On This Day in Wembury — 18 December 1894
The Western Morning News reported that the parish of Wembury enjoyed a lively evening of entertainment when the Board School hosted a Minstrel Concert, which drew a full house. The troupe featured Messrs. Rickard (interlocutor), Rosser, V. Prout, G. Prout, Waye (tambourine), and Hesse (bones), with instrumental and vocal turns throughout the night.
The programme opened with a band selection, followed by songs both comic and serious—highlights included Mr. Rosser’s “Jajah” and Mr. Rickard’s “True Till Death”, the latter showcasing his strong bass voice. George Prout performed a mandolin solo, while Mr. Waye gave a difficult whistling solo accompanied on banjo. A stump speech, “Politics Extraordinaire” by Mr. Percy, delighted the audience with topical humour about the forthcoming Parish Council elections.
Other highlights included a mandolin and banjo duet, the song “Off to Philadelphia” by Mr. Rickard, and a lively burlesque dance by the Sisters Forrestt. Mr. Waye’s comic song drew much laughter and an encore, and the short sketch “De Trouble Begins at Nine” provided a finale of amusement. The evening closed with Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem, with Miss M. E. Cullis providing excellent accompaniment throughout.
Reflection:
This concert gives a vivid picture of village life in the late 19th century—when Wembury’s Board School doubled as a cultural centre, and local performers entertained their neighbours with music, humour, and satire. The topical jokes about Parish Council elections show how national trends in local democracy were filtering into rural communities, while the mix of music and comic sketches reflects the enduring appetite for variety-style entertainment.
Source: Western Morning News, 18 December 1894.
