13th March 1942
"Horace" Mystified a Pontefract audience

"Horace" talked for some thirty-seconds in Pontefract on Sunday, telling Daddy what he had for supper, and a crowded audience at the Alexandra Cinema was as mystified over the long recital as was Daddy himself. Turning for help, as usual, to another member of the family, Daddy received the laconic reply "Jelly".

Such was a typical interlude in the outstanding feature of a concert arranged by Miss Agnes Scott, of Pontefract, for the benefit of the Red Cross and St. John's Organisation. The feature was the appearance of the child mimic, Harry Helmsley, who with his imaginary family, has won popularity with thousands of wireless listeners. He brought all his family with him to Pontefract, and the interlude was only one of many which was equally amusing. 

But that was by no means the only popular item in the programme; laughter swept the cinema frequently in a long performance. Much of it was due to "The Barrack Quartette", composed of Private Rathmell, Sorsby, Lindley and Sykes, with the last named largely responsible as compere. Together and separately, they sang serious and humorous songs which were found very acceptable. In addition was ''Mike'', a comedy impressionist who was equally at home with "Mrs Buggins" and George Formby; there were Doreen and Maisie Summers, whose accordion performances are known of old to Pontefract audiences, and remain as welcome as ever; Doreen Atack, another performer familiar to Pontefract people for her prowess in whistling; Mrs Wilby, violinist; Sergeant Major Etall, vocalist; and last but not least, "The Tigers", the dance band of the York and Lancaster Regiment, under Mr. C.S. Evans. As well as giving its own selections, the band provided accompaniment for some of the artists,

As indicated, the programme was full and varied, and gave much enjoyment. The cinema was lent for the occasion by the directors, and the staff gave their services. During a brief interval, the Chairman of the Red Cross Committee for Pontefract, Councillor W. Ryder, commended the effort, thanked the artists for their services, and emphasised the continuing need of help for the work of the Red Cross Organisation. Every seat in the house was occupied and the effort produced the encouraging sum of £64-9s-6d, of which £60 will be allocated to the Red Cross Fund, and the remainder to the Mayor's fund at Pontefract.

1942 INDEX