24th
January 1941
PONTEFRACT WAR APPEAL
HELPED BY SOLDIERS
The
Pontefract War Appeal, which provides comforts and necessities for local
people in the forces, will benefit very materially from a concert given
in the Alexandra Cinema, Pontefract, on Sunday by The Topics Concert
Party, of Cavan O'Connor, radio's ''Vagabond Lover''. Within four days
of the announcement of the concert, every seat that could be reserved
was reserved, and in spite of the bad conditions there was not a vacant
place when the concert opened. There was a tribute to the artistes as
well as the audience, and the audience was amply repaid.
Some
months have passed since ''The Topics'' gave their last concert before a
local audience. Since then they have entertained military units in a
very wide area and their work has been highly appreciated. As might be
expected, they have developed in the process, and on Sunday's
performance they are now a talented team. Mr. A.S. Dobson, the Rugby
League Football Referee, was instrumental in organising the team, which
comprises Mr. F. Hopkinson, (comedian), Mr. G.L. Barff, (baritone), Mrs.
Blanche Cavill, (soubrette), Miss Marjorie Dixon, (contralto), Miss.
Elaine Hewison, (dancer), and Beryl Goodhall, a young and versatile
vocalist. Welcome help was given to them on Sunday by Private Sorsby, of
Pontefract, a bass singer, and two colleagues, who almost ''stole the
thunder'' in comic ''turns''. The York and Lancaster Regimental Band,
under Bandmaster Mr. H. Ivimey, provided first-rate accompaniment and
also played for the community singing of old-time ballads. Mr. Cecil
Woods, who has orchestrated for national dance orchestras, accompanied
many of the numbers on the pianoforte.
The
programme, which filled two hours non-stop, was full of good things,
which won a hearty response from the audience. Cavan O'Connor sang five
songs ''I travel the road''; ''Trees'' ''When Irish eyes are smiling'';
''Rose of Tralee'' and of course his signature song, ''I’m only a
strolling vagabond." They were all well received. The cinema was
loaned for the concert by the management and the cinema staff gave their
services freely, so that the whole of the proceeds will go to swell the
Appeal Fund.
1941 INDEX
