Financial problems may have been looming as in Dec. 1908 –

“In order to give a helping hand to the funds of the Stowupland Swifts’ Football Club, Mr. W. Petley, of Stowupland, with a few friends is organising a variety entertainment to be given in the Stowupland Council schoolroom. on Tuesday evening next. Mr. Brame will be in the chair, and a prominent feature of the concert will be the performance of an amusing farce entitled: “Mixem’s Matrimonial Mart.” Several ladies and gentlemen will give their services in the musical programme. and it is hoped that the effort will be attended with all success.”

The report of the concert followed –

“With the idea of giving a helping hand to the funds of the Stowupland Swifts Football Club a concert which was thoroughly enjoyed by a comfortably filled school, held at the Stowupland school room on Tuesday. Responsibility to a large degree for the organisation of the effort went to Mr. J. W. Petley, who is to be congratulated on the achievement, and there is little doubt that after all the energy put forward he will have the satisfaction of seeing handed over to the Swifts an acceptable subscription. Thomas Brame, C.C. a genial chairman in a brief address, said that they all knew what the entertainment was for. Most of them were greatly interested in the Swifts Club. and it behoved the many to help the few. The proceeds would go to help the funds. Friends had willingly come forward to help them, and on behalf of the club he felt it his duty to thank them. Mr. Petley sought the opportunity of thanking those who had come forward to help him. He thought all wished success to the club, and many had taken tickets who found themselves unable to get away, while Mr. J. C. Gray had kindly come forward by giving the free use of the conveyance for the contributors to the programme. Quite the feature of the evening was the interpretation. admirably given of an amusing sketch. entitled. “Mixen’s Matrimonial Mart.” Its humourous situations caused endless laughter from start to finish. As the worried clerk. Mr. G. L. Robinson was an interesting centre piece, and the local company assisting him. consisting of Mrs. Cole, Mrs. Wilder. with Messrs. H. Barren. Brett and A. Wilden. each entered into the fun with ability. The musical programme was pleasing. Mrs. Bramhall, Miss W. Bramhall. and Mr. W. E. Tydaman, with an instrumental trio provided a fitting opening for those musically inclined, and each were individually heard to advantage during the evening on the piano. ‘cello and violin respectively. Songs were ably given by Miss K. Lillistone, also Mrs. Wilden and Mrs. Cole. Mr. G. Fisher recited, and with vocal efforts, Messrs. J. W. Petley and R. N. Russell con tributed. Mr. H. Barrett further introducing the comic element. The audience were appreciative, and the evening was a very pleasant one.”