Saturday July 26th, 1919
PEACE CELEBRATIONS
Peace celebrations commenced at Holme on Friday evening, when the committee held a dance in the National Schoolroom.  A large number attended, and dancing was indulged in by a happy gathering until two a.m.  The M.C.’s were Messrs. W. H. Thornton, George Holmes, E. Bainbridge, and J. Jackson, music was provided by Miss Fawcett.  The ladies of the committee had charge of the refreshment buffet.  The celebrations on Saturday began at 10-30, when a procession was formed at Farleton View, consisting of demobilised soldiers, members of the Parish Council, the school children, and the general public.  A large banner was carried in the procession, and the children carried flags of all descriptions.  At church a thanksgiving service was conducted by the vicar, the Rev. A. H. Cooper, the space being packed to overflowing.  The hymns, “O God our help in ages past”, and “Now thank we all our God”, were sung, and special psalms, Miss Burtholme presiding at the organ.  The special lessons were read by Mr. G. H. Elliott, the chairman of the Peace Celebrations Committee.  The National Anthem was sung at the close with much fervour.  Beautiful wreaths were laid at the base of the Memorial Cross, these being from the demobilised soldiers, “To our fallen comrades”, and from the Peace Committee and from private persons.  A large laurel wreath was also hung on the cross. The Communion Table was draped with the White Ensign.  In the afternoon the children of the village assembled at the National School and marched to the sports field, placed at the committee’s disposal by Mr. and Mrs. W. Swindlehurst.  A good number of people witnessed the sports arranged by the committee, which passed off without a hitch, and lasted from two to nine p.m.  Tea was provided on the field by the ladies for the children, and by the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Swindlehurst tables were arranged on the garden lawn for all the grown up people, the old folks and demobilised men and their wives being entertained first.  During the tea Mr. Elliott addressed the audience on behalf of the committee, and expressed the pleasure it had given them to have so many of the demobilised men and others still serving with the Forces present with them on that occasion.  It was a joyous recognition of the great victory, they had been the means of winning.  He was sure that those noble lads whose bodies lay in foreign soil, and who so willingly gave their all that they might live in freedom, would wish them to rejoice. “To you men I would just like to say that we British are known to be undemonstrative, that we are unlike many nations, and do not show our feelings, but deep down in our hearts there is that feeling of thankfulness to you all.  It is the intention of the Patriotic Committee at a future date to more fittingly welcome all of you back home to Holme.  That is when we can have more of your companions in arms with you.  Another matter will be the memorial to those dear lads who have fallen, and whose presence can no more be with us and whose voices are silent for ever.  No memorial can be erected worthy of such lads, who so willingly gave up life, and all that meant life, that those near and dear to them should never be under the conqueror’s chains.  Their true memorial should be in the lives of those who are left, yet it is fitting that a memorial should be erected that passers by may always remember the deeds of these men.”  At the close of the sports a free dance was held in the National School, and enjoyed by large numbers, both young and old.  A large crowd gathered in the centre of the village and forming a large ring sang patriotic songs and popular choruses, winding up with “Auld Lang Syne” and the National Anthem.  Cheers were heartily given for the soldiers and others, and a very jolly time was spent.  Large crowds then made their way to the best vantage points for witnessing the flares and fireworks, the sports field being a splendid position, 25 beacon lights being seen in different parts.  The local flares and fireworks were attended to on the highest point of Farleton Knott by local soldiers.  The sights witnessed will never be forgotten by anyone who took part in the day’s proceedings