Totley Rise Dots and Tots Concert Party
I am one of a group of retired NHS employees working to set up a comprehensive archive of items of historical interest relating to the former Sheffield Hospitals in accommodation set aside for that purpose at the Northern General Hospital.
Our extensive and varied collection of historic objects includes a number of brass and stainless steel bed plaques which were once affixed to the walls of wards at the former Royal Hospital and Royal Infirmary to commemorate the generosity of donors in giving funds for the endowment of beds. I have been conducting research into 'the story behind' many of the plaques, prior to display within our premises.
Recently, I came across a brass plaque, believed to emanate from Ward 10 at the Royal Infirmary, which simply says:
This Cot was Endowed by the "Dots and Tots" Concert Party from the Proceeds of Concerts Given Between the Years 1922 - 1929.
We think it possible that this may be the Totley Rise 'Dots and Tots' group of Pierrots briefly referred to in a news report contained in the Sheffield Evening Telegraph of 8th December, 1920. We note that the group comprised Miss Muriel Gummer, Miss Lorna Skill (a soprano referred to elsewhere in the Totley Parish Magazine) and Miss Muriel Dyson together with Messrs Gilbert Smith, F. Chambers and J. Kay, plus accompanist. Beyond that, we have no other information about the concert party.
David Baldwin
The article that David refers to is reproduced below.
Monday 8th December 1920 Sheffield Evening Telegraph (page 7)
Totley's Concert Troupe of Dots and Tots
A concert was given at Killamarsh, in aid of the Mission Room Fund, by the Totley Rise Dots and Tots troupe of pierrots. There was a large and appreciative audience, and a varied programme was excellently rendered. The artists were Miss Muriel Gummer, Miss Lorna Skill, Miss Muriel Dyson, and Messrs Gilbert Smith, F. Chambers, J. Kay, and Mr Hill as accompanist.The scenery was painted by the Rector, the Rev. J. S. Powell, and the refreshments were provided by Miss Powell.