Red Cross Charity Event – Chichester Observer – Wednesday, 17 November 1915

Selsey Cinema Hall. On Tuesday of last week, in conjunction with all other cinema halls throughout the country, the proceeds at the Selsey Cinema Hall were given to the Red Cross Society, and during the evening speeches were made on behalf of the Society by Sir Archibald Hamilton, Bart. (Lieut. Nat. Res. and Hon. R.O. for Selsey and District), and the Rector (the Rev. K.H. MacDermott). Sir Archibald, in addressing the audience said, "Ladies and gentlemen,—ln the midst of my sorrow the trumpet call of duty sounds and it is one’s duty to respond not on the principle of letting the dead bury their dead, bat rather that we owe so much to the living. The dead we trust are with the blessed saints in Paradise. I cannot refrain from one brief sincere allusion to my personal loss. It is not vain egoism or pride of race on my part when I allude to the fact that my great grandfather been alluded to as Sir Edward the Great, but my dear father will long be remembered Sir Edwaid the Good. He will not appeal to future ages or distant lands; he is his own monument, and is enshrined in hearts as perishable as his own. So much for my personal sorrow, and now I turn to all those who mourn in Selsey, some of them who by this ghastly war have literally lost their all. From the bottom of my heart I feel their sorrow is my sorrow, but all believe in the resurrection of the dead, and surely a sorrow’s crown of sorrow is not always remembering happier things. Now I have to call upon the Vicar to plead for the Red Cross Society, and in conclusion I take this opportunity of thanking my friend, Mr. Baron, for the splendid feeling that he has displayed in placing this hall at our disposal to-night, and not only to-night, but on all occasions he has proved himself patron of all that is good and helpful amongst us. I know you will not think it blasphemy on my part if in the words of that sweet hymn I exclaim. Ere we leave this; house. O Father, For our nation we would plead. Guard our soldiers and our sailors In their need." The Rev. K. H. MacDermott very cordially thanked the cinema management for devoting the money taken to so excellent a cause, vis., the providing of motor ambulances for use at the Front, and expressed how pleased he was to know that, small though it might be, the sum collected would go to assist in the vast work alleviating pain and suffering—surely the worthiest of all objects. Selsey is not yet devoid of visitors, as Miss Marian Terry (sister of the great actress) Miss Ellen Terry, and Mr. Fred Terry), with her niece, Mrs. Chaplin, were among those present.