Aim High
Title
Aim High
Description
On the left, a list of concert party engagements and the 3d programme for the Wings for Victory week which was seeking to raise £150,000 for squadrons of Spitfires and Albacores.
On the right there are three reports from the week's events confirming that the fundraising total had been exceeded with favourable reviews of the Royal Air Force concert party including Henry Howard.
On the right there are three reports from the week's events confirming that the fundraising total had been exceeded with favourable reviews of the Royal Air Force concert party including Henry Howard.
Date
1943-06
Temporal Coverage
Spatial Coverage
Language
Type
Format
One typed sheet, one printed programme and four newspaper cuttings on two album pages
Publisher
Rights
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Contributor
Identifier
SHowardHF1158144v10030, SHowardHF1158144v10031, SHowardHF1158144v10032
Transcription
9.6.43. “Wings for Victory.” – Cholesbury.
12.6.43. “Wings for Victory.” – Chesham.
14.6.43. 2 Wing Corporals‘ Club Party. (M.C. and Cabaret.)
16.6.43. School of Cookery Variety Show. (Compere)
20.6.43. “Wings for Victory.“ – Thame.
22.6.43. 4 Wing W.A.A.F. Corporals’ Party. (M.C.)
24.6.43. “Wings for Victory.“ – Chinnor.
30.6.43 Hospital. (Variety.)
[page break]
No. 296
CHESHAM AND DISTRICT
[picture]
WINGS FOR VICTORY WEEK
5th – 12th JUNE, 1943
Aim High –
– Man the Sky
Squadron of Spitfires £150,000 Squadron of Albacores
KEEP THIS PROGRAMME – It may bring you a prize (see page 5)
Issued by the Chesham “Wings for Victory” Week Committee
PROGRAMME – Price 3d.
[page break]
BELLINGDON
Target – £5,000
SATURDAY, 5th June.
3.0 p.m. Grand Fete at Huge Farm.
MONDAY, 7th June.
6.30 p.m. Mobile Post Office at “Chestnuts” and “Bull.”
TUESDAY 8th June.
8.0 p.m. Whist Drive.
WEDNESDAY 9th June.
8.0 p.m. Concert in Church Room.
ASHLEY GREEN
Target – £1,500
SATURDAY, 5th June.
2.30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Fete on the Green. Pony Rides, Side-shows, Teas under the chestnut tree. If wet, in the Institute (bar pony!).
TUESDAY, 8th June.
3.0 p.m. Baby Show in the Institute. Three Classes. Entrance 1/-. Prizes. Also Exhibition of antique Baby clothes. War-time Cooking Competition, no dish to cost more than 1/-.
3.0 p.m. to 5.0 p.m. Mobile Post Office on the Green.
7.0 p.m. onwards. Mobile Post Office on the Green.
SATURDAY, 12th June.
7.30 p.m. to 12 midnight. Dance in the Institute. A.T.C. Dance Band.
Tickets 1/6. Demonstration of lightning sketches.
CHARTRIDGE
Target – £2,000
SATURDAY, 5th June.
At Reading Room.
6 p.m. Children’s Display, followed by Dance.
SATURDAY, 12th June.
7.30 p.m. Dance.
6
[page break]
CHOLESBURY & HAWRIDGE
Target – £5,000
SATURDAY, 5th June.
3.0 p.m. Garden Fete at Botchmoor Farm, by courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. Kenworth.
MONDAY, 7th June.
8.0 p.m. At the Village Hall. Whist Drive.
TUESDAY, 8th June.
6.0 p.m. At the Village Hall. Children’s Performance
7.0 p.m. to 8.0 p.m. At the Village Hall. Cinema.
WEDNESDAY, 9th June.
2.30 p.m. On the Common. School Sports.
6.0 p.m. At the Village Hall. Concert.
THURSDAY, 10th June.
8.0 p.m. At the Village Hall. Whist Drive.
FRIDAY, 11th June.
8.0 p.m. At the Village Hall. Social.
SATURDAY, 12th June.
On the Common.
3.0 p.m. Sporting Events.
LEY HILL
Target – £1,500
SATURDAY, 5th June.
2.30 p.m. Grand Fete and Fun Fair, etc.
7.0 p.m. Whist Drive.
MONDAY, 7th June.
8.0 p.m. The Ley Hill Players present “Music Hall,” produced by Ann Graham.
TUESDAY, 8th June.
8.0 p.m. Whist Drive.
WEDNESDAY, 9th June.
6.0 p.m. Mobile Post Office at site.
8.0 p.m. Beetle Drive.
FRIDAY, 11th June.
6.0 p.m.. Mobile Post Office at site.
8.0 p.m. Grand Cinema Show.
SATURDAY, 12th June.
8.0 p.m. Dance.
ALL AT INSTITUTE, LEY HILL.
ST. LEONARDS & BUCKLAND COMMON
Target – £1,000
THURSDAY, 10th June.
8.0 p.m. Variety Concert at Village Hall.
7
[page break]
A LONG AND STEADY PULL DOES IT
CHESHAM AND DISTRICT BEAT THEIR “WINGS” TARGET
AN ALL ROUND EFFORT ENDS A BUSY AND PLEASANT WEEK
Of the three National Savings efforts, Chesham and District people will look back with most pleasure upon the third, the Wings for Victory Week. The greater pleasure will not only be because the target was handsomely exceeded and over £160,000 gathered in when the set target was £150,000. But also because of the enthusiasm shown; the general nature of the contributions, in which the small savers played a large part; and the week of happy events which kept the town and district alive. The thoughtful and complete arrangements made for business and pleasure by the Executive Committee reflects the highest credit upon them; the enthusiasm and generosity of the public reflects credit upon them. Due credit must also be given to the numerous organisations which gave unstinted help, a totality of effort which was needed to make this thing “go,” and included in this should be the various individuals and units of the R.A.F. which gave such valuable help. It is gratifying, in view of the help that the R.A.F. gave, that their Benevolent Fund will benefit by the sum of £500 or more. A happy issue out of all the efforts. Good!
[page break]
STOP PRESS
THREE THOUSAND OVER THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY THOUSAND:
From Mr. Leslie White:-
The final total is £163,688 8/10d., which includes a sum of £500 to be invested in the name of the Trustees of the R.A.F. Benevolent Fund. When all expenses have been paid it is anticipated that a further sum will be available for the Benevolent Fund.
Telegram from Lord Kindersley: To Chairman, Chesham Savings Committee: Heartiest congratulations on the result achieved in Wings for Victory Week. Please convey to the members of your committee and to all others associated with you in this great effort my warmest thanks and appreciation.
– Kindersley.
[page break]
A BIG CROWD AND FINE FUN.
The closing event of Wings Week will live in pleasant memory for the fun, the enthusiasm, and the generosity shown. Once more the Park was utilised, and in fine but coldish weather a huge crowd gathered inside and outside the enclosure. The enthusiasm was immense when Mr. F.G. Plummer announced that the target had been “smashed” – £160,000 instead of £150,000. The fun was fast and furious, and it was provided by an R.A.F. Concert Party from Halton, a merry lot of lads, with one lassie, who enabled people to spend a joyous ninety minutes with music, and story, and song, and sketch, and by-play, and patter. Full speed: quick turns: clever business: George Carter at the piano had little rest. Appropriate chorus, “Save Everybody Save.” Wallie Buckland [break] twice appeared with piano–accordion, and set the people singing. A funny sketch guyed “R.A.F. Efficiency,” and was a clever skit. An operatic tenor singer, Joe Gotleib, with a fine voice, sang such delightful things as: “On with the Motley,” “Because,” “You are my heart’s delight,” and “For you alone,” Harry Illingworth and “Crew” put on a very clever double ventriloquial act – he operated two figures effectively, and they sang and talked and acted. Wallie Okin and Henry Howard were an irrepressible pair with gags, stories, sketches, songs, patter, as a pair and singly: the Hyde Park “orator” and the street vendor (blood-oranges!) impersonations by Okin were funny and very skilfully arranged and put across. Diana Maile, the one lady in the company, sang delightfully, and her choice of songs was good: “Lover, come back to me,” “Cashmir Love Song,” “My Hero,” etc. “The Great Gabbo Act” was cleverly worked – the mind reader trick, where the blindfolded performer told what articles supplied by the audience were held up for inspection – it looked all very nice until at the end another man appeared from under the table, a place where he had acted as observer and communicated news to the blindfolded man. Jimmy Cumming as the parson was funny. Conrad Vince not only kept things alive as compere, but also sang well, “When the Sergeant Major’s on Parade.” George Carter, the capable pianist-accompanist, contributed a pianoforte solo.
The R.A.F. – rendered splendid all-round assistance during the week, and it was therefore very gratifying to hear the news put over by Mr. Plummer that a minimum of £500 would go to the R.A.F. Benevolent Fund as a result of the week’s efforts.
12.6.43. “Wings for Victory.” – Chesham.
14.6.43. 2 Wing Corporals‘ Club Party. (M.C. and Cabaret.)
16.6.43. School of Cookery Variety Show. (Compere)
20.6.43. “Wings for Victory.“ – Thame.
22.6.43. 4 Wing W.A.A.F. Corporals’ Party. (M.C.)
24.6.43. “Wings for Victory.“ – Chinnor.
30.6.43 Hospital. (Variety.)
[page break]
No. 296
CHESHAM AND DISTRICT
[picture]
WINGS FOR VICTORY WEEK
5th – 12th JUNE, 1943
Aim High –
– Man the Sky
Squadron of Spitfires £150,000 Squadron of Albacores
KEEP THIS PROGRAMME – It may bring you a prize (see page 5)
Issued by the Chesham “Wings for Victory” Week Committee
PROGRAMME – Price 3d.
[page break]
BELLINGDON
Target – £5,000
SATURDAY, 5th June.
3.0 p.m. Grand Fete at Huge Farm.
MONDAY, 7th June.
6.30 p.m. Mobile Post Office at “Chestnuts” and “Bull.”
TUESDAY 8th June.
8.0 p.m. Whist Drive.
WEDNESDAY 9th June.
8.0 p.m. Concert in Church Room.
ASHLEY GREEN
Target – £1,500
SATURDAY, 5th June.
2.30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Fete on the Green. Pony Rides, Side-shows, Teas under the chestnut tree. If wet, in the Institute (bar pony!).
TUESDAY, 8th June.
3.0 p.m. Baby Show in the Institute. Three Classes. Entrance 1/-. Prizes. Also Exhibition of antique Baby clothes. War-time Cooking Competition, no dish to cost more than 1/-.
3.0 p.m. to 5.0 p.m. Mobile Post Office on the Green.
7.0 p.m. onwards. Mobile Post Office on the Green.
SATURDAY, 12th June.
7.30 p.m. to 12 midnight. Dance in the Institute. A.T.C. Dance Band.
Tickets 1/6. Demonstration of lightning sketches.
CHARTRIDGE
Target – £2,000
SATURDAY, 5th June.
At Reading Room.
6 p.m. Children’s Display, followed by Dance.
SATURDAY, 12th June.
7.30 p.m. Dance.
6
[page break]
CHOLESBURY & HAWRIDGE
Target – £5,000
SATURDAY, 5th June.
3.0 p.m. Garden Fete at Botchmoor Farm, by courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. Kenworth.
MONDAY, 7th June.
8.0 p.m. At the Village Hall. Whist Drive.
TUESDAY, 8th June.
6.0 p.m. At the Village Hall. Children’s Performance
7.0 p.m. to 8.0 p.m. At the Village Hall. Cinema.
WEDNESDAY, 9th June.
2.30 p.m. On the Common. School Sports.
6.0 p.m. At the Village Hall. Concert.
THURSDAY, 10th June.
8.0 p.m. At the Village Hall. Whist Drive.
FRIDAY, 11th June.
8.0 p.m. At the Village Hall. Social.
SATURDAY, 12th June.
On the Common.
3.0 p.m. Sporting Events.
LEY HILL
Target – £1,500
SATURDAY, 5th June.
2.30 p.m. Grand Fete and Fun Fair, etc.
7.0 p.m. Whist Drive.
MONDAY, 7th June.
8.0 p.m. The Ley Hill Players present “Music Hall,” produced by Ann Graham.
TUESDAY, 8th June.
8.0 p.m. Whist Drive.
WEDNESDAY, 9th June.
6.0 p.m. Mobile Post Office at site.
8.0 p.m. Beetle Drive.
FRIDAY, 11th June.
6.0 p.m.. Mobile Post Office at site.
8.0 p.m. Grand Cinema Show.
SATURDAY, 12th June.
8.0 p.m. Dance.
ALL AT INSTITUTE, LEY HILL.
ST. LEONARDS & BUCKLAND COMMON
Target – £1,000
THURSDAY, 10th June.
8.0 p.m. Variety Concert at Village Hall.
7
[page break]
A LONG AND STEADY PULL DOES IT
CHESHAM AND DISTRICT BEAT THEIR “WINGS” TARGET
AN ALL ROUND EFFORT ENDS A BUSY AND PLEASANT WEEK
Of the three National Savings efforts, Chesham and District people will look back with most pleasure upon the third, the Wings for Victory Week. The greater pleasure will not only be because the target was handsomely exceeded and over £160,000 gathered in when the set target was £150,000. But also because of the enthusiasm shown; the general nature of the contributions, in which the small savers played a large part; and the week of happy events which kept the town and district alive. The thoughtful and complete arrangements made for business and pleasure by the Executive Committee reflects the highest credit upon them; the enthusiasm and generosity of the public reflects credit upon them. Due credit must also be given to the numerous organisations which gave unstinted help, a totality of effort which was needed to make this thing “go,” and included in this should be the various individuals and units of the R.A.F. which gave such valuable help. It is gratifying, in view of the help that the R.A.F. gave, that their Benevolent Fund will benefit by the sum of £500 or more. A happy issue out of all the efforts. Good!
[page break]
STOP PRESS
THREE THOUSAND OVER THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY THOUSAND:
From Mr. Leslie White:-
The final total is £163,688 8/10d., which includes a sum of £500 to be invested in the name of the Trustees of the R.A.F. Benevolent Fund. When all expenses have been paid it is anticipated that a further sum will be available for the Benevolent Fund.
Telegram from Lord Kindersley: To Chairman, Chesham Savings Committee: Heartiest congratulations on the result achieved in Wings for Victory Week. Please convey to the members of your committee and to all others associated with you in this great effort my warmest thanks and appreciation.
– Kindersley.
[page break]
A BIG CROWD AND FINE FUN.
The closing event of Wings Week will live in pleasant memory for the fun, the enthusiasm, and the generosity shown. Once more the Park was utilised, and in fine but coldish weather a huge crowd gathered inside and outside the enclosure. The enthusiasm was immense when Mr. F.G. Plummer announced that the target had been “smashed” – £160,000 instead of £150,000. The fun was fast and furious, and it was provided by an R.A.F. Concert Party from Halton, a merry lot of lads, with one lassie, who enabled people to spend a joyous ninety minutes with music, and story, and song, and sketch, and by-play, and patter. Full speed: quick turns: clever business: George Carter at the piano had little rest. Appropriate chorus, “Save Everybody Save.” Wallie Buckland [break] twice appeared with piano–accordion, and set the people singing. A funny sketch guyed “R.A.F. Efficiency,” and was a clever skit. An operatic tenor singer, Joe Gotleib, with a fine voice, sang such delightful things as: “On with the Motley,” “Because,” “You are my heart’s delight,” and “For you alone,” Harry Illingworth and “Crew” put on a very clever double ventriloquial act – he operated two figures effectively, and they sang and talked and acted. Wallie Okin and Henry Howard were an irrepressible pair with gags, stories, sketches, songs, patter, as a pair and singly: the Hyde Park “orator” and the street vendor (blood-oranges!) impersonations by Okin were funny and very skilfully arranged and put across. Diana Maile, the one lady in the company, sang delightfully, and her choice of songs was good: “Lover, come back to me,” “Cashmir Love Song,” “My Hero,” etc. “The Great Gabbo Act” was cleverly worked – the mind reader trick, where the blindfolded performer told what articles supplied by the audience were held up for inspection – it looked all very nice until at the end another man appeared from under the table, a place where he had acted as observer and communicated news to the blindfolded man. Jimmy Cumming as the parson was funny. Conrad Vince not only kept things alive as compere, but also sang well, “When the Sergeant Major’s on Parade.” George Carter, the capable pianist-accompanist, contributed a pianoforte solo.
The R.A.F. – rendered splendid all-round assistance during the week, and it was therefore very gratifying to hear the news put over by Mr. Plummer that a minimum of £500 would go to the R.A.F. Benevolent Fund as a result of the week’s efforts.
Collection
Citation
“Aim High,” IBCC Digital Archive, accessed December 7, 2025, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/collections/document/42903.