Alexandra Rose Day

Collector, Alexandra Rose Day 1916

Saturday 24th June 1916: Despite a day of repeated heavy showers, which caused the collectors to have to dodge into doorways and under awnings to avoid a drenching, today’s Alexandra Rose Day collection in Luton has been a great success. The women and girls collecting were all dressed in white, with sprays of the artificial flowers that made up their wares adorning their hats. This year the collection relied solely on street sales, without the visits to factories and places of amusement made in previous years. Despite this, the collection raised over £270, an increase of over £70 on last year and £120 more than the first Alexandra Rose Day in 1914. The proceeds are to be divided between the Bute Hospital and the Children’s Sick and Convalescent Home.

This year’s event ran more smoothly thanks to a new working arrangement in which each district had its own depot, relieving pressure on the Town Hall. These included the Labour Exchange, the Liberal Club, Mount Tabor Chapel, High Town Chapel, and a number of private homes. Another great success was the service provided by the Luton 1st Girl Guides as messengers, replacing the Boy Scouts who had taken on this task in previous years. They are said to have discharged their duties in a “very smart and admirable manner”.

Source: Luton News, 29th June 1916