Letters received at the Cunningham Camp after the First World War.
Published in The Camp Herald in 1920.
An old camper, Moss Side
I am writing to ask if you would kindly send me a parcel of 1920 Camp Heralds when published, as many of my friends would like to spend their vacation at your delightful Camp. I think I will write an essay about my holiday and send it to The Boy’s Friend, as there is a competition in it every week; and I think, if it is accepted, it will give many a lad a chance of spending a better holiday than they ever spent before.
Salford, 15th June, 1919
My chum and I wish to thank you for the pleasant time we had at your Camp. It is the first time, but it is not the last, for we will make a practice of coming every year if God spares us.
Bootle, 6th June, 1919:
I have spent ten holidays at your Camp – a week each year before the War. My last was in 1914, and I am looking forward to coming this Summer.
Egremont, Cheshire, 21st March 1919
Before the war I spent six successive holidays at the Camp and I can honestly say if I had gone a tour of the world I believe I could not have enjoyed myself better. When I was in my little dug-out in France, I always used to relate to my chums the great times I used to have at the Camp. I could see on their faces a look which said: “Wait till I’m free”.
Openshaw, January 1920
I never had a finer holiday in my life than the one I had at your Camp. My three tent chums, who before were strangers to me, have been my great pals ever since.
Huddersfield, June 1919
My pal and I are both eager to come again to the Camp this summer. It seems almost a lifetime since we parted from your splendid Camp (1914). We have often thought of you since then and the times we have had with you. So you will understand the pleasure we have in asking for Camp Heralds again, as many a time we thought we would never see you again.
Irlam, January 1920
Wish you and yours a prosperous New year. I was at your Camp last summer, and enjoyed myself A1. I am writing to ask whether you could send me some advertisements of the Camp. I work at _____ and could easily get permission to put a few bills on the Notice Board. I was so pleased with the Camp that I intend sending my boy and four of the neighbour’s sons this summer.
Letter from India received 24th February, 1920
In anticipation of a visit to England this coming summer, I should esteem it a favour if you would reserve for a friend and myself two accommodations, as commencing August 28th 1920, in that delightful home of Bohemianism … If I may introduce a personal note, it would be to say that the accommodation offered by most pleasure resorts I have seen east and west, the old Camp is facile princeps in every respect. Hoping for a favourable reply. I am etc.