HOME MADE CHRISTMAS - "The festive season in 1943 is going to be a home made Christmas for most British people. There are few things suitable for gifts on the market, and most of them are subject to 100 per cent purchase tax.

"Christmas cards in 1943 will be left-overs from Christmas 1942, 1941 or even earlier years.

"Needless to say, there are not enough to go around. Christmas decorations, fancy papers and Christmas crackers are almost non-existent. There are no extra supplies of sugar or fruit for Christmas goodies, and for many British families the meat course for Christmas dinner will be the week's usual ration of mutton or beef. Very few households in Britain will have a turkey dinner but, fortunately there are a goodly number of toys for sale in the shops."

THEATRE ROYAL

"Frank Fortescue presents Little Red Riding Hood.