Harrogate Herald - 21st November 1917

Pioneer A C Beer writes :

I will introduce myself first. I am the eldest son of the Beers who lived in Parliament Terrace in the yard adjoining your works. My father was horseman to the late Thomas Thwaites a few years ago. My brother Andrew Beer belongs to that section of 6th Dragoons known as one of the seven of which you have written more than once in your paper. His photo has appeared on your page, also my youngest brother Willie Beer in the Life Guards, who was wounded recently in the arm and is about to get his discharge. I was a foreman employed by the Harrogate Corporation Highways Department under Mr Thorpe. I laid the tarmacadam along Montpelier Street if you remember, some little time ago. I joined that famous troop of Lord Derby's, and being just 40 years of age got dumped here right up against Billy Langley in Egypt. I saw that he has mentioned me in a letter to your paper, also another "towny" - Wilson - who was in the employ of Messrs Charles Walker & Son as a joiner, etc. I was very sorry to lose them. They have both moved further up from me, so now there is no one but myself to represent Sulphurland as far as I know. I am very sorry to see so many Harrogate lads who have lost their lives in this war, and I hope that before many more months it will come to an end, and let everybody get back to their homes. I see that your son, Lieutenant Lynn, had a brush with them in France, but had got all right again. I have just come across a man called Jack Smithson, in the MT section. He has written several letters to the local paper. He is in the best of health and looking very well indeed. Before joining up he drove a private car for Barker's, late of Barcroft House, Wetherby Lane. He wishes to be remembered to you and his friends. He has been out here for about two years.

PS - I think the Royal Spa Concert Room is the best suggestion as regards the Kursaal, as it was know 30 years ago.