Red Cross

DESCRIPTION

NameRed CrossDescriptionThe Red Cross is a world wide organisation founded in 1859. It had it’s Australian beginnings in 1914, and supported the war effort through two World Wars 1914-1918 and 1939-1945, sending food parcels and knitted articles, and comfort in the aftermath in community home towns.

With the approach of World War Two in 1939 a meeting was called in the locality to establish a means of providing for the Armed Forces.

A knitting circle was formed in Albion Park in 1939 and that year 415 articles were sent to service personnel. An auxiliary was formed at Albion Park Hall and in 1940, had 105 members working keenly for the soldiers.

Street collectors wore Red Cross veils which were supplied by the Branch. The branch appointed members to collect from Croome, Yellow Rock, Marshall Mount, Lake Entrance and Tongarra.

Rationing restrictions were in force and The Rationing Commission allowed the Red Cross extra coupons for tea and sugar in order to raise funds to help the Armed Forces.

During World War Two the Red Cross performed a valuable service: hospital visiting, organising knitting circles, cooking fruit cakes for the armed forces, and undertaking welfare work.

In 1948 food parcels were sent to Britain POW fund. Mr. Lew Horton in war years would bundle all the lunches for cattle sales and the workers into his panel van and deliver all.

Red Cross women catered for afternoon tea at the turning on of the water supply to Albion Park.

Over the years donations of cooking, bread, sugar, and tea were given often at great sacrifice to the donor. Members of the Shellharbour Red Cross branches readily gave their time and goods, lent their homes for meetings and stood together to serve the Red Cross.
Albion Park Red Cross

The Albion Park Branch was formed in 1934, the first meeting held on 10 December 1934 in the Literary Institute Tongarra Road.

Present at the meeting were Mrs Gabriel Timbs first President of the Branch, Mrs A. J. Condon Secretary, Mrs J. T. Reynolds Treasurer.

In 1982 Lorna Brown a great supporter and worker for Red Cross was the Zone Representative and President.

Daphne Blow was treasurer over 20 years, and Nell Haug Secretary for 13 years.

In 1987 a Civic Reception was held by Shellharbour Council for Lorna Brown, recipient of the Red Cross Distinguished Service Medal for 46 years service and other community service.

The Red Cross ladies prepared the lunches for years for the Albion Park cattle sale yards, and when the sales yard closed for good on August 4th 1997, the Red Cross ladies supplied the barbeque for over 200 patrons.

Contributed by Daphne Blow and Thelma O’Gorman 1997.

Oak Flats Red Cross

The Branch was formed in March 1957, and their 50 Year Anniversary was held on 22 March 2007. Their first President was Mrs. Miller, Secretary Mrs Jenkins and Treasurer Mrs. Sheeley.

Gillis, Kevin, 2008, 'Oak Flats Garden Suburb’.

Shellharbour Red Cross

The Branch was formed on 23 October 1939 with President Hope Thomas. The 2009 President is Doreen Wray and Zone 28 Representative Sandra Pearson for the three Branches.

Contributed by Sandra Pearson.

Object

Junior Red Cross Poster

Albion Park Golden Jubilee Red Cross China Plate.

White Brand Sewing Machine - Violet Duncan

Family

James

Eva, Miriam and Beatrice James, Red Cross nurses, the daughters of Thomas and Rachel James, c.1920.Eva, Miriam and Beatrice James, Red Cross nurses, the daughters of Thomas and Rachel James, c.1920.Eva, Miriam and Beatrice James, Red Cross nurses, the daughters of Thomas and Rachel James, c.1920.Eva, Miriam and Beatrice James, Red Cross nurses, the daughters of Thomas and Rachel James, c.1920.Eva, Miriam and Beatrice James, Red Cross nurses, the daughters of Thomas and Rachel James, c.1920.Red Cross nurses, c.1915.

Back row: Beatrice James third from left, Kathleen (Kaleen) Allen fifth from left, Eva James seventh left.

Centre: Miriam James third from left.

CONNECTIONS

LocalityShellharbourFamilyJames

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