merger of the Hull-based The Health Scheme (THS) with BHSF. On the first Saturday, 15 March 1873, the amount raised was £4,700 from a population of 355,000, an average of 2 3/4d. per head. This figure had increased to £400,000 by 1938. In addition to donations to the Queen's, General, Children's, Women's, Eye, and Dental hospitals, the fund implemented convalescent homes around Britain and an ambulance service. Today it continues as a national non-profit health insurance service. References 65 Years' History of the Birmingham Saturday Holiday Fund 1873-1938, Journal Printing Office, Cannon Passage, Birmingham, 1938 Best of Health - 130 Years of BHSF 1873-2003, Peter J. Maskell, 2003 (Downloadable PDF copy) External links BHSF website Charities based in Birmingham, West Midlands Social history of England Health charities in England History of Birmingham, West Midlands 1873 establishments in England