Harrogate Herald - 9th May 1917

A R Hubbard writes : 

Having seen quite a lot of chaps getting jolly good things from Mr Breare and Harrogate people in general, I take the liberty of writing to ask if you could supply me with a stove suitable for boiling a drop of water for cocoa, tea, etc. We often get to places where we could use a stove, whereas we must, on no account, light a fire. You have no idea how nice a drink of tea is in the middle of the night, and how we look forward to one, but sorry to say often get disappointed. If we go out on a working party, sometimes the Army supply us with a drink, but it isn't a regular thing, so I am writing to you to help me to obtain this; then I can have a drink when I like. I am in the trenches (Sunday morning), sun shining and fairly arm. My word, how pleased we are to feel the warmth of the sun after the bitter cold weather we have had. I should like to ask if you would through the medium of your paper remember me to Fred Padgett, Frank Leggett, Jack Cooper and Alf Exelby, all "Monkeytown" [Oatlands] chaps. If this should catch the eye of anyone who has more toffee or sweets than they can eat, would they please send them along. We don't get much sweet stuff, and a few sweets are very enjoyable, so hope I shall be lucky. So keep smiling and thanking you in anticipation.

Harrogate Herald - 30th May 1917

Arthur R Hubbard says : 

I am just writing one or two lines to thank you so much for inserting my letter in the paper, also many thanks to the good ladies for sending me the articles I asked for (stove and sweets). The stove came in jolly handy. I soon put it to business. I received it on Saturday night, and on Sunday my pal and I were quite busy boiling eggs and making tea. Fortunately just now we are where we can get a few dainties. The sweets also were a treat and greatly appreciated by myself and pals. France, no doubt, is a beautiful place, but in my opinion doesn't come up to Harrogate. I always did fancy a trip across here, but not like this.