We wish all our members, friends, their families and loved ones all the very best for a happy and healthy 2023. And we send special Hogmanay greetings to our Scottish members and friends.
Continue reading “Happy New Year!”Tag: Entertainment
How the troops entertained themselves in Macedonia, 1917-1918.
It’s Panto time again … Oh! yes it is!
This year I have been to a pantomime for the first time in about 25 years. We bought tickets last year but Covid meant that we didn’t get to use them. This year’s offering was Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood by the Littleport Players. Not one of the more common productions – and not one I’ve come across in Salonika – but I do recall going to see it with my grandfather when I was a nipper. For many years he and I went to East Barnet Royal British Legion Hall to see the show put on by – I think – the Warren Players and Concert Party. You don’t hear of concert parties these days, so that makes me feel very old.
Continue reading “It’s Panto time again … Oh! yes it is!”On International Dance Day …
… these photos from the IWM’s incomparable online collections immediately sprang to mind to share with you:
Continue reading “On International Dance Day …”World Piano Day
I know what you’re thinking, “how can he possibly link ‘World Piano Day’ with the Salonika campaign?”, well …
Continue reading “World Piano Day”“It’s Panto time again” “Oh no it isn’t!”
For the first time in many years I am supposed to be going to a pantomime this Christmas but, as I write this on the 20th, it’s not looking especially hopeful for ‘Dick Whittington and His Cat’ at Norwich Theatre Royal. A pity as I was looking forward to it, particularly as ‘Dick Whittington’ was the first of the pantos put on for 28th Division by 85th Field Ambulance in 1915. The whole show was put together in just a fortnight, which was quite an achievement. However, 28th Division wasn’t the only BSF division to have multiple talented men in its ranks.
Continue reading ““It’s Panto time again” “Oh no it isn’t!””Grand International Charity Football Match, Boxing Day 1918
One of the amazing survivals from the collection of Herbert Price (ASC) – which has been donated to the Society – is this football programme from a ‘Grand International Charity Football Match’ played on Boxing Day, 1918.
Continue reading “Grand International Charity Football Match, Boxing Day 1918”Frohe Weinachten!
Remembering those from all nations who found themselves far from home and loved ones in those Macedonian Christmases from 1915 to 1919.
Continue reading “Frohe Weinachten!”Seasons greetings to all our members, friends and visitors!
The Society is very pleased to have been given a collection of photographs which belonged to Private John Gilchrist of 244 Mechanical Transport Company, Army Service Corps. In the year ahead we hope to scan these – along with other donated collections – so they can be made available to members. As a teaser, here is a seasonal photograph showing pigs and turkeys at an ASC camp in Salonika being fattened up for Christmas.
Continue reading “Seasons greetings to all our members, friends and visitors!”Holst Victorian House (the birthplace of Gustav Holst) now open
We are pleased to hear from our friends at the Holst Birthplace Museum in Cheltenham that the museum is open to visitors.
The museum has now been ‘rebranded’ as Holst Victorian House. The aim is to broaden the appeal to visitors, immersing them in the experience of stepping back in time and being among the residents of a Victorian home – all whilst retaining the attraction for those interested in Holst and his music. To find out more – and how to book your visit – take a look at the museum website.
Continue reading “Holst Victorian House (the birthplace of Gustav Holst) now open”Christmas in Salonika
SCS Chair, Alan Wakefield, has provided two contrasting accounts of Christmas 1915 from the BSF, showing the differences between being ‘up country’ and at the Base.
