FIFTY YEARS OF A SHOWMAN'S LIFE 



As the war has progressed, the ranks of the 

 Society's governing body have been still further 

 depleted by the absence of others on active service. 

 Happily, none of these have yet been called upon 

 to make the great sacrifice. But there have 

 been many sad bereavements in the families of 

 those who have sat round the Council table ; 

 among the gallant souls who have laid down their 

 lives for the cause being heirs to ancient titles and 

 estates, the hope and pride of their race. Those 

 of the Council, being the majority, over military age 

 have lent efficient aid on Tribunals and in other 

 ways, each man being intent on " doing his bit." 



The recruiting sergeants were busy in the show 

 yard in all directions, for the Society offered 

 every facility for this. Those who were told off 

 for this duty were admitted free, and provision 

 was made in the yard for the medical examination 

 of likely candidates for military service. Many 

 placards appealed to all who could to join the 

 ranks of the King's Army, and the officers and 

 men engaged appeared to be well satisfied with 

 the results of their efforts. 



A sadder side of the picture was supplied 

 by the many wounded soldiers, who were to 

 be seen on crutches, or with arms in slings, or 

 heads in bandages. The hospitals in and about 

 Worcester in which they were being treated 

 petitioned the Society to grant a reduced charge 

 for their admission to the show. Needless to 

 say, the only possible answer was returned that 

 the Society would be glad to see them free of any 

 charge and to reserve seating accommodation for 

 them on the grand stand and elsewhere. Then 



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