GLYNDE - THE FRIENDLY SOCIETY

The annual feast of the Friendly Society was held here on Thursday, May 26th. The members of the society marched in procession to Glynde Church, headed by the Eastbourne Sax-horn Band. The service was read by the vicar, the Rev W de St Croix, and an excellent sermon was read by the Rev B Drury, curate of Firle. The dinner was prepared in a field near the station, and the catering of Mr Underwood, of the Trevor Arms, gave great satisfaction. The chair was taken, as usual, by the Rev W de St Croix, treasurer of the society, who was supported by the Rev B Drury, and Messrs H Hart, T Holmden, W Harvey, R Evans, E Watson, W Medhurst, T Colgate, and the medical officer of the society, Mr Hother. The toasts usual upon these occasions were duly proposed and honoured, Mr E Watson kindly officiating as toast master. We are not in a position to give a report of the speeches delivered, but we append a notice of the state of the society as it appeared to be from the statements made. The club was established in 1830, upon the ordinary 'sharing out' system and, as must inevitably be the case with clubs of that description, gradually deteriorated, and fell into difficulties. Happily, however, a movement was originated among the members some few years back, with a view to the establishment of a reserve fund, and this fund not only saved the life of the club, but placed it upon a foundation which bids fair to provide a long continuance. The members of the club now fully appreciate the value of a reserve, and as the committee are careful about the election of new members, the prospects of the club are most promising. The medial relief fund and the reserve are both separate from the ordinary sick relief fund, and the latter is well able to meet the usual demands for 'sick pay', while in case of any extraordinary demand for the relief of the sick the reserve fund is available, and this amounts now to about £70, and is annually augmented by the subscriptions of honorary members, of whom there are several.