THE WAR AND LOCAL RELIEF

Immediately war was declared with Germany meetings were convened by the Chairman of the Council for the purpose of organising relief. The Relief Committee, representative of all classes and creeds, is doing its work silently but thoroughly, and altogether a sum of £2,500 was raised in five months for the various funds.

Belgian refugees, to the number of 140 were housed at the North Drive Camp, and by the Roman Catholic Church, St. Thomas' Church, and the Drive Wesleyan Church. Seventeen wounded Belgian soldiers were entertained by the Parish Church and the Catholic Church. Funds and sewing parties were organized at all the churches, by the Primrose League and the Ladies' Guild, and some thousands of garments have been forwarded to the Red Cross and other organisations, besides useful gifts by schemes carried out by individuals.


Christmas parcels were sent to all local men serving the colours on land and sea. A force of 140 special constables was formed under the command of Coun. J.W. Hallam and a Training Corps, 170 strong, was formed under the command of Mr. James R. Gibbs, which has since been affiliated with the central association. A branch of the Blackpool Volunteer League was also established (60 strong) through the efforts of Mr. George Bentley.