THE APPLEBY MEN.
THE NIGHT PROCEEDINGS.
GREAT GATHERING IN THE MARKET HALL.
FREEDOM OF THE BOROUGH PRESENTED TO THE VOLUNTEERS.
ENTHUSIASTIC SCENES.
The success of the afternoon's proceedings, great as it was, was eclipsed by that which attended the evening rejoicings. Visitors poured in by train, cycle, and carriage from Penrith and Kirkby Stephen, and the neighbouring villages, until the streets presented a very animated appearance. The meeting in the Market Hall was timed to commence at eight o'clock but for nearly an hour before that time it was impossible to get within twenty yards of the entrance. At eight o'clock the crush was very great, and the main doors were not opened for fear of a rush. As a result the crowd had to obtain admittance through a door which would admit only one person at a time. The hall presented a very pleasing appearance, the walls and ceiling being decorated with flags, bunting, and evergreen. Behind the platform was the word "Welcome" in large letters. In a remarkably short space of time every available inch of standing and sitting room was occupied. The entrance of the Mayor, with the rest of the Council, was the signal for an outburst of applause, followed a moment later by still louder cheers as the active service members took their seats in the front. Accompanying the Mayor on the platform were Aldermen Graham and Warton, Councillors Webber, Alderson, Chatfield, Nixon, Dixon, Leach, Steadman, Bertwistle, Slinger, Forbes, Moordaff; Mr. W. Hewitson, the town clerk; Mr. J. Nanson, borough treasurer; and Sergt.-Major Clear.
The Mayor, who was unable to speak for some moments owing to the loud and continued cheering which greeted him, opened the proceedings and said: Fellow-townsmen, your Council has adjourned to this hall from its usual place of meeting in order to give the greatest possible publicity to a ceremony, unique alike in the history of this our ancient borough, and I believe, in any other borough in the kingdom. The ceremony is consequent upon a series of ten resolutions, unanimously passed by your Council. The Mayor then read the resolution which forms the text of the burgess' certificate given below. Continuing, he said: Until very recent years, I believe for upwards of 700 years, the distinction of being a Freeman of the borough of Appleby carried with it privileges and immunities of very considerable value. A Freeman of the borough of Appleby was exempt from tolls, stallage, pontage, murage, and lastage throughout every city and borough in the United Kingdom, except only in the City of London. The charter of King John to the borough made this proviso, "Also that if at any time the burgesses of the city of York should have any of these privileges granted to them in the City of London, the burgesses of Appleby were to have like privileges". Though now the distinction is a purely honorary one, it is nevertheless the highest honour that it is within the power of the Council of Appleby to bestow upon anybody; and by an act of 1855, it can only be conferred upon persons of distinction, and persons, ladies and gentlemen, who have rendered eminent services to the borough. (Cheers). Looking back from year to year, and century to century, at the long roll of eminent men who at one time or another have been Freemen of Appleby — comprising as it does the eminent and distinguished soldiers, sailors, prelates and other ecclesiastical dignitaries, ministers of the crown, and even Royalty itself — I am open to doubt whether any other record in the United Kingdom, excepting the City of London bears greater and more distinguished names. (Loud cheers). But, my fellow-townsmen, this I maintain, that Appleby never did itself more honour than it is this night doing in conferring the honorary freedom of this borough on our ten gallant young lads. (Cheers). The last recipient for the distinction was our distinguished fellow townsman, Sir James Whitehead—(cheers) — who was at that time Lord Mayor of London, and who held the highest civic dignity in the world. (Hear, hear). I cannot help thinking that there is something of a coincidence when we take into consideration the circumstances of our present ceremony and remember that Sir James Whitehead's year of office — a distinguished year of office — was specially marked for the patriotic efforts that he made in inaugurating the Patriotic Fund for the better equipment of our citizen soldiers. (Cheers). This fact was specially recorded in the resolution conferring the dignity upon him in the year 1889 and many of you will remember that afterwards in this hall there was a complimentary banquet and the praiseworthy efforts he had made in favour of the volunteers were referred to. In his speech Sir James Whitehead used the following words: "There are many districts where, already, movements have been made in the direction of providing full and complete equipment for the volunteer army and I shall have the satisfaction of knowing that whether the scheme I have suggested is adopted by other districts or not, that, at any rate, it has had the effect of bringing to the minds of the public the real value of the volunteer army, and of satisfying the country at large that in the event of a great national catastrophe they would have to depend upon the volunteer forces". I think there can now be no doubt that the public fully realises the real value of the volunteer army — (cheers) — and that the country has satisfied itself that it may safely depend upon the volunteer forces. It is as patriotic members of the volunteer service that this honourable distinction is conferred upon our fellow-townsmen this evening. At a critical time — I almost think I may use Sir James Whitehead's words and say at a time of great national catastrophe — the call went forth for Volunteers. Of our little company at Appleby, nearly half were found ready to volunteer. (Hear, hear and cheers). Eleven men satisfied the requirements as to age, medical fitness, and marksmanship; and these eleven gallant young fellows left their homes, their parents and others, for the seat of war. (Cheers). One, alas, ladies and gentlemen — after bearing what I think all will agree were the greatest of the hardships that our lads suffered — a fine young fellow, popular amongst his comrades and popular with everyone that knew him — this poor lad succumbed to fever. Your Council can only share with you in your honour and respect for the poor lad's memory; and associate themselves with you in your heartfelt feelings of sympathy towards his parents and friends, whose wounds must be re-opened, and the burden of grief increased by the gladsome return of his comrades. These gallant lads have done their part with honour. (Hear, hear). Your Council gladly welcome their return and is proud — as I know also you are proud — to inscribe their names upon the freedom roll of our ancient borough. (Cheers). In doing this we have the certainty of knowing that as they have done their duty as citizen soldiers of our great empire, they will continue their part as loyal and true citizens of Appleby. (Loud and prolonged cheers).
The men then stepped on to the platform in fours and each holding a testament took the Freeman's oath as follows: —
"You shall swear that you shall be good and true to our Sovereign Lord the KIng, and his heirs and successors. The franchises and customs of this borough, you shall maintain, and this borough keep harmless, in that in you is. You shall be contributory to all manner of charges in this borough, as summoned, watches, contributions, tasks, tollages, lot and scot, and all other charges, bearing your part as a Freeman ought to do. You shall colour no foreign goods, whereby the King might lose his customs and advantages. You shall keep the KIng's peace in your own person. You shall know no gatherings, conventicles, or conspiracies made against the King's peace, but you shall warn the Mayor thereof, or let it to your power. All these articles and points you shall well and truly keep, according to the laws and customs of this borough, to your power. So God your help and by the holy contents of this book".
The men then kissed the book and the Mayor handed to each his freeman's certificate, which were afterwards returned to the Town Clerk to be suitably framed. The certificates, which had been obtained through Messrs. Whitehead and Son, Appleby, were engrossed on vellum. At the top the borough arms were embossed, and round the edge was a border of blue and gold. The text of the inscription was in red and black, with the exception of the recipient's name, which was similar to the border. At the bottom right-hand corner was the borough seal, and in the opposite corner the names of the Mayor and Town Clerk. A space was also reserved for the £3 duty stamp to be affixed, the cost of which the Treasury are foregoing in the case of Volunteers.
The wording of the certificate was the same as that of the resolution passed by the Council some weeks ago and which we have already published.
The formal business of the gathering having been concluded, a free and easy concert took place. The Mayoress opened the concert with a beautiful rendering of "Home, sweet home", the sentiment of which evidently appealed to the audience who maintained a telling silence throughout the song and then accorded Mrs Heelis a ringing cheer at the finish. Mr W. Sanderson followed with "The Englishman", the chorus being enthusiastically taken up after each verse. When he had concluded Mr Sanderson called for three cheers "for the ten young Englishmen", and the audience responded with cheers which almost raised the roof. No program at Appleby would be complete without our versatile friend Dr Stevenson, and his rendering of "John Peel" and afterwards the reciting of the "Irish Fire Brigade" were greatly enjoyed. Major Nanson sang "Sally Gray" and had to rise again to the loud demand for encore. In "a voice of dolorous pitch", Mr Sanders sang "It's a great big shame", followed by Lieut. Heelis with "Tommy Atkins". A sweet rendering of "Home, dearie home" by Miss Perry evoked loud applause, and Mr W.J. Simpson created roars of laughter with "McMulligan's Band".
The program concluded, Councillor R.E. Leach said they owed a debt of gratitude to the Mayor for the infinite pains he had taken to make their rejoicings a success, and for the admirable way in which he had conducted the meeting. Mr Leach then called for three cheers which were heartily given, followed by the singing of "For he's a jolly good fellow".
In responding the Mayor said that there were three lads who previously belonged to the Appleby Volunteers still at the front as regulars with the 1st Borders. He wanted three cheers to be given for them and wished to tell them that the Mayoress had it in hand to get up a little box of comfort to send to them. (Applause). She would be very glad to receive warm winter clothing and comforts of any sort.
The audience again responded heartily, and after the singing of the National Anthem the company dispersed. But for the majority it was not homewards. Immediately on the conclusion of the concert a torchlight procession was timed to start. The torch bearers, who were some 120 in number, many of them clad in most fearsome and weird costumes, assembled at the High Cross. Here a procession was formed and headed by the Town's Band playing "John Peel", and a banner worded "To welcome our brave volunteers", it moved off down the street, followed by a large crowd. The route was by Bridge Street, Station Road, Garth Heads Road, and back again to the centre of the town. The sight, viewed from the bridge, of the procession passing along Garth Heads, was very effective.
As on the previous night The Club was very prettily illuminated. Along the whole front of the building were fairy lamps with the design "Appleby welcomes her brave Volunteers", with a large crown in the centre. The rejoicings concluded with a dance in the Market Hall which was largely attended.
APPLEBY LIBERALS AND CORPORAL DAVEY.
The following Active Service men were then called upon the platform, where Lady Hothfield pinned the medals on their breasts, at the same time addressing a few words of congratulation to them: Lance-Corporals WOOF and DAVEY, Privates TYDD, HOLMES, SAUL, GIBSON, T. HOWE, R. HOWE, and ROBINSON. As each stepped forward he was greeted with loud cheers, which were repeated again and again as the last man left the platform.
Captain Heelis then asked Lady Hothfield to extend her favour by presenting a small memento in the form of a gold chain and pendant to each of the Active Service men. Those mementoes had been purchased out of the funds subscribed by the townspeople on the return of the men from South Africa. (Applause).
APPLEBY VOLUNTEERS & THEIR WAR MEDALS.
Presentation by Lady Hothfield.
On Monday night nine members of the Appleby contingent to the Active Service Company were presented with their war medals by Lady Hothfield. The distribution took place at the Market Hall, which was packed long before seven o’clock, the hour appointed for the distribution to take place. The building had been prettily decorated by the Volunteers with flags, bunting, and evergreens. At 6.30, the Volunteer Company assembled in the outer hall under the command of Capt. Heelis, Lieuts De Montmorency, and G.H. Heelis. From 5.30 the band, under Bandmaster Parkin, played selections near the Moot Hall. When Lord and Lady Hothfield entered the Hall they were greeted with loud cheers. Accompanying them on the platform were Capt. Heelis and Mayoress (Mrs Heelis); Mr and Mrs C.R. Rivington, Castle Bank, Major Fulton, Bank End; Major and Mrs Nanson, Appleby; Mr F. Chatfield, Garbridge; Mr T.W. Thwaytes, Holesfoot; and Mr J. Messenger. The Volunteers were drawn up in front of the platform, the Active Service men forming a line by themselves in front. Their names were Lance-Corpls. J. WOOF and T.H. DAVEY; Privates W.T. TYDD, T. HOLMES, J. SAUL, T. GIBSON, T. HOWE, R. HOWE, and H. ROBINSON.
Lord Hothfield presided, and in opening the proceedings, said it was with the greatest pleasure he presided over that assemblage, and judging from the attendance he thought that was a meeting very much to the taste of the inhabitants of Appleby. They were met to do honour to men who had richly deserved it. In distributing these medals to the Appleby Volunteers, who were away from home for fourteen months, very few words were required from him. But he believed he was quite right in saying that the Appleby men at the front were among the first Volunteers who entered the Transvaal. They formed part of the Border Regiment, which did not lose a man as prisoner, and were never taken by surprise. (Applause). On such occasions they could not expect to welcome back all who went out, but Appleby people were fortunate enough to have all their young men back with one exception. (Applause). It was no light thing which those men did, and he could not pretend to reiterate the hardships which they went through, and the many acts of valour which they achieved. But there was one thing which a Major-General said was a record – the march of 46 miles to Christiana. (Applause). That alone would be a feather in their caps. (Applause). He was sorry that the return of the Volunteers to Appleby was not the signal for the end of the war. When that end was to be no one could say. He was not one of those who liked to find fault with the way the war was carried on, because, like all who stayed at home, it was absolutely impossible for him to know what was going on at the front so well as did the Generals who were out there. (Loud applause). One thing of which he was absolutely certain was that had it not been for certain sections of the Press – the pro-Boer Press – the resistance of the Boers would have long ago ceased. (Applause). He had no doubt that those well meaning men who wrote in the pro-Boer Press had done more to prolong the war than anything else during the past two years. (Applause). He then asked Lady Hothfield to present the medals.
The men then stepped on to the platform, amid loud cheering, and the medals were pinned on their breasts by Lady Hothfield.
Captain Heelis asked Lady Hothfield to extend her favour by presenting a small memento in the form of a gold chain and pendant to each of the Active Service men. Those mementoes had been purchased out of the funds subscribed by the townspeople on the return of the men from South Africa. (Applause).
Lady Hothfield then presented the men with gold curb alberts and pendants, bearing the inscription: “South Africa, 1900-1. Presented to __________ , Volunteer Active Service Company, Border Regiment”.
Captain Heelis said Private SLACK having left the town received his medal from Lord Roberts at Manchester, but his chain would be sent on to him. He felt it was a great kindness on the part of Lord and Lady Hothfield to come to present the medals, and he could assure them their kindness was appreciated not only by the Volunteers, but by everyone in the town. (Loud applause). Lord Hothfield’s generosity to the Volunteers was well known, and if it had not been for his Lordship there would not have been a Volunteer Company at Appleby. When the subject was first mooted 25 years ago Lord Hothfield generously gave a sum representing half the cost of the uniform and equipment of the Company, and from that time his interest in the Volunteers had never ceased. (Applause). Every year he gave a cup to be shot for, and his Lordship would be pleased to learn that this year the trophy had been won by one of the Active Service men. (Loud applause). The prize next in importance to the Lord Lieutenant’s cup had also been won by one of the men from South Africa. (Applause). He called for three cheers for Lord and Lady Hothfield.
The cheers were given with great enthusiasm, and Lord Hothfield briefly responded.
Led by the Mayoress, the company then sang the National Anthem, and the proceedings were brought to a close.
There was a medal for Private ATKINSON, who died while out at the front, and it was understood that Lord Hothfield would personally present it to Mr and Mrs Atkinson.
The chains and pendants were supplied by Messrs Howe and Gibson.
