16th December 1955 
Alarming Preview

A somewhat alarming preview of what would happen if commercial radio infiltrated into such regular programmes as ‘In Town Tonight’ was given to a large audience in the Parish Hall, Pontefract, on Monday by members of the 5th (St Giles) Troop of Boy Scouts who had organised a ‘gang show’ and social evening.

The event was something of a ‘command performance’, arranged after the success of an earlier one. The programmes fast humour bubbled forth unceasingly. The "In Town Tonight" sketch introduced fictitious ‘personalities’ of Pontefract, but was somewhat disjointed for interruptions by a ‘commercial’ announcer eager as a bloodhound and with a slick American voice.

Another laughable feature of the programme was a ‘mannequin’ parade, with some extraordinary ideas. The effort closed with an electric ‘campfire’ and the audience joined in with Scout songs and rounds. Refreshments were served by members of the committee. The Scouts plan to repeat the show to patients in the Pontefract General infirmary and the Headlands Hospital, Pontefract. during the Christmas period.