An American Tea

From Woman’s Weekly, July 27th 1918.

AN AMERICAN TEA.

How We Raised Fifty Pounds for Our War Hospital Supply Depot with an Expenditure of One Pound!

Do you know what an American Tea is? Have you ever heard of a bazaar to which the visitors brought the goods for sale and then proceeded to buy the things back themselves?  It sounds a bright idea, doesn't it?—worthy of our American cousins.  Let me proceed to give you a full description of the whole affair.
Our Hospital Supply Depot was badly in need of funds with which to purchase more material, and as all the workers are busy people, devoting their leisure to making shirts, bandages, etc., for the wounded, they have no time to make bazaar articles nor to get up amateur theatricals in order to obtain money.  An American Tea has the advantage of requiring practically no preparation beforehand; all that is necessary is a supply of tickets and a few posters explaining matters.  The depot naturally has many friends and well-wishers.  One of those lent us a. hail for the tea free of charge; several ladies undertook to provide a simple tea, and all the workers at the depot promised to sell tickets.

THE MYSTERY PARCELS. 
TICKETS of admission cost sixpence each, and entitled the holder to tea and a seat at the concert.  They bore printed instructions which told the purchasers exactly what was required of them, namely, that each visitor was expected to bring a parcel to the hall containing some article worth one shilling.  This was to be given up on entering the hall, and on leaving each visitor was expected to pay a shilling for a parcel!  None of the parcels was opened, and you could choose whatever took your fancy, either a small or large one, from the pile.  Everyone entered into the fun of the thing, and on the day we had a crowd waiting outside the bail, each person armed with a parcel and the admission ticket.  As the people entered they gave up their parcels, which were placed on long tables at one side of the hall.  They were given tea, and then listened to the concert, provided by friends of the depot, and afterwards they went in for various guessing competitions, which brought in a lot of money, as you shall hear.

GUESSING THE TIME. 
ONE friend had presented a gold wrist-watch, which had been wound up and allowed to run down.  People were invited to guess the time shown on the watch, the person most correct getting the watch.  An entrance-fee of sixpence was charged, and we received in sixpences considerably more than the watch cost.
At another table we bad a large glass bottle full of haricot beans, and for threepence one was allowed to guess the number of beans, the prize being the bottle of beans and a book of recipes for cooking them.

THE "WHITE ELEPHANT" STALL. 
ANOTHER attraction was a "White Elephant" stall, for which we received many contributions.  As can be imagined, there was a most motley collection of things on it for sale.  One collector of "Goss" china had sent some specimens from her collection; servantless people had sent ornaments from their drawing-rooms; war-workers sent their sunshades and tennis-balls, which they no longer had time to use; one or two fans came from girls who had given up dances, and one lady sent a frying-basket, which was evidently her "White Elephant" in these days of restricted fat.  It found a purchaser, however—presumably someone who meant to keep until happier days came.
An hour after the opening of the hail we commenced to distribute the parcels to people as they left the hall, and you can imagine the excitement and amusement as the packets were undone.  In some cases the articles proved a little unsuitable to the recipients, as when a young man came upon a box of face-powder, or an elderly lady got a cigarette-holder; but some exchanges were made there and then, and in other cases the owners announced their intention of passing on their "prizes" to their children or friends.  Needless to say, all the parcels were well worth a shilling, and in some cases considerably more.

You can imagine the excitement and amusement
as the packets were undone.

The result was that we got £12 10s. from the sale of 500 tickets of admission at 6d. each, £25 for 500 parcels sold, £8 10s. for the wrist-watch, £1 10s. for the bottle of haricot beans, and £3 10s. from the "White Elephant" stall; total, £51; and the tickets and posters announcing the sale cost £1, so that our net profit was £50.  Imagine how long it would have taken to organise a small bazaar in order to produce this result!

[According to the Bank of England's inflation calculator, £50 in 1918 is the equivalent of £2700 now.]

A Soldiers' and Sailors' Comforts Fund

From the Huddersfield Daily Examiner, July 15th 1918. 

COMFORTS FOR SOLDIERS AND SAILORS.

PROCESSION AND GALA AT BIRCHENCLIFFE.

A procession and gala, the proceeds of which are to go to the Birchencliffe Soldiers' and Sailors' Comforts Fund, was held at Birchencliffe on Saturday.  Fortunately, the inclement weather which prevailed on Friday cleared altogether away for Saturday, and a large number of people patronised the effort.  Birchencliffe was profusely decorated with flags and bunting.

Marshalled by Councillor Barnes, a procession, in which fancy dress wearers, a waggon decorated as a car on which rode Britannia and her attendants, and the Lindley Jiggerum-Juggerum Band took leading parts, went through the village to a field adjoining Lower Yew Tree Road, lent by Mr. E. Calverley, where the gala was held  Judging by Mr. A. Collins, ventriloquial items by Professor Land, a maypole dance by Birchencliffe children (trained by Miss Jagger), and children's races formed the bulk of the afternoon attractions.  In the evening the Delights Concert Party gave items, and Professor Land's Punch and Judy attracted the usual large audiences.  Selections were played by the Elland Silver Band, and dancing proceeded until dusk.  Games, houpla, etc., were included in the side shows.  A pillow fight proved an exciting spectacle.

A Flower Fair and Dirty Milk

From the Illustrated London News, 15th June 1918.

LADIES' PAGE.

A FLOWER FAIR in Trafalgar Square sounds rather like a pantomime dream, but it is to be a reality from June 20 to 26 inclusive.  The British Ambulance Committee, which is entirely British, founded by Mr. Bradley Peyman, has equipped and maintained since that fateful August in 1914, 120 ambulances, constantly employed in carrying French wounded from danger to safety.  Shell-wrecked ambulances must be replaced, and the wear-and-tear of nearly four years made good: and the task is not a small one, so we have the Flower Fair in the Rose month.  Sir H. Veitch, who is responsible for the general direction and arrangement of the floral effects, has evolved the charming idea of erecting little creeper-clad houses to shelter the stalls and their well-known saleswomen.  Gifts of flowers, vegetables, or fruit are begged, and should be sent to Miss Astley, 23A. Bruton Street, London,W.  It is certain that the show will rival some of the best rose exhibitions ever seen.  Amongst those opening it on successive days are Mrs. Lloyd George, the Duke of Portland, Lord Charles Beresford, the Countess of Selkirk, and the Marquise de Chasseloup-Loubat. Famous military bands will perform in the Square.  On Naval Day, June 21, Lady Keyes and the wives of other well-known naval men attend to sell.  On Saturday, the 22nd, prominent Labour representatives intend visiting the Square.  There is no charge for admission.  The British Ambulance Committee beg the British public to make this Flower Fair a huge success; they would have us remember that each flower we buy will help some dying or wounded poilu to safety and rest.


An alarming report has been issued on the dirty and unwholesome state in which a great deal of the milk consumed reaches the public.  Even in the soldiers' hospitals—nay, even at Infants' Welfare Centres—milk was found full of unwholesome bacteria, actual germs of disease, and particles of dirt!  The report adds the information that such contaminated milk is largely prevented from being sold by State supervision in the United States, and that wherever such precautions have been taken a very marked result in diminishing infant mortality has been obtained.  We have a right to claim similar attention from our authorities in a matter where we are unable to protect ourselves.  Milk is the only—that is, the sole—food suitable for infants up to a certain age, six months at least, and a very important, even essential, part of the diet of older ones; and if it is brought to us in the dirty, unwholesome condition described (which is not necessarily perceptible to our own senses in look, smell, or taste) we have no chance of keeping the precious little ones in health.  Why is not that done for us by our public authorities that is done by the American Government in securing clean milk from healthy animals?

Milk contains every element of nourishment; it is not a drink, but a real food, supplying fat, sugar, proteids, and mineral matter in proportions approaching those required by the body.  It ought to be known by all house-wives that skim-milk, when it can be obtained, affords almost as much nourishment as fresh unskimmed milk.  It does not do as food for a young baby, who takes no other sort of food but milk, and so needs it whole; but for older children, as nothing is taken in the skimming but the fat—which they get in other ways—skim-milk is excellent food.  It makes sweetened cereal puddings, of course, but it will also turn into excellent soups, either as it is or half water, thickened either with a little flour, or with oatmeal, sago, tapioca, maize-meal, or rice, seasoned, and flavoured with onion, tomato, potatoes, cabbage, fish, or cheese, according to what we can get at different times.  Salt ought not to be put into a milk soup till it has boiled, or it curdles. A beaten egg is a splendid addition.

Red Cross Sale

From The Times,  November 29th 1917.

BUSY RED CROSS WORKERS.

BIRTHDAY SALE OPENED BY THE PRINCESS ROYAL.

The Princess Royal, with whom were Princess Maud and Lady Gosford, president of the work rooms, opened yesterday afternoon the birthday sale of the Headquarters central work rooms of the British Red Cross Society and the Order of St. John, at the Royal Academy.  The Princess was received by the Dowager Countess of Jersey, Lady Bland-Sutton, Lady Jekyll, Sir Arthur Stanley, and Mrs. Philip Turner (hon. matron), and a little girl, Doreen Gow, dressed as a Red Cross nurse, presented a bouquet of red roses.  The workers in their blue overalls had a holiday, and were either buying or selling at the stalls.  The Princess bought at nearly every stall, and chose a Cardigan made on a machine by one of the workers who knits socks on the same machine at the rate of half-a-dozen pairs a morning.  She also bought from Mrs. H. G. Wells, one of the workers at Burlington House, copies of "The Soul of a Bishop" and “Mr. Britling Sees it Through,” signed by the author.

The produce stall, which contained butter and eggs, home-made cakes and fruit, was cleared out before 1 o'clock and had to be re-stocked.  Many friends and workers of the Red Cross came in to buy during the afternoon, among them the Duchess of Rutland, Lady Acheson, Lady Mary Ward, and Lady Constance Butler.

Since the opening of the work rooms on October 22, 1915, the members have made 83,830 garments, 5,210 knitted articles, 235,000 bandages, 177,200 surgical dressings, and as patterns (in correct hospital materials) for work parties, home workers, &c, 2,030 garments and 4,050 bandages.  The home workers registered with the work rooms have, in the same time, supplied 191,314 garments and 169,882 surgical and hospital requisites, making a grand total of 868,516 articles sent to the Red Cross Stores Department.  This total is exclusive of the supplies sent in by registered working parties, which exceed 10 million articles.  The demands from the hospitals are so great that more workers are wanted, and those ready to help should apply to the secretary, Miss L. C. Smythe, at the Royal Academy.

American Tea in Huddersfield

From the Huddersfield Daily Examiner, 12th April 1916. 

MONSTER AMERICAN TEA.

The American Tea organised by the Huddersfield and District Women's Committee for Soldiers and Sailors, of which the Mayoress (Mrs. Blamires) is the president, held in the Town Hall on Tuesday afternoon, was the largest and most successful of these popular gatherings yet held in the Huddersfield district.  Well over a thousand persons were present and paid for tickets, and in addition donations amounting to about £30 were received.  The balcony and area were quite full.  The proceeds were in aid of the committee’s fund, and it is expected that a good balance will be handed over.  In accordance with the custom at these gatherings each person was requested to bring one article of not less value than 1s., and to buy one article, and brisk business was done at the stalls, at which fruit, flowers, groceries, cakes, and miscellaneous goods were sold.

While the ladies got on with their knitting three hours of good entertainment were enjoyed.  Mrs. Hull's Ladies' Orchestra played an excellent programme of selections.  Private Arthur played two items on the concertina, and had a very enthusiastic reception.  Sergeant Munday and Mr. Ernest Cooper played the accompaniments.  Children's dances were given by Miss Richardson's pupils.  The solo dances were taken by Misses Winnie Sizer, Mollie Richardson, Betty Haigh, and Molly Haigh. An excellent tea was provided.

[I guess that it was an  'American Tea' because of the bring-and-buy element.  The name 'American tea' seems to have disappeared long since, though bring-and-buy sales are still held, and used to be popular fund-raising events, I think - much classier than a jumble sale.] 

Fund-raising Bazaar at Cupar

From the Dundee Evening Telegraph, 28th January 1916.

BAZAAR AND CARNIVAL AT CUPAR.

A two-days’ bazaar and carnival under the auspices of the Cupar and District Voluntary Workers’ Association was opened at the Castlehill School, Cupar, to-day by Mrs Anstruther Gray of Kilmany.

Mrs Lumsden, Tarvit, the convener of the Executive Committee, is a thoroughly up-to-date, go-ahead organiser, and it is in large measure due to her untiring energy that so much interest has been aroused in the event. The appeal for funds and gifts has been phenomenal, and visitors to the fair found a huge array of all sorts of articles, including a dark oak corner cupboard that once reposed in the house of the famous Rev. Dr Chalmers at Anstruther; a “Treacle” Bible of the year 1527; “Maunday money,” coins, &c. The stalls, arranged in the various school-rooms number eight, and there are many side shows.

The opening ceremony took place from an especially prepared platform in the centre of the school playground.  Unfortunately rain fell during the proceedings. ....

The Purpose of the Scheme.

Mrs Anstruther Gray...was very glad to have an opportunity of saying a word or two about the Voluntary Workers’ Association.  That scheme, which was organised by Sir Edward Ward, was to prevent overlapping of voluntary work.  The idea was to divide the country into county districts, each district having its centre of supply to the different districts round about for material and the regulation patterns for making comforts that were required.  These articles were then collected and sent into the central districts, where they were sorted and classified, and sent either to headquarters or to regiments which most needed them.  That, however, did not interfere with any organisation which already existed for supplying units from sending in any surplus articles that they might have to the central organisation.

Perhaps one of the things that the war had taught all of them was to look upon the British Empire as a whole and as their ain country, and to realise that they must work for the whole of it and not for one part.  Sir Edward Ward's scheme was on the same principle.  There were twenty-seven parishes in the Cupar district being supplied with materials and work, and there were 1500 or 1600 voluntary workers already.  They had already sent a great many things to the front.  There were always plenty of willing hands, but money must be made to get the material that was required.  She understood £600 had already been spent, two-thirds of that locally.  All of that money had not yet been found.  The subscriptions up to the present time amounted to about £400, and it was hoped by that two days' bazaar and the free gift sale to-morrow they would make at least one or two thousand pounds.  They owed a deep debt of gratitude to Provost Stark and Mrs Lumsden, Tarvit, and the committee for their splendid organising of the sale, and she trusted their labours would be crowned with success. (Applause.)

The Dardanelles Fund for Comforts

From the Glasgow Herald, 19th October 1915.

THE DARDANELLES FUND.

LADY HAMILTON'S APPEAL.

An appeal to the public for further contributions and gifts to enable the supply of comforts to our troops in Gallipoli to be continued is made by Lady Ian Hamilton and the committee of  Lady Hamilton's Dardanelles Fund.  Of the value of the work done by the fund there are many thousands of testimonials from all grades of the Army –fighting and non-combatant.  No weightier tribute could have been forthcoming than that of the Commander-in-Chief himself.  In a cablegram just received by Lady Hamilton Sir Ian Hamilton says:-- “It would have done the hearts of your subscribers good to see the delight of the troops at receiving their generous gifts.”

The work of despatching the gifts to the front is now discharged on behalf of Lady Hamilton's Fund by Queen Alexandra’s Field Force Fund, whose premises at 24a, Hill Street, Knightsbridge, might easily be taken by the uninitiated to be the interior of a huge West-End stores-- except of course for the absence of shoppers.  Quantities of everything needed by the man on active service are stacked in orderly array around the walls.  Bands of voluntary workers line long tables, packing with deft, busy fingers the handkerchiefs, matches, pipes, soap, socks, stationery, chocolate, helmets, mittens, sweaters, mufflers, and condiments which compose the parcels in proportions that vary with the requisition of the officers commanding the units at the front.  The enthusiastic worker and the generous donor of money are alike happy in the knowledge that goods sent through the agency of the fund reach the men at the front.  Numerous complaints have been received of the non-arrival of packages despatched by the ordinary parcels post, but so far the good things forwarded by Lady Hamilton’s workers have found their way with unerring accuracy into the hands of the men for whom they are intended.  In many cases acknowledgments follow, if not from the men, then from the officers, and they are alike strong in their expressions of gratitude and appreciation.

THE GRATITUDE OF THE MEN.

One officer commanding writes as follows:-- “The excellence of choice has shown deep thought on your part, and nothing could have been more acceptable.  My men last night with their parcels were like children at Christmas, and if you could have seen their faces and heard the exclamations you would have all felt well repaid for the arduous work which you have so cheerfully and willingly undertaken.”  In a letter from a base depot an Army chaplain writes:— “Last week I had one of the greatest treats of my life, and I only wish I could write a full report to show you and your committee how grateful we are for your gifts and what a service you are performing to our dear lads.  God bless you all for it -- that is not only my prayer but the prayer of hundreds of our men who are giving their best.”  The urgency of the new appeal for funds will be apparent when it is realised that only 50 per cent. of the articles needed at the front can be forwarded owing to the present lack of funds.

Charitable Appeals Galore

From the Evening Despatch (Birmingham), 12th October 2015.

COMFORTS FOR SOLDIERS.

New Scheme to Prevent Overlapping.

Much satisfaction is expressed in voluntary circles at the co-ordination which is now to take place under Sir Edward Ward of the organisations throughout the country engaged in providing comforts for soldiers. 

One point that is not clear from the official statement, published yesterday, is whether the new scheme is the beginning of a wider plan to embrace all voluntary effort in connection with the war.  Apart from the suggestion made in the comprehensive title conferred on Sir Edward, there is no indication in the Army Council memorandum that anything but comforts are to be dealt with, and comforts for sailors are not mentioned. 

DUPLICATED EFFORTS.

Discussing the wider subject of war relief agencies with a "Despatch" representative, Mr. W. N. Hartley, who has had twenty years' experience of voluntary work as an official of the Charity Organisation Society, pointed to the chaos which has resulted from the duplicating of effort.  “The original plan for dealing with the distress which might arise from the war,” he said, “was excellent.”  Relief was to be carried out on a civic basis, the local authorities were to be made responsible, and nothing was to be left to chance.  The scheme, however, soon broke down, and instead of one appeal for all purposes, as was intended, there came gradually an endless number of movements and funds; for all kinds of praiseworthy objects.

APPEALS GALORE.

“Appeals to the public are made simultaneously on behalf of soldiers and sailors on service abroad, soldiers and sailors on service at home, soldiers and sailors wounded and ill abroad, soldiers and sailors prisoners of war, soldiers and sailors discharged unfit, dependents of all these, professional men in distress owing to the war, other civilians in distress owing to the war, refugees and aliens, our Allies, and animals. 

“There would not be such confusion if each branch were dealt with definitely by one fund or movement, but sectional appeals compete with one another with differences in object so subtle as not to be apparent to the ordinary mind.  There were three funds for Poland and two rival French flag days; how many Belgian funds, I do not know; and horses in war are cared for by three separate funds, which might well be amalgamated.”

American Knitting Tea at Milnsbridge

From the Huddersfield Examiner, 8th October 1915.

COLNE VALLEY TERRITORIALS.

SUCCESSFUL AMERICAN KNITTING TEA AT MILNSBRIDGE.

Promoted by the Golcar and Milnsbridge Committee for providing comforts for the Colne Valley Territorials, a very successful “American knitting tea” was held at the Milnsbridge Drill Hall on Thursday afternoon.  The tea was given by Mrs Thos. Hirst, Mrs. Edgar Sykes, and Mrs. J. A. Smith, and was very largely attended.  Each person was asked to take an article value 1s., and also to buy an article of the same value.  There was a good response to the appeal, and the total proceeds of the sale and tea amounted to £22 3s. 1d.  Selections of music were given by an efficient orchestra, comprising the Misses Blanche Hirst, Dora Nuttall, M. Woodhead, G. Beaumont, and Mrs. W. J. Gledhill (pianist).  Songs were contributed by Miss Dibdin, of the Harrison-Frewin Opera Company, which is performing this week at the Huddersfield Theatre Royal, Miss Lawton, and Miss Walker, with Mrs. Gledhill as accompanist.

During the proceedings Mrs. Rothery, wife of Major W. U. Rothery, made an interesting statement of the year’s work.

Mrs. Rothery said it was exactly one year since they held the first meeting in that hall, when they had only a few ladies from Golcar and Milnsbridge.  It was the beginning of a big and splendid effort, and she was very proud and thankful for all that had been done.  She could assure them that the boys who were out in Belgium risking and often giving their lives for them were most thankful to receive the parcels of socks and shirts which were sent out from the depot.  They sent over 100 pairs of socks every week, and between 40 and 50 shirts.  She was constantly receiving letters to say how very glad the boys were to have them.  They represented two half-companies of men, and Captain Taylor, who was over here last week, told her how they looked forward to receiving the socks and shirts.  He said they could not have too many.  She had also received a letter from her husband that morning in which he said they were afraid they would have to be out there through the winter, and would need mittens or gloves, helmets, and scarves.  She knew there was a lot ready to go which would be sent off as soon as possible.

Their first meeting was held on October 22nd, 1914, and the tea on that occasion realised £1 1s. 3d.  Since then they had grown a lot, and had held nearly twenty teas.  They found it advisable to stop the meetings for a few weeks during the hot weather and holiday time, but they did not stop working.  She thought that everybody had worked splendidly.  One woman whom she went to see had lost her only son, who was in their company.  The woman was knitting, and with tears in her eyes she said, “He would not wish me to stop working: the others will need the socks.” She (Mrs. Rothery) thought that while their women had that splendid spirit the work would go on as long as it was needed.

They had sent from that hall 90 helmets, 371 scarves, 169 pairs of cuffs, 27 body belts, 2 rugs, 175 shirts, and 1,171 pairs of socks.  She was very glad of that splendid result, and heartily thanked everybody who had helped.  Some of them had knitted until they could hardly hold the needles.  They had collected, given and made the really magnificent sum of £400.  She hoped they would go on, as the cry was for “more and more.” ....

[I don't know exactly what constitutes an "American knitting tea" - perhaps the 'bring-and-buy' element.

I am sure that Mrs Rothery was right in saying that the items they had sent to the Colne Valley Territorials were gratefully received, and needed, but the War Office evidently felt that this sort of activity needed to be regulated.  The Times report here said that too many ladies were making "socks and shirts, which were a Government issue, with the result that there were millions too many".  You would expect that groups like this must have felt very annoyed at being told that they had wasted their time on making things that weren't needed, though there is no hint of that in Mrs. Rothery's speech.  But she is suggesting that for the coming winter, they should make "mittens or gloves, helmets, and scarves" - which is perhaps influenced by Sir Edward Ward's call for mittens and mufflers.]

Matinee In Aid Of Our Soldiers And Sailors.

From the Halifax Courier, October 2nd, 1915. 

MATINEE AT THE PALACE

AN EFFORT FOR OUR SOLDIERS AND SAILORS.

On Saturday, by the generosity of the directors, a matinee was held at the Palace Theatre, in aid of the Mayoress’ Red Cross Fund and for Sailors and Soldiers' Comforts.  A special souvenir programme of the matinee had been printed, and on this was the poem, "Comforts for absent ones,” written by the manager, Mr. E. O. Waller.  Amongst the select company present were the Mayor and Mayoress, Mrs. Simpson-Hinchliffe and Mrs. Burn.  By permission of Mr. T. Macnaghten, this week's artistes appeared and gave a highly-appreciated programme.  There was a full orchestra, which played acceptable selections.  Fredrica’s whirlwind terriers gave an exceptionally fine performance, evidence of wonderful training, and the comedy aerial turn by Pedersen Bros., was also fine.  Indeed, all the artistes did well.  In addition to the professionals Mr. A. T. and Miss E. Hanson, of the Halifax Light Opera Society, appeared in a song-scena, and a concert party from the Halifax Light Opera Society gave a musical sketch. [members of the concert party listed.]  Southowram Band, under the conductorship of Mr. A Fawthrop, gave selections.

During the interval, the mayor expressed the thanks of the Mayoress and committee to the directors of the Palace Theatre, to Mr. Waller, to the week's artistes, to the orchestra, the Light Opera Society members, Southowram Band, and to the Theatre attendants, all of whom had given their services.  They were greatly indebted to many people in Halifax for the work they had done for the soldiers at the front, and His Worship hoped the comforts would be continued, because more comforts would be required during the coming winter than last.  It must be a great comfort to the soldiers fighting to know they were thought of by the people at home.—(applause).

Mr. E. O. Waller, replying, said their hard labour had been a labour of love.  It was bard work for the artistes to appear in the afternoon and twice at night, but when it was mentioned to them, they-readily and unanimously agreed - {applause). Any time he could be of service he would be only too pleased to do anything in his power to help those who were away—(applause).

[Some of the entertainments mentioned are hard to imagine - the 'comedy aerial turn', and especially Fredrica's whirlwind terriers. They sound a bit exciting compared to the 'acceptable selections' played by the orchestra.  I guess that 'this week's artistes' were a travelling company that put on the same show in theatres around the country.] 

Do Your Bit for the Courier Comforts Fund

From the Halifax Courier, 7th August 1915.

YOUR LITTLE BIT.

DO IT NOW!

FOR OUR DAUNTLESS BOYS

You cannot all fight or make munitions, but you can all give and, though your gift be verily a mite it will be your little bit for the good cause.  The requirements of the lads at the front, the wounded in hospital, and the prisoners in Germany are so many and urgent as to make us nigh despair of meeting them.  But we have never yet appealed in vain, and we have faith to believe that we never lack the means of responding to the call of the brave fighters.

During last Saturday’s street procession our collectors gathered £58 10s. 2d.  This is a sum we greatly appreciate, particularly in view of the small number of young ladies who responded to our appeal for collectors—a number far too small to cover the whole route of the procession.  We leave the public to estimate what might have been gathered with a larger body of helpers.  Our sincere thanks are due to the loyal few who worked so well on Saturday.  The result of their efforts was splendid, and the amount they reaped greater than we dared to expect from 50 boxes of limited capacity.

ARTILLERY LOOKING FORWARD TO THE BIVOUACS.

To the Fund Manager.  Dear Sir, — I am most grateful for the trouble you have taken regarding bivouacs.  I can assure you that we shall look forward to their arrival.  Yours sincerely, R.T. Bullock, Major.

We still require £28 to pay for the 90 bivouacs ordered.

At £150 a week every local unit fighting might have comforts every 6 weeks.  Is this too often?  They get less frequently otherwise — must do. 

Hundreds of acknowledgments of Gifts (from Continent, Internment Camps and Sea) can be inspected at the Fund headquarters.

Managed without administrative cost.

All accounts can be seen.

No haphazard buying.  Prisoners and isolated men supplied fortnightly till the Fund reaches larger proportions.

Collecting boxes for shops, hotels, clubs, &c., and placards announcing mill collections, may be had at our office.

[The Halifax Courier Comforts Fund was struggling to raise enough money for its commitments - the bivouacs referred to were waterproof tents for the Halifax Artillery, appealed for at the end of July.  Meanwhile, the paper had reported that the Alexandra Rose Day in Halifax had been a great success, with  3,000 helpers and raising over £1,000.] 

Alexandra Rose Day in Halifax

From the Halifax Courier, 31st July 1915.

ROSE DAY IN HALIFAX.

UNQUALIFIED SUCCESS.

PROFITS OVER £1,000.

Alexandra Rose Day, observed in Halifax on Saturday, for the benefit of the Royal Halifax Infirmary and the Nursing Institution, was attended with all the success it deserved.  This was due primarily to a committee whose enthusiasm knew no bounds, to quite 3,000 helpers who reflected the committee's ardour, and not least to the splendid weather.  So ardently did the rose distributors work that the proportion of returned roses was small.  Large as the call for them was, awkward as was the task of keeping those in the busy parts well supplied, there was no hitch, thanks to the committee's splendid organisation.

The feature of the rose selling was undoubtedly the Mayoress's stall in George-square.  Here the Mayoress, with many helpers, dispensed real roses of every description.  Her helpers included as persuasive sellers as she could have wished for in some of the wounded soldiers staying in local institutions.  Of the 14 of these men who helped, six of these men assisted the Mayoress and rarely did they appeal in vain.  In fact, they had not to solicit, being kept busy by voluntary purchasers.  It is of interest to state that, at the Mayoress's stall, the first gold was given.  The presence in George-square until noon of the Depot Band, under Mr. Hancock’s direction, considerably helped in drawing attention to the stall.  Selections of a bright and happy character was ably given.
….

IN CROSSFIELDS. 

Residents of Crossfields have made it a condition never to let a fete day pass without adding their quota to the rejoicings.  They were up early to make their none too lovely surroundings bright and gay.  Streamers in loyal colours, flags, vari-coloured lanterns, ivy, ferns, and flowers were brought into use.  All the little by-ways were thus adorned and if any street was more attractive than another it was Milk-street, which was veritably hidden 'neath these decorations.  “We've done it all ourselves,” said a proud housekeeper, as she scrubbed the doorway to make it more in keeping with the occasion, “for all our husbands have gone to the front.”  During the day a piano organ (arranged for by Mrs. W. W. Burrell, who had had charge of the district), and Southowram Band, gave selections, their presence drawing coppers from sightseers.

SCENES ON SAVILE PARK.  

It was a happy inspiration of the Halifax Automobile Association to add to the fete by arranging a decorated motor car competition, not only thus helping to push the sale of roses; but providing a spectacular event which was worth seeing.  The excellent weather, no doubt, accounted for the large crowd which assembled to watch the judging.  More than 20 cars were presented for competition.  Everyone agreed that the car of Mr. Wm. Greenwood, President of the Automobile Association, was the feature of the competition.  It had been surmounted by a framework, fitted with imitation funnels, that gave it the appearance of a steamer, and the whole absolutely covered with red, white and blue sweet peas, set in smilax.  Mr. Morris's car had a huge crown of roses, while roses and other blooms clothed the whole, wheels included, in a most ingenious way.  ….

EXPENSES AND PROFITS. 

… What the profit will be can, of course, only be estimated yet, but it is safe to say that it will be over £1,000.  When the meeting was held some weeks back deciding to hold a rose day, an offer was made from Huddersfield that their rose baskets, etc. could be lent for the day.  But our neighbours had another collection on Saturday, which made it necessary for the Halifax committee to purchase all the required things, hence the initial expense was heavier than anticipated.  Seeing, however, that the rose day is to be held annually, future expense will be much less.

ENTHUSIASM AT RIPPONDEN AND BARKISLAND.  

At Ripponden and Rishworth, Rose Day undoubtedly caught on.  The large staff of flower sellers seemed very enthusiastic about their work.  Wagonette parties and motor cars coming from over Lancashire were “held up” until the inmates had patronised the flower sellers, a request which was invariably readily acceded to.  Upwards of 60 boxes were out at Ripponden, and each lady was relieved after two hours' duty.  The first supply of 4,000 roses was practically sold out in a few hours, and a further 2,000 were obtained, and these, too, were sold early in the evening.  The streets presented quite a gay appearance, flags, etc., being hung from several shops, houses, and buildings, and everywhere the festival spirit prevailed.  The garden parties undoubtedly attracted a number of people to the district, and at both Ripponden and Rishworth large numbers paid for admission.  At Brigroyd, the residence of Mrs. Ayre, the grounds were in an excellent state, and were greatly admired.  Over £6 was taken at the gates for admission.  Various games, including bowls, croquet, tennis; clock golf, etc., were well patronised, whilst an Aunt Sally stall, too, did good business.  The Blackburn Valley Brass Band and the Ripponden Church Handbell Ringers gave pleasing selections of music throughout the day.

[Alexandra Rose Day was started in 1912 by Queen Alexandra, widow of Edward VII, to raise money for  her favourite charities.  The first Rose Day took place only in London, but it rapidly spread to other towns and cities.  Sellers offered either paper roses or sometimes (as at the Mayoress's stall in Halifax) real ones, in exchange for a donation.  A film of Alexandra Rose Day in Sheffield in 1915 can be viewed on the British Film Institute's web site. 

 The Alexandra Rose Charities  still exist - currently supporting poor families to eat healthily.]