Penny-a-Week fund

One of the most successful ways of obtaining money during World War 2 was through the Penny-a-Week fund.  The fund was set up through a joint venture between the British Red Cross and St Johns to raise vital funds. The scheme worked by a voluntary contribution by wage earners of one penny per week, to be deducted from their pay.  During the Second World War the average weekly wage was about £10.  The funds was then supplemented by collecting cards and house-to-house collections. Within six months of the scheme being…

County of the Kent Red Cross

As reported in the Bromley & District Times in September 1940 Travel Vouchers for Relatives Lady Hohler, Fawkham Manor writes:- It is not perhaps generally known that men serving in the Merchant Service come under the British Red Cross and St John scheme for assisting relatives (wife, parents, children, brothers and sisters) to obtain a Concession Voucher, which permits them to travel at reduced rates, In serious or dangerous cases the Red Cross and St John also provides accommodation near the hospital for relatives travelling a long distance. Application should…