Friday 6 May 2016

St. Georges Flag Day



Corn Exchange, Bedford 1908 [Z1306/10/58/15]

Saturday 6th May 1916: As St. George’s Day fell on Easter Sunday this year Bedford has decided instead to observe it today with a collection for patriotic causes. As the town has contributed generously on so many previous flag days to national campaigns, this time the Mayor and Mayoress and their Committee decided to raise funds for local charities which have some association with war work. The chosen beneficiaries are the County Hospital, the Bedfordshire Comforts Fund, the District Nurses’ Fund, and Mrs. Paine’s Slipper Fund. The hospital needs support due to the cost of treating wounded soldiers, and the Nursing Fund is in need of an extra nurse to cope with the pressure of work. Collecting began as early as 6 a.m., and will last until 6 p.m. Enthusiasm has not been dimmed by the cool weather and occasional cold shower, with the red cross on its white background seen everywhere. Mrs. Attenborough has lent her car for collecting the money, which is being received at the Town Hall. A large banner made by the students of the Kindergarten College has been on display in front of the Corn Exchange, and at 4 p.m. this is to be auctioned by Mr. W. M. Peacock. The collection is expected to raise well over £250.

Source: Bedfordshire Times, 12th May 1916

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