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There were annual flag days for the RNLI (lifeboats), Red Cross, SSAFA (Armed Forces) and other chari-
ties. Many began during World War One.
The idea of handing donors a flag was introduced to identify genuine charity collectors. There were
rogue street collectors at the start of the 20th century who pretended to be collecting for charities. Queen
Alexandra’s charity for hospitals and orphans hit upon the idea of handing a recognised token emblem to
people in exchange for their donation.

In 1912, the first Alexandra Rose Day was launched giving yellow paper roses to donors. Such events
became known as flower days – or flag days when other charities gave something other than a flower.
Eventually, the RAF’s flag week was replaced by all year fundraising.

Detling Bunker

Detling’s Possible future