County: Westmorland
Issued on: Departure
Date of presentation: 23/01/1900
Number issued: 1
Gold medal & albert, to:
Presentation made by Mr John Bell, in the Reading Room, Stainton.
Inscribed: "Presented to John Hetherington by the Stainton Reading Room members and friends on his leaving for the war. 1900".
Hetherington also received a watch from Penrith & District (on his return).
Presentation at Stainton.
On Tuesday evening in the Reading Room, a large number of members and friends met to bid farewell to a fellow-member – Pte. John HETHERINGTON – who is departing for the war with the Imperial Yeomanry. Mr John Bell presided, and said the members and other friends did not wish Private HETHERINGTON to leave them without some small token of esteem for him. They were all sorry to lose him. Private HETHERINGTON had volunteered to the call of duty, and they all admired his brave, patriotic spirit. British subjects had helped in many ways to relieve the distress of the war, both with time, talent, and money. But Pte. HETHERINGTON had offered the most anyone could – himself. (Applause). Many brave and good soldiers of the Queen had laid down their lives for their country, and they were all proud of them. Private HETHERINGTON was leaving them shortly but it was a pleasure to have him with them that evening, and on behalf of the Reading Room members and friends he had great pleasure in presenting him with a beautiful gold albert-chain, with a handsomely designed medal attached, inscribed thus: – “Presented to John Hetherington by the Stainton Reading Room members and friends on his leaving for the war. 1900”. The Chairman wished him every success, and they would be pleased when they could have him in their midst again. He wished to thank Quartermaster Gill for all the work he had done, and for arranging for their old member to be with them that evening.
The Chairman then presented Private HETHERINGTON with the albert amid loud applause.
Private HETHERINGTON who, on rising, was enthusiastically received and cheered, said he could hardly find words to express his thanks to all for their great kindness. He would always treasure the beautiful gold chain and medal in memory of many happy days spent in their midst. (Cheers).
PRESENTATIONS.
