8th
November 1940
Princess Royal Sees Pontefract Women's War Work
On
Friday, for the second time since the war began, the Princess Royal paid
a visit to Pontefract to inspect local war services.
The
first occasion was just over a year ago, when, as the Senior Commandant
of the Auxiliary Territorial Service, she inspected a local Company.
Friday’s visit was to the Women’s Voluntary Services, and the event
was a Red Letter day for the members under the Centre Leader, Mrs C.H.
Thompson, of Carleton. The Princess Royal wore the uniform of the
Service, and was accompanied by Miss Kenyon-Slaney, as lady in waiting.
The
Princess shook hands with everyone in the Centre and chatted for quite a
long time with Mrs Thompson. She showed keen interest in the
ramifications and records of work of the Centre and also spoke for a few
minutes with Mrs A.G. Cardwell, the demonstrator in the Auxiliary Nurse’s
Section for Dr. J.B. Young, who is in charge of the training. Her
questions revealed an intimate knowledge of the undertakings of the
Women’s Voluntary Service.
The
Pontefract Centre had provided, by the end of last month, no fewer than
7,838 articles for hospital supplies, 123 pullovers for prisoners of
war, and 4,704 comforts for troops, many of them made from scrap
material; and a display of articles was closely inspected by her Royal
Highness, who commented favourably upon them. She was particularly
interested in a collection of articles of clothing made by the members
for people in shelters.
The
soldier’s tea and rest room established in connection with the Centre
also received a visit, as did the administrative department and her
comment on the Centre was; "It is indeed splendid."
She
also saw the mobile canteen belonging to the Centre, which was drawn up
outside the headquarters.
News
of the visit spread quickly and by the time the Royal Visitor left by
car, a large and enthusiastic crowd had gathered outside the
headquarters.
1940 INDEX
