The first epidemic for many years broke out in the shape of measles, at the Carleton Cottage Homes in November, when plans for Christmas were already afoot, and the season found ten of the children in the Burntwood Isolation Hospital, Brierley. Their disappointment also had to be shared by the other children because of the danger of accepting invitations to parties, which had been received.

The unfortunate ten were visited on Christmas Eve by the Superintendent and the Matron of the Homes, Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Furber, and at other times by their house ‘mothers’ whenever they could leave their other lively charges to take books and sweetmeats for the invalids. When they return home, the sufferers will find plenty of presents awaiting them.

Christmas for the more fortunate ones was a round of seasonal celebrations, with parties, presents and good things to eat. It was a time that had been keenly anticipated for many weeks. Eager hands and lively imaginations, with a little judicious adult advice, decorated the homes with liberal quantities of cotton wool, streamers, balloons, tinsel and paper flowers, and in one case even a model windmill with a field of tulips and daffodils.