[The Luton News: Thursday, July 31st, 1919]

With the object of considering arrangements for giving the local men who have served “King, country and people during the Great War” a welcome home, a public meeting was held in the Norton Road Schools, Leagrave, on Monday [July 28th]. The programme, which was approved in principle by the large gathering, will suitably mark the event in the history of the two parishes – Leagrave and Limbury – as worthy recognition of the gallant service rendered by so many of its noble sons.

The meeting was organised by the Leagrave and Limbury Victory and Peace Celebrations Committee, and after the object of the meeting had been outlined by Mr P. E. Mitchell, Mr S. Wingrave was unanimously elected to the chair.

In taking up the position, Mr Wingrave said this was not a matter which they could hurry. They never wanted to forget what the men had done for them, and it was their earnest desire to celebrate their return in worthy fashion.

Mr P. E. Mitchell explained, with regard to the financial side of the arrangements. That it was proposed to divide the two parishes into districts and allot certain ladies and gentlemen to those districts for the purpose of making a house-to-house collection – in other words, raise the whole of the necessary funds by public subscription.

As a result of the discussion which subsequently took place, it was decided that the programme should include a hot dinner to which returned soldiers and their wives should be invited. An invitation will also be extended to one representative from each bereaved family in the parishes in which the bereavements are those cases in which members of the family have made the supreme sacrifice.

The principle was also approved of a procession, entertainments and sports being held, and the general opinion was that a general scheme of decoration should be adopted throughout the parishes.

Considerable discussion took place concerning the date of the welcome, and it was eventually decided that September 20th would be most suitable. The general committee will meet during the third week in August.

It was unanimously decided that invitations to the celebrations and welcome be extended to all ex-servicemen resident in the parishes at the time of the event – ie on September 20th.

Strong and representative committees were appointed to organise the event; and the question of holding a drumhead memorial service was deferred for a report from the servicemen.

[Around 300 men were entertained on Saturday, September 20th, 1919, with a drumhead memorial service held the following day.]