American children's gifts 6th October 1942

Another symbol of the ties uniting the English speaking people of America and those of this country, is the plaque at the Queen Street evacuee hostel, Bideford, commemorating the gifts sent to the children of this country by the youth of America.  The plaque was unveiled by Mayor of Bideford, Mr G H Braddick.

Mr  E Blackwell (Chief Billeting Officer) said the plaque was given by the British War Relief Society of the USA, and commemorated sending £25 worth of toys and gifts from America.

Special praise is due to Mrs Scali for her work and Mrs Symes, the matron at the Duart sick bay and to the matron of the Westcroft Hostel.

People present were: Miss Bates (Devon County Medical Department), Mr F C Stillman (Assistant Billeting Officer, Bideford Rural District), Mr Owen (Deputy Chief Billeting Officer, Barnstaple), a large number of voluntary workers and the children from the hostels at Queen Street and Westcroft.