HISTORY OF STREATHAM BRANCH (first draft) The beginnings of our Branch of the United Nations Association are rooted in the League of Nations Branch which predated it . It would appear that spurred on by the trauma and loss of life in the First World War and later by increasing conflicts and humanitarian crisis across Europe and further afield . Huge efforts were made to raise awareness and gain support for the League of Nations and the resolution of conflicts by dialogue. Our records go back to April 1928, but it seems the Branch probably started in 1920.There was a general wave of enthusiasm after the War to try to prevent future wars. This enthusiasm was channelled into efforts to get new members. In 1930 the membership rose to a high of 1,191. Although it later dropped back , it stayed at a high level until the Second World War when evacuations had a severe effect on numbers. The Branch members worked hard to build up local membership via a poster campaign at various locations , a poster in ever church, schools and also Streatham station. Activities during this period included public meetings, discussion groups and also Open Air Meetings on Streatham Common. At each event they would expect to recruit new members. At this time the LNU [League of Nations Union] locally organised a regular Armistice Day meeting. In1928 they had 600 people attend . This meeting was usually held in the Streatham Hall. The meeting usually include a talk and some music. This was only a few years after the war it is possible that everyone in this area at that time would have lost friends and family. In the records of 1928, it describes how in 1927 our Branch was heavily involved in the organisation of the Festival of Youth held at Alexandria Palace held that year. They helped with publicity, some of the clerical work, provided some of the stewards and also helped to provide English National costumes on the day to the English contingent those who had not already got it.