V.A.D. FAIR.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 152, 28 June 1940, Page 10

V.A.D. FAIR.

SEWING CIRCLE EFFORT. '•MORE VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED." A fair held by the V.A.D. sewing circle yesterday afternoon was opened by Lady Horton, who expressed appreciation, of : the work done 'by the members, -which ha<] necessitated the sacrifice of most of their leifiure hours. The proceeds of the fair, which was held in the Penwonien's Club rooms, -will go toward equipment for the central V.A.D. station.

| The director of the circle, -Mrs. E. J. Landon, explained that there was practically no equipment at the station. Bedmaking, for instance, was an extremely important part of V.A.D. training, yet there were only two 'beds* at the station, while some detachments comprised CO women. The provision of comforts and commodities necessary for soldiers who were ill was the circle's main interest, Mrs. Landon continued. There had been a large supply of these commodities in hand, enough, it had .been hoped, to last; for two years, but the stocks had been

seriously depleted 'by the unexpected outbreak of influenza, and would have to be built up again. The thirty members of the circle also planned, to pack a big

case vfth toys and clothes for refugee children up to the age of twelve, and it was hoped that this case would l>e• ready to be sent early enough for it to reach its destination for Christmas.

. .Mrs. Landon also made an appeal for more volunteers for V.A.D. training, especially among leisured women and

girls. Three, hundred V.A.D.'s had been registered, l>ut' ninny of these liad 'been unable to take tbeir week.-of., training in*' Hospital, and others ' who bad completed their course -were-not available at a," moment's notice,' owing to civil

work or other responsibilities. The fair presented-a "bright scene, a varied assortment of . cakes, . produce, needlework, books and magazines, and home-made sweets in .'gay. containers being sold by the V.A.D. helpers. A novel touch was provided by a - iloWer stall, labelled "Pieadilly Circus," which was

staffed by two women wearing the traditional boniiets and shawls of the London flower. sellers.