20th February 1942
WARSHIP WEEK PROMISES CLOSE RACE 

By Wednesday afternoon, the total investment made in War Savings in the Pontefract Warship Week, reached £100,000. The aim is to raise £200,000 to "adopt" the submarine "Unique"; so that a close race is promised before the end of the week. The effort is to continue today and tomorrow.

The week was divided into "Days" devoted to representatives activities in the town, when leaders of the activities were invited to participate in the ceremonies, and when, it was hoped, the people specially interested in those activities would make their investments. A structure representing the bridge of a vessel, complete with lifebuoys, storm lamps, and even a ships bell, was built alongside the Buttercross, in the Market Place, and from it were made the daily announcements of the total reached, while simultaneously, an indicator was set. In the Buttercross, the band of the Depot of the York and Lancaster Regiment played selections on each day, and the announcements were heralded by a rally call by buglers of the Regiment.

As part of the attractions of the week also, a number of exhibitions were arranged, as well as a painting competition for children. In the Municipal Offices, "The Yorkshire Observer " made an attractive display of many photographs of naval activities, showing very effectively much of what war means on the high seas; and combined with it was a pleasing collection of models of ships of all kinds from the days of galleons onwards. Another informative exhibition at the same centre was arranged by the L.M.S. and L.N.E. Railways, and consisted of showing photographs of the war-time work of the railways, many of which showed vividly the damage caused by enemy aircraft, and the steps taken to remedy it. A third exhibition, for which the showrooms of South Yorkshire Motors, Ltd, Corn Market, was lent, was a model was of the "Ark Royal" loaned by Mr. F.W. Maynard, of Congleton.

1942 INDEX