Page 32 - Life in Langham 1914-1919

Parcels for the Troops

In 1914, Princess Mary, the daughter of King George, had a brass

box made for each soldier and sailor serving in the war. Each box

contained one ounce of tobacco, twenty cigarettes, a pipe, a

tinder lighter, a Christmas card and a photograph of the Princess.

Non-smokers received a

writing case containing a

pencil, paper and envelopes.

As supplies ran out, other

gifts were included.

These were combs, shaving

brushes, scissors or purses.

This set the trend and in

1915 Langham sent forty

parcels to the front.

To raise funds for ‘Soldiers Comforts’ (parcels) a whist drive was held in the

Institute and a house to house collection took place. Over £20 was raised.

Forty plum puddings were made by ladies at the house of Miss Hollingshead.

Each parcel contained a plum pudding, a cake, a pair of mittens, tobacco

and cigarettes.

Mrs. Dawson, of the Old Hall, arranged a concert to augment the funds.

Unfortunately, an incessant downpour prevented many from coming, but a goodly

company assembled. A novel competition was introduced where competitors had

to stand in turn on a barrel, balance themselves, and sing a verse or two of a song.

This caused great amusement, the failures, of course, being many. Mrs. Dawson

gave prizes for the successful ones. The Vicar at the close thanked Mrs. Dawson

for promoting the entertainment.
The Grantham Journal 4th & 11th December 1915

In July 1916 after money had been raised by holding
a whist drive and a jumble sale, ladies from

Langham and Barleythorpe obtained materials to

make garments for the soldiers.

They made thirty-five pairs of socks,

fifty flannel under vests, eight night shirts and

forty-six day shirts.