Letter: Red-letter day

Sir: The British Red Cross is pleased with the Government's decision to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second World War by moving the 1995 May Day bank holiday to 8 May. This is International Red Cross Day - the birthday of Henri Dunant, founder of the International Red Cross Movement.

This is the day that Red Cross societies in 163 countries highlight their work of caring for people in crisis. 1995 is important to us as it is the 125th birthday of the British Red Cross, and 8 May is one of three designated days when we acknowledge our links with the Second World War.

It will be a day for fundraising through birthday parties and other major events throughout the UK. Our national event will be at Guildhall in London. The bank holiday is a real bonus to us, and we are glad that the British public will now be in a position to celebrate with us.

Yours faithfully,

JOHN F. GRAY

British Red Cross

London, SW1

20 December