Town pulled together for troops

This photograph is of a Voluntary Services dance at Biggleswade’s Memorial Hall which took place on April 24, 1940. It followed a well-attended meeting on March 3 when representatives of most of the town’s organisations agreed to open the hall as a recreational centre for troops billeted in the parish.

It was decided that the hall be available every night (other than the nights it was already booked) until 10.30pm. And it was agreed that the WVS (Women’s Voluntary Service) would take charge of the catering arrangements while members of the various organisations of the town formed a committee. Funds went to the Social and Recreational Club.

The photograph and information were kindly sent to us by Philip Gale who was three years old at the time.

Philip’s father was Horace Gale, the well known Biggleswade luminary and former town mayor. He donated a radio to the cause.

“My dad did serve during the Second World War but in 1940 he hadn’t yet been called up” explains Philip.

Horace Gale was one of the instigators of the original Biggleswade Christmas lights. He was also instrumental in the building of the new Baptist Church in London Road, following the demolition of the old church on the site of Aldi.

When Horace died a few years ago, he left 50 photo albums in Philip’s care, some of the contents of which Philip hopes to share with Memory Lane readers in due course.