Photo: David Copland

Photo: David Copland

Newcastle Journal 11/09/1916 reports:-

Ryton Welcome Home Association—A procession organised Saturday afternoon by the Ryton Welcome Home Association proved one of the most interesting which has taken place in the district, were allocated as follow:—Neatest boy, Willie Jude; neatest girl, Annie Thompson; neatest costume, J. M. Turnbull; most grotesque costume, J. Charlton; person creating most fun in procession, J. Laidler. Upwards of £11 was collected en rout. Sports were afterwards provided in a field granted by Mr J. Charlton. Music was rendered by the Emma Colliery Band. Fifty wounded soldiers were entertained from Armstrong College. A ball was held in the Parish Hall in the evening-.

Newcastle Journal 21/08/1917 reports:-

West Ryton Soldiers' and Sailors’ Welcome Home Association. —A concert arranged for the above association was held the Wesleyan Schoolroom, West Ryton. The ladies and gentlemen who contributed to delightful programme were Madam Winn, Miss Gill, and Messrs Raisbeck, Hardisty, and Hawkins. Mr Milton Simpson, presided. interesting item was the presentation of a D.C. Medal to Sergt. Major J. E. Philipson. N.F., "for devotion to duty bringing forward a. gun in advance after having been wounded in four places.” The medal was handed over by Robert Middleton, vice-chairman Ryton Urban District Council. A case cutlery was handed over by Mr Middleton on behalf of the Welcome Home Committee Sergt. Philipson, who suitably responded and expressed his thanks for the warm welcome given by his many friends while home for a few days.