County: Cheshire
Issued on: n/a
Date of presentation: 24/06/1902
Number issued: 11
Silver medals, to:
Mr John Henry COOKE (hon. Secretary)
Mrs Sarah Elizabeth MARSHALL
Miss M.E. THRELFALL
J.H. Cooke was the author of "5000 Miles with the Cheshire Yeomanry in South Africa".
Reverse (all engraved): "Presented / BY THE TOWN OF / WINSFORD / TO MR J.H. COOKE / for valuable services / rendered in the relief / of Wives & Families of / Men fighting in the / South African War / 1899-1902".
Winsford Volunteer Band example in the Paul Dunn Collection.
WINSFORD.
On the country’s call for volunteers, Winsford people were rightly proud to learn that they had amongst their number men of sufficient patriotism and courage to respond, and take their share in facing the almost insuperable difficulties which the forces of this country had to contend with in South Africa. Out of the number who eagerly sent in their names only seven were selected in the first instance, namely, Pvtes. JOHNSON, HULSE, ROBERTS, RIGBY, R. and S. BENNETT and HATTON. The others were placed on the reserve, and anxiously awaited their turn.
....... Winsford’s interest in the local men on the veldt has not been of a fleeting character. Led by such stalwart champions at the Mayor of Over (Mr J.E. Ross), and the Recorder of Over (Mr J.H. COOKE), those left behind had been encouraged in the remembrance of the brave lads, and the duty that devolved upon them of making provision for the dependents has been faithfully and conscientiously carried out. A deep and lasting interest has been taken in the local Tommys, who must have whispered many blessings towards the Winsford people on the receipt of comforts, regularly sent. With Mrs MARSHALL, as hon. secretary, the Ladies’ Committee has also done kind and benevolent acts for the local warriors, which have been heartily appreciated. Every care has been taken to alleviate as far as possible the many pains and sufferings attendant on a long campaign, and each Volunteer from Winsford, in letters home, has tendered his most heartfelt thanks for the kindness shown towards him.
……. Mr COOKE, who was received with cheers, said it was with very great pleasure that he supported the resolution. It was a delight indeed to receive the men from Africa in that new building which was being used for the first time. They were delighted to know that they had come through all the hardships they had had to undergo, and were now safe back at their homes. They had always been considering about their welfare, wondering how they were going on, and whether they should come back safely. As the resolution stated, one, unfortunately, had not been able to come back. He had been left behind in South Africa. Those who had come back ought to be deeply thankful, and he was sure their parents were delighted to see them. Moreover, those present when the resolution was put to them, would show their testimony and thanks to the brave fellows in their midst. They would be further delighted to learn that the War Fund Committee had sent a donation to each parent with a view to the men being entertained. The same committee also hoped to have the pleasure of sending the men away for a week’s rest to the sea-side, so that they might enjoy themselves after their arduous labours in South Africa. (Loud applause).
Private RIGBY was the first to respond. He said: People of Winsford, I heartily thank you for the welcome you have given us today on our return home. (Applause).
Private R. BENNETT also spoke.
Private ROBERTS observed: I am pleased to come back and see the old faces in Winsford. I heartily thank the Ladies’ Committee and all the others for what they have done for us.
....... Mr Reiss then presented silver medals to the following – Privates Thomas CARDEN, Charles HODGKINSON, Samuel BAKER, Joseph GREEN, and Reuben SUCH.
The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Relief Fund Committee were also desirous of recognising the valuable help and assistance given by the following ladies and gentlemen in the administration of the fund during the years from and including 1899 to 1902, and accordingly the following were the recipients: – Miss THRELFALL, Tilstone Lodge, near Tarporley, who by the aid of the county fund and with considerable trouble, had seen to the requirements of the wives and families of Yeomanry and Volunteers who required assistance in Over; Colonel KENNEDY, Brook Side, Sandbach, who had in the same way nobly assisted the wives and families of the Yeomanry and Volunteers in Wharton; Mr REISS, as chairman of the committee; Mr J.H. COOKE, as hon. secretary to the committee; Mrs MARSHALL, as hon. secretary to the Ladies’ Committee; Messrs W. KISSOCK for special services in despatching parcels to the front; W. SHAW for special services in payment of relief; J.G. DODD, J.B. SMALLWOOD, W.G. BATES, for assistance rendered to the committee; the WINSFORD VOLUNTEER BANDMASTER for assistance rendered.
