STEEP
TREAT TO LABOURERS, THEIR WIVES, AND CHILDREN.—On Easter Monday a first-rate entertainment was given by way of commemorating the marriage of the Prince and Princess of Wales, which circumstances prevented taking place at the time. A subscription was, however, set on foot by Thomas Twisden Hodges, Esq., of Ashford Lodge, the Rev. Mr. Floud, Mr. Moody, of Elm Cottage, and the farmers of the parish, and ample funds having been collected, the following gentlemen were chosen on the committee:—Messrs. Mellersh, R. Lake, Maxwell, Knight, Barnett, Padwick, Carter, C. Lake, with Mr. Chas. Chase and Mr. Moody acting superintendents. It was decided that the treat should comprise the true Old English fare of roast and boiled beef, with plum puddings, and two pints of ale for each man and one pint for each woman. Consequently, on Monday last, the appointed hour approached, the highways and byeways of this rural parish were enlivened by the white smock frocks of the men, with their wives and children dressed in their Sunday’s best, all wending their way with light hearts and quick steps to the booth erected on the recreation ground, surmounted by the Royal Standard and Union Jack fluttering in the breeze. From this delightful eminence on Steep Church Hill, on a fine summer day, the views of sylvan scenery, comprising hill and dale in Nature’s grand display, interspersed with cultivated land, are enchantingly beautiful, —and rendered sacred to the sons of toil, as the the spot whereon their forefathers of the hamlet celebrated their rustic games in days of yore. Here the well erected booth stood forth, well covered in with canvas, from its ridge to both sides, boarded up to six feet in height; being in width 40 feet, 120 in length. Evergreens were tastily affixed to its supports, and suspended from its centre throughout, intermixed with the Union Jack and a variety of banners. At the upper end was the Royal standard, and below upon a pink ground ‟God Save the Queen,” well executed in letters of fern leaves; and at the lower end, an orchestra was erected sufficient to contain ten performers, comprising Bridger’s Haslemere Band, with two additional amateurs. At half-past two, all being seated (numbering about 500 with the children) at the four lines of tables, well covered with prime roast and boiled beef, 25 farmers, as carvers, set to in business-like order, till their plates came to an anchor, in readiness for the tempting plum puddings, already in motion for their respective stations, and which, it is needless to say, soon became non est inventus, to the evident satisfaction of the recipients of the sweet finale of the repast. Upon the tables being cleared, the worthy Chairman (Mr. Hodges, who had kindly consented to preside) rose, and in language unmistakeably appropriate and easy, proposed ‟The Queen,” which was responded to with force and strength of lungs, clearly showing what farm labourers can do. The Chairman again rose and having briefly, but eloquently, proposed ‟Health and happiness to the Prince and Princess of Wales,” concluded ‟with three times three, or nine times nine if you like,” and led off the cheering to the full number of hearty hurrah’s. At this time the amiable spouse of the worthy chairman, and Miss Hodges, entered amid a hearty welcome and walked up the booth and took their seats, where also were seated the Misses Chase, of Broadbush, Mrs. W. Chase, of Petersfield, and others, —but the rain coming on thick and fast, prevented a further accumulation of the fair lookers-on. The well constructed booth was hereupon put to a severe test during a stiff gale of wind, proving, at least, comfortable quarters for the assembly, and bringing to mind Thomson’s characteristic lines for the season,
‟While Heaven descends
In universal bounty, shedding herbs,
And fruit, and flowers, on Nature's lap.”
And causing many a thankful exclamation from the honest cultivators of the soil. The health of the chairman was proposed by Mr. Maxwell, who took the opportunity of coupling with the toast the names of Lady Nott, and Miss Hodges, which the worthy chairman suitably responded to, and concluded by observing, ‟I shall not sit down in comfort without proposing the committee.” The Rev. Mr. Floud here coming in, the chairman, in complimentary terms, after thanking him for his liberality, proposed his health, which was welcomed with hearty cheers. The rev. gentleman returned thanks, and added ‟I am pleased to see you merry, and I hope you will bear in mind it is good ‘to be merry and wise’” At five o’clock about 200 boys and girls under the age of 15 years, partook of tea and plum cake in the school room close by, after which 500 oranges were distributed amongst them. We can only further add that, throughout the whole of the afternoon, the merry bells of the church sent forth their cheerful sounds, which, blending with the musical strains of the band, kept all upon the qui vive. The committee having kept their stations until eight p.m., the whole company standing and uncovered, sang the National Anthem, when a separation took place for ‟the old house at home,” all evidently gratified and thankful for the day’s entertainment, and it is pleasing to observe without a wry word having occurred. Nothing could have been better managed, every thing was well arranged and carried out, and great praise is due to the committee, particularly to Messrs. Chase, and Moody, as superintendents, for their active services throughout; 170lbs., of beef was cooked, at Ashford Lodge, the remainder at Messrs. Carter and Knight’s; the plum puddings at Messrs. Moody and Lake’s; and the bread at Mr. Barnett’s, Steep Mill; the ale &c. was supplied by Mr. J. Gould, of the ‟Cricketers Inn.”