An outing arranged by Mr John Forrest and others of Lacey Green for the purpose of giving the poor outdoor relief in the Upper Hamlets of Lacey Green, Loosley Row & Speen, a treat on Whiteleaf Hill was held on Thursday of last week.
The proceedings commenced by the old folk gathering at the top of Lacey Green and a procession was formed, headed by the Speen Brass Band. Vehicles were in readiness lent by Messrs John Forrest (two wagons); R. Stevens (two conveyances), Harold Hickman (wagon), Hatt Brothers (cart), Saunders (cart) and J. Tyler (van). These enabled the old people to make the journey in comfort.
Whiteleaf was reached about 1.30pm. A cold lunch was in readiness, which was relished after the ride. After exploring the place and enjoying the scenery - in some cases for the ?rst time - an interesting interlude occurred in the arrival of Mr Forrest, the hand heralding his approach. Presents of tobacco and pipes to the old men, snuff to the old women and sweets to the children were then presented by Mr Forrest.
Another interesting item was the sports programme. This had been arranged by Mr Walker and heartily taken up by the old folk. The programme was as follows:
| Old Men's Race: | First prize 1 shilling 2nd prize 6d | George Rixon aged 66 years. Jonathan lanes aged 75. |
||
| ||||
| Old Women's Race: | First prize 1 shilling 2nd prize 6d | Jane Lane aged 66. Sarah Parslow aged 80. |
There were also races for widows, children and members of the Speen Band. Another Race was for the old men, last to get to the winning post to get ?rst prize was William Walker aged 74.
Tea was provided about 4.00pm between 60 and 70 people sitting down. After tea Mr John Forrest expressed his pleasure in meeting them and hoped that this would be the ?rst of many such gatherings, this being the first that had taken place in this neighbourhood. Their thanks were due to Mr William Walker who had arranged this outing so successfully. Mr Walker responded and proposed a vote of thanks to the subscribers.
Unfortunately, the rain which had been threatening for some time caused an abrupt termination to the proceedings, shelter having to be taken under the trees. The band gave a selection or two and the homeward journey was undertaken. lt is greatly to be regretted that this laudable endeavour to give the old people a pleasant change and treat was so interfered with by the inclement weather.
Article in 'The Bucks Herald 7 July 1906'