British Red Cross Hackney Centre (92 Dalston Lane)
History
92 Dalston Lane was once a Victorian family house. In 1921 it became vacant and was sold to the Red Cross for £719/19s/3d. It was first set up as Hackney and Stoke Newington Orthopaedic Clinic for treatment for men who had been wounded in the First World War (1914-1918).
During the Second World War (1939-1945), Red Cross volunteers ran courses here on how to deal with gas casualties. It was believed that the poisoned gas of the First World War would be used again. The building was a base for Hackney Red Cross volunteers on casualty duties during air raids, as there was a lot of bomb damage in this area.
The golden age of Hackney Red Cross was between the Second World War and the 1980s. In 1971 there were over 100 members. Young people were trained as Red Cross cadets learning health skills and how to be good citizens. Adult volunteers were present at events all over London, answered 999 calls, drove ambulances, delivered babies and saved lives.
In 2003-4 the building was renovated. The big red cross on the building was re-painted. Soon after officials from London's Central Red Cross insisted it should be removed entirely. It did not conform to Red Cross standards for peacetime. There was such an outcry from taxi drivers, who used it as part of the London 'Knowledge', that it was allowed to stay there.
In 2008-9 many items discovered in the building's attics were donated to Hackney Museum.
During the Second World War (1939-1945), Red Cross volunteers ran courses here on how to deal with gas casualties. It was believed that the poisoned gas of the First World War would be used again. The building was a base for Hackney Red Cross volunteers on casualty duties during air raids, as there was a lot of bomb damage in this area.
The golden age of Hackney Red Cross was between the Second World War and the 1980s. In 1971 there were over 100 members. Young people were trained as Red Cross cadets learning health skills and how to be good citizens. Adult volunteers were present at events all over London, answered 999 calls, drove ambulances, delivered babies and saved lives.
In 2003-4 the building was renovated. The big red cross on the building was re-painted. Soon after officials from London's Central Red Cross insisted it should be removed entirely. It did not conform to Red Cross standards for peacetime. There was such an outcry from taxi drivers, who used it as part of the London 'Knowledge', that it was allowed to stay there.
In 2008-9 many items discovered in the building's attics were donated to Hackney Museum.
