Stockwell War Memorial

Friends of Stockwell War Memorial & Gardens

1919: Fund-raising evenings of music and film

by

Successful performances at the Stockwell Palladium © South London Press
Successful performances at the Stockwell Palladium © South London Press
The fund for the Stockwell Memorial appears to have stalled at around £1000. The Committee had already organised “working parties” to raise money in their neighbourhoods, but clearly needed to up the game. An evening of entertainment was held at the Stockwell Palladium Cinema on Tuesday 11 November 1919.

FOR THE STOCKWELL FUND.

Successful Performances at Local Cinema

Two very successful performances were given at the Stockwell Palladium on Tuesday in aid of the Stockwell Memorial Fund, and the Committee hope, as a result, to add about £100 to the fund. The management very kindly lent the handsome hall for the purpose, and Mr. Francis (the manager) did all he could to ensure the success of the performances. The orchestra, capably led by Mr. H. Martyn van Lennep, discoursed pleasing selections, and the pictures, which had been carefully selected, included a Mary Pickford film, and of course “Charlie Chaplin.” A number of talented artistes rendered items during the performances, those helping including Mr. H. G. Harrison with his aeola, Mrs. H. Martyn van Lennep, who contributed by special request, “The Bells of St Mary,” Miss Florence Potz, Miss Doris Pullman, Mr. Arthur Thomas, Mr. John Wise and Miss M. Stoddart. Between the performances the Brixton and Clapham Silver Band played musical selections.

During the interval Clr. Dr. R. Pearson gave a brief address, observing that the fund was one they could all help, whether they had suffered by the war or not. He instances the nobility of the services rendered by the men who had fallen, and appealed for help for the fund, stating that Mr. Samuel Bowller, 282, Clapham-rd., S.W.9, would be pleased to receive donations.

The memorial fund now stands at about £1,000, and the Committee have recently advertised for competitive designs for the memorial. One of the designs sent in is a fine model by Mr. E. K. MacKenzie. The Committee are hoping to secure one or more Royal Academicians to judge the designs, and to select three for final selection by the subscribers.