A Memorable Day
Next it was Aubrey Pinder's turn to present Mr. Matheson with a gift from the committee - a poem by Alan Cunningham entitled 'A Wet Sheet and a Flowing Sea', written in the first half of the 19th century. Aubrey had copied the poem in Olde English uncials on beautiful paper and his son-in-law had framed it. But first, Aubrey gave a very moving reading of it.
By this time Mr. Matheson seemed to be at a loss for words. There was no need for the usual expression of thanks as everybody understood he was simply overwhelmed. Happily, he had a little time to regain his composure whilst Daphne Smurthwaite presented Mrs Matheson with flowers on behalf of everyone in York Division. They had been most tastefully chosen and arranged by Mary Robinson, and as Daphne told Mrs Matheson were given as appreciation of the great deal of practical help she had given.
