From the Suffolk Chronicle 4th June 1920
BENHALL
A successful whist drive, arranged to augment the funds of the Benhall Fete Committee was held at the school on Thursday evening, attended by 172 players.
The drive was organised by Mrs. Chambers and Mr. A.A. Knappett, and the inhabitants of both Benhall and Farnham made a ready response in providing prizes, refreshments and other ncessaries. The duties of M.C. were efficiently undertaken by Mr. A.A. Knappett.
Mrs. Hollond (Benhall Lodge) distributed the choice prizes to the following winners:
Ladies: 1. Miss M. Johnson (177), 2. Miss Fairs (176), 3. Miss Drew (174); Halftime: Miss Meadows, after cut with Miss Eley and Miss Reynolds (91); Consolation: Miss D. Edmunds
Gentlemen: 1. Mr. B. Boland (179), 2. Mr. Hanby (176), 3. Mr. W. Flatman (175) after cut with Mrs. Bloss; Halftime, Mr. A. Pallant (92); Consolation Mr. B. Watling (126).
A further source of revenue was provided by Mr. B. Edmunds who sold button holes which realised the sum of £2 5s.
As a result a goodly sum will accrue to the Benhall Fete Committee who propose holding a fete in Benhall Lodge Park during July, of which Mr. E.R. Hollond is president and hon. treasurer and Mr. Chambers and Mr. A.A. Knappett hon. secretaries.
At this whist drive Mr. Samuel Newson, the oldest inhabitant of the parish, was present, with three sons and two grandsons and he was one of the players.
Images of Fete held in July from Suffolk Chronicle
From the Suffolk Chronicle, 30th July 1920
BENHALL HOSPITAL FETE
“For the kindness, courtesy and consideration I received there, I would do anything for the Hospital” was the comment heard from one of the crowd of enthusiasts who was labouring in most energetic fashion for the fete being held in Benhall Lodge Park, in the interests of the East Suffolk and Ipswich Hospital.
There were many heavy showers on the day but the crowd refused to stay away. From Saxmundham and miles round that countryside they flocked to the wooded park.
Naturally sports were essential, and they were entered into by spectators and competititors with enthusiasm.
The usual ingenuity was observed so far as general amusements were concerned. Mr. Hollond had presented hidden gold. Heaps were after it.
The Rev. L.B. Delap and Mr. A. Barnes were in charge. Mr A.E. Pendle, D.C.M. to hoopla. The Misses H. Boast, M. Wisby and A. Hunter to the bran tub. Messrs T.N. and W. Saunders to the shooting gallery. Mr. W. Howell the Aunt Sally.
There were guessing competitions galore and one must not forget those worthy efforts of Mr. Bob Edmunds, with his buttonholes. During the last year of war this worthy made over £30 for the prisoners of war by selling buttonholes. Already on behalf of the Benhall Fete Hospital Fund he has raised over £40.
Half hour concerts were given in the mansion and splendidly attended.
Left searching for hidden gold! Above Benhall Lodge in 1920s.
