Guard of Honour line the route as Princess Victoria arrives
[Z1306/75/16/19]
Monday 10th April 1916: Her Highness Princess
Victoria Louise of Schleswig-Holstein has today visited Luton in order to perform
the opening ceremony for the “Hubbard Hut” provided by the town for the use of
the YMCA at Biscot Camp. The Princess reached the town at 1 p.m. and was taken
by Lady Wernher to Luton Hoo. By two o’clock the route from the southern end of
the town to the top of Biscot Hill was lined with people. On arriving at the camp
Her Highness was greeted by a fanfare from the trumpeters of the London R.F.A. She then passed between a guard of honour and
was received by the Mayor and Mayoress. Her Highness wore a heavy black fur
coat, with a small ermine wrap at the neck, and a simply cut black silk dress.
She had a large green hat trimmed with green ribbon and worn at a slant. Lady
Wernher wore a dress of rich mauve cloth with a silk corsage, a sealskin coat,
and a distinctive large mauve hat.
The Princess was conducted to the platform
within the hut and the National Anthem was sung, before a prayer of dedication was
said by the Vicar and a hymn sung. The Mayor gave a speech in which he welcomed
the Princess, and praised the efforts which had raised £1500 to provide huts for
the YMCA at Folkestone, a scheme successfully launched by a generous gift of £500
from Councillor and Mrs. Hubbard. The success of the fund-raising meant there
was enough money to provide another hut at Luton, and Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard’s
contribution had been used for this purpose and the total cost of £700 had been
raised within a week. A representative of the YMCA responded with his thanks
and an explanation of how the hut would be used, providing a place for soldiers
to deal with correspondence, to play billiards and other games, and to enjoy
concerts and other entertainments. The speeches were followed by a song from
Miss Mary Hilliard and Her Highness then declared the hut open, granting
permission for it to be known as the Princess Victoria Hut. A vote of thanks was
proposed by Lady Wernher and seconded by Colonel Griffiths. Councillor Hubbard
was persuaded to make closing remarks before proceedings concluded with another
song and a blessing.
Before the Princess left Luton she accepted an
invitation from the Mayor to visit the factory of Messrs Vyse, Sons and Company
in Bute Street. She was able inspect the modern premises and see all stages of
the hat manufacturing process. Her Highness chatted with the girls and expressed
herself delighted with everything she saw. She will soon receive the gift of a
hat in a design of her own choosing. Her Highness returned to London on the 5.30
p.m. express, which made a special stop at Chiltern Green for her benefit.
Source: Luton News, 13th
April 1916
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