THE STRATFORD DRUIDS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 97, 19 December 1912, Page 6

THE STRATFORD DRUIDS.

A special meeting of the local Druids last night was well attended by members, and the business commenced under the direction of Bro. Aagaard, A.D., at 7 p.m. The Secretary outlined the scheme which the medical committee has in hand—that of arriving at an agreement with the local medical practitioners under which any member of any friendly society may have the services of any doctor coming under the scheme for a fixed rate per quarter. The delegates gave an account of the several meetings held by the committee, and announced that all details had been arranged if the various parties concerned were satisfied.

Several questions were put to the delegates and satisfactorily answered, with the result that a motion confirming the action of the delegates and authorising them to complete negotiations on behalf of the Druids was carried nem. dis;

THE CHRISTMAS TREE,

A huge Christmas tree had been erected in the centre of the hall, and bedecked with toys of every size and sort, suitable for boys and girls. Over eighty children turned out, bringing their parents with them, and the “penny squeakers,” though not by any means musical, announced the light-heartedhess of the youngsters. Bro. Ladd was quite unrecognisable in his garb of Father Christmas, looking the real old Santa Claus, so dear to the hearts of all English folk. The distribution of toys was done on a systematic scale, each child on arrival being given a ticket with a number on it, a. toy on the tree had a corresponding number, Mr. Claus taking the toy off the tree and then locating the owner from the crowd of eagerfaced children.

The evening was enlivened by splendid music, Mr. Rogers’ orchestra being in attendance and rendering several well-appreciated selections.

Supper was provided at 10 o’clock, a bounteous supply being handed round. The combined company of young and old joined in Auld Lang Syne, the committee being delighted with the happy appearance of the children right up to the finish. And in that large assemblage of small children not a single “cry” was heard all the evening. The ladies assisted greatly in the conduct of the fete, and the thanks of the Druids are extended to them.