South Bucks Standard, Friday 23 August 1895
WORKMAN'S OUTING.
On Monday [19th] last the workmen with their wives and sweethearts, and a few friends, numbering 53 in all, among whom were the Mayor and Mayoress, and Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Plumridge, by the kind invitation of their employer, Mr. B. Goodearl, Desborough-road, took a trip to Virginia Water to celebrate the marriage of Mr. F. Goodearl with Miss E. Plumridge. At 7 a.m. a start was made for Eton in Weston's well appointed brakes, which was reached after an enjoyable morning's ride at ten o'clock. After a brisk visit to various places of interest all assembled at the "Crown and Cushion" to partake of a substantial and well served dinner. After dinner Mr. James Webb, in submitting the toast of "The Health and Prosperity of the Firm," referred, among other things, to the respect they had for the firm, and the good feeling that existed between them, also to the question of the severity of competition, and assured them that they were quite sure they had no desire to degrade their workmen to the level of the Germans, and that they would be glad to do all they could, as workmen, to promote the prosperity of the firm. The heartiness with which the toast was received showed how correctly the mover had expressed the feeling of all. In response Mr. B. Goodearl said this was one of those occasions when his heart was too full to express to them all he felt, but he could assure them he should do as he had in the past-all he could to enable them to carry comfort and enjoyment into their respective homes, as he often tried to imagine the condition of things consequent upon insufficient income. He hoped they would still go on to work harmoniously and to prosper together. "The Health of the Newly-Married Couple" was submitted by Mr. Thomas Rogers, with good wishes tor their future prosperity, and responded to in appropriate terms by Mr. Jonathan Plumridge. Mr. George Weston, in proposing "The Health of the Friends," expressed the pleasure it gave them to be honoured by their presence, and also after thirty years knowledge of them to find them men of stability, character, public spirit, and success. His Worship, in responding, expressed the pleasure it gave them to be there that day, and, with words of counsel, wished them all success and prosperity. Songs were given by L. Smith and L. Goodchild. An afternoon drive to Virginia Water and back well qualified every one for another onslaught with knife and fork upon a ham tea awaiting them. At the conclusion of which a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. B. Goodearl for so spontaneously and generously providing for their day's enjoyment. A start was made for home at seven o'clock, which was safely reached soon after ten, when the proceedings ended with three hearty cheers for the family, and the singing of "For he's a jolly good fellow."