Penny readings (1865, 1868 and 1869)

Post date: Mar 20, 2013 4:16:10 PM

Extract from Maidstone Telegraph, 9th December 1865.

WATERINGBURY.—PENNY Readings.—

On Monday the first of a course of readings for the second season took in the National Schoolroom, which was filled to overflowing. The company consisted of nearly all the principal inhabitants, a great number of young men employed in the various establishments, and some of the labouring class, who listened with delight to the readings and music. Mr. C. J. Mercer read "Johnt Gilpin" with good taste followed by the " Wee Man", the Rev. W. Cobb, "Buy your own Cherries", Mr. Henry Allwork, " Victoria Cross," from the Indian mutiny ,• Mr. J. Lee, "Early rising," followed by a " Pig in a Poke." The musical portion, consisting of glees, &c., was very ably sustained by the vicar (the Rev. H. Stevens), the Misses Stevens, Miss Folkard, the Rev. W. Cobb, Mr. W. Jude, and Mrs. Maynard.The proceedings throughout were very instructive and amusing, and will continued every alternate Wednesday during the season. The Rev. H. Stevens presided on the occasion.

Extract from Maidstone Telegraph 11th April 1868.

WATERINGBURY.— Penny Readings.—

The tenth and last of these readings for the fourth season took place at the National School rooms on Tuesday, and the programme being an attractive one, the room was filled to excess. The readers on this occasion were Mr Pine and Dr Shulfham, of Maidstone, Mr. Cox and Mr Towner, of Wateringbury. The animated reading and happy subjects selected by the two former gentlemen afforded the greatest amusement. The musical arrangements were kindly undertaken by Mr. D. Pine, who delighted his hearers by his admirable performance on the violin. Miss Pine sang a solo and duet with much taste and sweetness. Mr Woollett, also of Maidstone, gave his valuable assistance, and was encored in the songs he charmingly rendered. At the close of the entertainment the best thanks of the audience were returned to both readers and vocalists by Mr J. B. Jude, who presided on the occasion.

Extract from Maidstone Telegraph 13th February 1869.

WATERINGBURY. Penny Readings.

—On Wednesday last there was a repetition of the entertainment of the preceding week, given at the request of many who had failed to gain admittance on the former occasion. The programme was as follows:—

Quadrille Duet ... ...................Mrs Fry and Miss Folkard.

Comic Song ...........................W. H. Allchin, Esq.

Solo ......................................Mrs Evans

Descriptive Introduction ............Mr Allwork.

Reading in Character: The Trial Scene from Pickwick:—

Justice Stareleigh .....................J. W. Fry, Esq.

Sergeant Buzfuz....................... W. Allchin, Esq.

Sergeant Snubbin...................... Capt. Evans.

Winkle.................................... Mr G. Boorman.

Sam Weller ..............................Mr Herbert Leney.

Chemist ...................................Mr Towner.

Usher....................................... Mr A. Allwork.

Richard Upwich...........................Mr Cripps.

Mrs Cluppins .............................H. Allwork.

Solo, Pianoforte .........................Mrs Fry

Comic Song ...............................Mr Boorman.

Fantasia Solo ... ........................Mrs Fry.

The success of the trial scene was mainly due to the kind exertions of W. Fry, Esq, in the preparatives. It was recited in character, and the parts were admirably sustained throughout The bustling activity, the fussiness, and the impudent self-confidence of Sergeant Buzfuz contrasted strikingly with the quiet respectability and professional dignity of the counsel for the defence; while the sternness and imperturbable gravity of the judge were perfectly carried out to the end. But it seems invidious to single out any where all deserved equal praise, and where each man seemed to fill exactly his proper place. The room was crowded both on this and the former evening, and the proceeds are devoted to the fund for the Mechanics' Institute.