The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1881-05-17 00:00:00

Hall TFOOTL LIM
HILTON FRIENDLY Sorm v.

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The members of the Hilton Friendly Society Are
generally fortunate in their selection •sf the second
Tues lay in May for their feast as regards the wumer
—the all-important feature in out-de r anointment..
On Tuesday the day opened with a told easterly
wind, but towards mid-day the sun shone out most
brilliantly, to the delight of the villagers, who look
upon this as a red-letter slay. As in previou, years,
the menkbers assembled at the Fox Inn, Hartfostlane,
at ten o'clock, to the number of about 120, and
preceded by banners, bearing the inscription, "Hilton
Friendly Society," and Blackmoor Vale Brass Band,
under Bandmaster Elkins, made their way to Hilton
Church for Divine Service. The Rev. J. Marsh,
rector of Hilton, was the prea:her, and he dwell at
some length in his sermon on the advantages to he-
derived from such societies AA these. After thy
service, the procession reformed and perambulated
the village of Hilton, calling at the residences of Mr.
King, Mr. Pitman, and the rector, returning to the
Fox Inn about two ss'clock, with a keen appetite for
the capital dinner which had been gat ready by Mr..
Davis. Alesut 100 sat down, under the presidency of
the Rev. J. Marsh, who was supported by Mr.
F. Woodhouse, :Mr. A. 'Woodhouse, and Mr.
Phelps. After full justice had been done to the good
things provide the cloth was removed and the usual
loyal toasts heartily drunk. Mr. Wondhouse, in pro.
jawing the health of the chairman, remarked on the
great interest the rev, gentleman took in the society,
and hie willingness to assist them in every po•sible
way. The Rev. J. Marsh, in reply, thanked them
for drinking his health, and said Ike never subscribed
as a hon. member to anything more heartily than he
did to this society, and only wished he could double
his eubcriptions, as he was convinced of the great
amount of good the club was doing in the parish. He
wished them success ansl hoped they would go ssn Ansi
prosper. Mr. Woodhouse next gave the health of
Mr. Richard Watt., a gentleman they had nut met
there before, but who be was pleased to see on the
present occasion, and referred to the interest his
brother had taken io the club. Mr. Watts respond-
ing, said this was the first time he had attended their
gathering, but he now SAW how I "Rah he had been in
not doing so before. As long as he could see the men
they employed enjoying themselves and doing them-
selves good by joining a society like this, he sheikh(
always support it. His brother had now reneoed to
another part of the country, and of course could not
attend as be ha I done. The Rev. J. Marsh gave the
health of two gentlemen he was 'sorry could not he
present to day, but who took a deep interest in the
club, Mr. G. Woodhouse, and Mr. Beckingham. They
were esteemed by everyone in the neighbourhood, anti
he was sure their minds would be with them to-day_
(The toast wise heartily drunk.) Mr. Wandhonee
thanked the company for drinking the health of
his brother. Business had taken him to Blandierd.
that day, or he would certainly hare been present.
He was glad the club had made such progradk
last year, as he Sa they had a balance of Cs more
than lam. year. His brother and himself would by
happy to help them in any way they could. Tles
health of the excellent secretary, %le. Ksrby, claw d
tee in door proceedings, ad the company repaired t,,
the field, when all kinds of amusements werecsf lesS
the mundabo ch ut, doing a wonrful trade. coned
called at several residences in the parish after if inner,
and played lively tunes. The secretary and mi.. ,r.
Thomas, with the rest of the stewards, war+ ed eerd
to make the affair a success, and we are a' their
efforts were rewarded. Dancing was kepi up until
darkness set in, when the company iseparet ed, after a
thorough good day's enjoyment. The t ~.atement of
accounts shows the society to be in a very fl”uri.hitrz
condition. 1:27 lls. has been paid ...kit in deaths, and
£99 14s. Ild, for sickness, after wtkicla there remains
a good balance.