Whist has been a popular card game since the 18th Century and is still played today.
Whist drives were organised around Oswestry throughout the war for entertainment and to raise funds. Mrs Ida Garnett Botfield (wife of Rev Garnett Botfield) from Pant organised a whist drive in March 1915. From the money collected socks, handkerchiefs and cakes were bought and sent to soldiers on the front line whilst the rest of the money, £6 16s 3d went to the Belgian Relief Fund.
A whist drive and dance was organised in December 1917 in the Trefonen Schoolroom in aid of Ardmillan Auxiliary Hospital. Prizes were provided by Mrs Campbell (wife of Capt. Campbell) of Broom Hall and other ladies of the town. A prize was awarded to Miss Gittins-Garth and her partner Corporal Lewis in the ‘Lucky Spot’ dance competition.
Whist drives were also held by serving soldiers. This image shows soldiers on the Weston Front involved in a whist drive.
Sources:
Oswestry advertizer archives online
IWM (image)