Reference
Z938/13/1
Title
File of correspondence regarding a proposed Housing Association to assist Italian immigrant workers in Bedford and the surrounding area.
Includes the following:
- Letter to Mr Illingworth, McConnells, from John H Thomson, Catholic Rectory, Brereton Road, Bedford. Asks his advice on whether it would be possible to acquire blocks of flats or premises which could be converted into three room flats, for workers on contract to brick firms who were unable to house their wives and families. Suggests that the brick firms should be interested in the scheme from a welfare angle. With outline of proposed housing association, listing possible sponsors [22 Nov 1954];
- Reply from Mr Illingworth. Suggests that a loan could be easily found if the scheme was sponsored by responsible individuals of public note, and the support of the brick firms. Invites him to discuss the issue over a drink at 2, Tennyson Road, Bedford.[23 Nov 1954];
- Letter to John H Thomson from C A E C Howard, Mayor of Bedford,m inviting him to a discussion about the Housing Association. [3 Jan 1955];
- Letter to Mr Illingworth from The British Law Insurance Company Limited, saying that they would be interested in providing a loan, but raising further questions [5 Jan 1955];
- Letter from John Paisley, Director of Eastwoods Limited, brick makers, Kempston Hardwick, Bedford stating that they would be willing to assist John F Thomson in the formation of a Housing Association, for the housing primarily of Foreign Nationals 'in something approaching satisfactory conditions at economic rents', wiith the Housing Association Committee to consist of 'an Estate Agent, a Doctor, Barrister, an Italian, a representative of Brickworks Management, a representative of the shareholders and a Roman Catholic Priest. [14 Jan 1955];
- Letter to John F Thomson from G F Simmons, Town Clerk of Bedford requesting details of the Housing Association, and stating that a Committee was giving further consideration to the problems of housing Italians in Bedford. [22 Jan 1955];
- Letter to G F Simmons, Town Clerk of Bedford from John F Thomson. STates that the scheme 'will provide a simple and humane means of regulating overcrowding among the Italian population, and by attracting a thrifty and substantial type of worker will be in the best interests of the Italian Community itself.' [24 Jan 1955];
- Draft circular letter to Brick Companies, compiled by Colonel G A Anstee, 3 Milton Road, Bedford. Commenting on public concern about 'shockingly ovrcrowded accomodation available to Italians who have been brought over from Italy to work in your brickfields', 'now over 2000 Italian men and women, and several hundred children'. Asks the company for a loan towards the establishment of a Housing Association and purchase of suitable properties.
Date free text
1954 - 1955
Production date
From: 1954 To: 1955
Exent
No. of pieces: 1
Format
file
Level of description
item