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The visual outings during the summer and winter were
arranged for the students —a day to the seaside in July, and at
Christmas a light dinner in Town followed by a visit to a theatre.
The students who were able to participate expressed their
appreciation to the Committee.
The Christmas Seal Sale which closed on March 31st, 1955,
marked the twenty-third occasion in which Camberwell has
taken part in the Annual Seal Sale organised by the National
Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis. The Seal Sale
is the Committee's financial mainstay and the funds received
help to relieve many of the patients' worries during their medical
treatment. The net sum received in 1955 was £1,309 13s. 3d.
which, although less than in 1954, was once again the highest
sum collected in any of the Metropolitan Boroughs.
We wish to place on record our thanks to the Camberwell
Community Association for kindly publishing our appeal letter
in their popular magazine. This publicity was of considerable
help.
During the year the Secretary referred 280 cases to the
National Assistance Board for financial assistance and in certain
cases, where circumstances permitted, the Board were able to
provide clothing, pay fares and help with hire purchase payments.
In 1954, a typewriter was purchased for the use of patients
wishing to become typists when fit for work. It has again proved
its usefulness, and it is pleasing to record that the six patients
who borrowed the machine in 1955 are now in full-time employment
as typists.
The Care Committee has many friends and from time to
time the Secretary received good secondhand clothing, books,
puzzles and other articles for use of patients. On behalf of the
recipients we express our grateful thanks.
At Christmas the Secretary had the pleasure of receiving
and distributing to children of patients, toys and books kindly
given by the Mayoress of Camberwell (Mrs. M. Tarrant), and the
Camberwell Community Association. A number of Christmas
stockings was also received from a former patient of the Clinic.
We are much indebted to the donors of these gifts at a time so
dear to the hearts of children.
Close co-operation has been maintained with the voluntary
associations in the Borough, the British Bed Cross Society,
Family Welfare Association, Nursing Associations, Invalid
Children's Aid Association, Soldiers', Sailors' and Air Force
Families' Association, and the Women's Voluntary Services.