CHRISTMAS that year, 1948, fell on a Saturday. In Glasgow - and elsewhere, too - shops, offices and factories were shuttered, but there was no let-up within the General Post Office in the city.

By that Saturday night, sorters had handled 10,300,000 letters and cards, an increase of 136,000 on the same period the previous year. Some 476,000 registered letters and packets had also been processed.

Across Britain, in fact, it was the heaviest Christmas mail since before the war, with around 500,000,000 letters being posted, according to the Postmaster General.

At the Orphan Homes of Scotland, at Bridge of Weir, 2,000 people attended a Christmas service, and more than 1,400 gifts were handed to children, staff and workers in the Homes.

Boxing Day at Glasgow Cathedral witnessed a special service for members of the theatrical and film professions, conducted by the Rev Dr A. Neville Davidson. The lessons were read by John Casson, of the Citizens’ Theatre, and Jack Anthony, the actor, who was appearing at the Pavilion Theatre panto.

Dr Davidson said in his address that meveryone owed a great debt to those who were spreading happiness, and he said he wished to thank those “who by drama, song, film and story” were keeping the candle of joy burning.