Sir,
The Tenby Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association would like to thank those members who collected on Saturday, June 21, on behalf of Alexandra Rose Day. A rather smaller sum than usual was collected, the day being marred by another collection by Army personnel taking place in the town on the same day. Regrettably we were only able to raise £120.65. The collectors, who with permission generously granted by Somerfield Store collected morning and afternoon on their forecourt, mainly contributed this.
Alexandra Rose Day is the oldest Flag Day in the country having been founded in 1912 and is a National Flag Day. This much loved charity continues today, as it began, to make it possible for voluntary organisations caring for the aged, the young, the sick and the disabled, to raise funds for themselves, by taking part in the Alexandra Rose Day, keeping at least 70 per cent of the money they raise for their own cause.
It is granted a street collection by county councils throughout the United Kingdom. According to law there is only one licence granted on any particular day. Although recognising that the other organisation that was collecting in the town was a very worthy one, we feel that those organising it should have been aware that a licence had been granted to Alexandra Rose Day.
We would also point out to all persons collecting for charities that they must comply with the code laid down by the licensing authority and they do not rattle tins under people's noses or shout their way around the town.
We would also like to thank Woolworth and W. H. Smiths, for granting us permission to collect outside their premises. Unfortunately, due to the other collectors outnumbering our solitary collectors, we were unable to enjoy this facility generously granted to our organisation.
John King,
Secretary and treasurer,
Tenby branch RAFA,
25 Harries Street,
Tenby.