Port Sunlight directly and indirectly associated

Port Sunlight was directly and indirectly associated with the great suspense, and subsequent sorrow, which thrilled this country and the world when the new and gigantic White Star Liner Titanic heir of all the ages of constructive science, foundered on her maiden voyage, with a loss of 1,503 lives out of a total number on board of 2,206.

The fate of Mrs. Leather, sister to our Mr. Leston Edwards and his family. Happily, tidings of Mrs. Leather’s safety eventually turned the sympathy on to the congratulatory side.

Mr. Fred Clarke of the Titanic’s band whose performances up to the last moment willl live in the history of the disaster, was for many years a familiar and popular ally of our Philharmonic Society at their special concerts. Villagers will easily recall his appearance at the Coronation Concert. Many who knew him had a melancholy satisfaction in attending a special benefit performance in aid of his mother and sisters which was held at the Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, in May.

Then amongst the public men, was one comparatively recent visitor to Port Sunlight, Mr. Christopher Head, formerly Mayor of Chelsea, who was here as recently as October last in conference with us on the subject of Town Planning, in which he was particularly interested.

A memorial service was held at Christ Church on Sunday evening, April 21st, conducted by the Rev. L. H. Mills, whose discourse was devoted to the subject of the Titanic disaster. Chopin’s March Funebre was rendered by the organist (Mr. Woodroofe) at the close of the service, the audience reverently upstanding.