As Luton's War Materials Fund was about to be wound up, Lady Alice Wernher, of Luton Hoo, wrote to the Saturday Telegraph to thank all who had assisted in or donated to its work.
Writing from Bath House, Piccadilly, Lady Wernher, the Fund's President, said: "Since my first appeal in October last we have made three special efforts, as follows, to augment the Fund - Loyalty Day, an organ recital in Luton Hoo Chapel and the Grand Patriotic Concert. The result in each case, more especially the first and last, surpassed all expectations. The almost unprecedented success with Loyalty Day and the Patriotic Concert is in a very great measure due to the enthusiasm, kindness and generosity of the ladies and gentlemen of Luton who one and all so ably and energetically assisted us.
"Though I have endeavoured where possible to individually thank all those who rendered such valuable assistance, I have not been able to do so in all cases and I would like, through the columns of your paper, to express my deep appreciation and gratitude to all who came to our aid, and specially to our ticket and programme sellers at the concert, whom I found it impossible to write to separately. They most materially contributed to the success, and I hope they will feel gratified at the result of their efforts.
"The War Materials Fund was primarily started to assist the working parties of Luton in their excellent and much needed endeavour to supply our soldiers and sailors with comforts. To what a large extent they have done this is evidenced by the many grateful letters received at my depot from men at the front, and the various societies to whom articles of clothing have been sent.
"Although comforts are still required, the need for them in such large quantities at once is no longer so pressing, and we feel that with the grants made from the War Materials Fund the working parties can still continue their useful work for some time. We have therefore decided to distribute what remains of the Fund, and then Treasurer Mr Henry Brown, who has so untiringly given us his services, is to close it.
"I have to acknowledge with much gratitude an anonymous donation of £10, and it is a matter of great regret to me that our very generous supporter, by not revealing the name, denied me the privilege of personally thanking him or her.
"My collecting and forwarding depot, which is an entirely separate concern from the War Materials Fund, will still continue its work in Prudential Chambers, but I would ask the ladies of the working parties to kindly note that it will not be open only three days weekly, namely Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 2.30 to 4.30. I would also draw their attention to the fact that it will considerably facilitate the work, and prevent accumulation, is articles are now sent in smaller numbers at a time."
Yours very truly,
ALICE S. WERNHER
The picture shows Lady Wernher with Luton Mayor Councillor W. J. Primett.
[Source: Beds & Herts Saturday Telegraph, January 23rd, 1915]