The next difficulty was soon overcome through the generosity of Mr. Robert Taylor, of the Electric Cinema, who very kindly offered his hall for the event, and also the takings at the door for the benefit of the fund. The results on Monday evening exceeded all expectations. Long before the time of opening, crowds were waiting for admission, and very soon the hall was literally crowded, many in fact having to be turned away. The first portion of the evening's programme was a series of interesting pictures, all of which caused endless amusement. The events which took place after the turning on of the lights were, without a doubt the chief attraction, and these were all accompanied with load roars of laughter. Mr. A. E. Elsden was at his best in the occupation of chairman of the evening. In the opening remarks he said he was delighted to see so many people present, a fact which proved that they appreciated the work they were doing in the Flying Fund for the boys in the trenches. He wondered whatever they would say if they could drop in there that evening to see the great interest they were all taking in them. He was pleased to say that although they had spent a lot of time.

Mr George Peacock.

Which had also meant self-sacrifice, they had been amply repaid by the fact that their total collections had exceeded 16 stone in weight. (Cheers). He did not mean to say that they had been to busy for the boys in the trenches, and although they had done well in the sale of tickets - £44 2s. 9d., which he considered was a "knocker" and also with the cash taken that evening, he would tell them that there was something even greater in store for them, known only at present by two or three. Producing a huge armful of letters, the speaker said. These are the thanks of "Our Boys" for the cigarettes despatched from our hand, and your hand. (Cheers) Altogether they had despatched about 100.000 cigarettes. He was also glad to say that acknowledgements had been received from Tom Challis and Cecil Canham - prisoners of war in Germany, for the parcels of food recently despatched to them. Currie Clark could not get over, so he had sent his photo, which he thought looked excellent. They had also decided to apportion some of the proceeds of that event for a similar purpose. He had very great pleasure in tendering the thanks of his supporters to Mr. Taylor for the free use of his hall - (Cheers) - an offer which was most patriotic. He would also like to thank all the collectors and the Secretary, Mr. R. Banyard.
Mr. Geo. Peacock, the champion collector of Soham, was in his element, and said they hoped the war would be over in the present year, not because they were tired of collecting, "We've not done yet," he continued, "We have barley, oats, potatoes, onions, and a bicycle yet to sell for the benefit of our boys out there."
Mr. W. T. Wells, in an admirable speech, said he did not feel it to be right to pass by that evening without giving credit where credit was due, and honour where honour was due. He was there to propose a vote of thanks to Mr. Elsden and Mr. Peacock for the noble work they had been doing for the sake of the boys who were fighting our battles. Such efforts, he knew were appreciated, and helped them to do their duty far more efficiently.
Loud Cheers were then given for Mr. Elsden and Mr. Peacock.
The drawing for prizes then took place as follows. Two stone was given by Messrs. F. White and Fred. Leonard (ticket 345 drawn by Minnie Peacock), winner Mr. John Staples, Station road. Turkey given by Mr. John Fuller (ticket 374 drawn by A. Smith), winner Mr. Jos. Bridgeman, Hall street. Goose given by Mr. Warren White (ticket 464 drawn by Mary Taylor), winner Mrs. Kate Cook, Brook Dam. Pair fowls given by Mr. Joe White (ticket 368 drawn by Hilda Beaumont), winner Harry Elsden. Pair fowls given by Mr. Robert Martin (ticket 279 drawn by Charlie Bates), winner Mr. Wm. Turner. Pair fowls given by Mr. John Kent and Mr. John Wake (ticket 904 drawn by Miss Cissie Leonard), winner Mr. Lewis Jones. Pair fowls given by Mr. Wm. Fuller (ticket 175 drawn by Arthur West), winner Mr. Ben Cooper. Pair fowls given by Messrs Robt. Peacock and Geo. Clements (ticket 288 drawn by Percy Newman), winner Mr. Alfred Pollard. Pair fowls given by Mr. John Gilbey and Mr. Fred Stittle (ticket 216 drawn by William Leonard), winner Mr. Arthur Johnson. Pair fowls given by Messrs Sid King and Jos. Peacock (ticket 234 drawn by Bert Pollard), winner Mr. Bert Liles, Shade. Pair fowls given by Mr. A. Rust (ticket 119 drawn by Miss Eva Leonard), winner Mr. H. Steadman. Pair rabbits given by Messrs P. Gandy and G. Westgate (ticket 296 drawn by Mr. Wm. Baker), winner Mr. H. Simpkin. Pair rabbits given by Messrs Robt. Fuller and Sam Howe (ticket 301 drawn by Mr. Alfred Clark) winner Mr. Wm. Turner. Pair rabbits given by Messrs W. Pleasants and Henry Cater (ticket 92 drawn by Mr. William Elsden), winner Miss Lily Barber. Pair rabbits given by Mr. Wm. Isaacson (ticket 487 drawn by Mrs F. Gooding), winner Mr. Tom Beaumont. New Year's cake given by Mrs Wm. Leonard of Hall street (ticket 450 drawn by Mrs John Starling), winner Mr. Ernie Norman. Pork pie given by Mr. Jas Featherstone (ticket 52 drawn by Mr. Fred Pollard), winner Henry Smith.
During the evening Mr. John Kent contributed the song entitled "Our Jim" and Mr. Wm Elsden the song "Where are the lads of the village to-night ?" "Keep the home fires burning" was also sung in capital style as a duo by Messrs A. E. Elsden and Geo. Peacock. "Dear old Mother" was the title of Mr. Peacocks concluding song, after which the proceedings were brought to a close by the singing of the National Anthem.