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The medical staff and health visitors of the Chest Clinic and
the various voluntary organisations were helpful in bringing to
the notice of the Committee cases which they considered needed
advice or assistance.
The response to the Christmas Seal Sale appeal was again
most generous. The income from this sale is the " life blood "
of the Committee and it is pleasing to record that Camberwell,
for the fifth time in succession, exceeded the sum collected by
any other Metropolitan Borough.
The sum received by the Committee during 1953 was
£1,238 14s. 6d.
The London County Council again assisted the Committee by
contributing to the Fund the sum of £10 from the proceeds of
the Sunday Cinematograph Entertainments. Although the
amount is less than in previous years this contribution is gratefully
acknowledged.
The handicraft class met regularly throughout the year on
Friday afternoons. Many of the students from previous years
continued their attendance and new students enrolled. There
was a roll of 20 with an average attendance of 15. Some patients
left the class having become fit for work. This loss, of course, is
very satisfactory. Others married, left the Borough or undertook
full-time training under the Government training scheme
which prevented their further attendance.
The more general handicrafts, such as dressmaking,
embroidery, cane work, silk lamp shade making, leather work
and glove making were continued. A desire was expressed to
learn weaving and the necessary apparatus and material were
purchased. Fancy cane work was most popular, particularly
plant pot holders and hanging baskets to display plants. There
has been a ready market for all the goods made.
The Committee were able to arrange the usual summer and
winter social events for the students. An outing for a day at
Brighton in July and a party just prior to Christmas were
organised. On both occasions the students expressed their
appreciation.
In our last Report we were able to record the many successes
in leather work of one of our founder students. It is with some
regret that we lose his attendance, having moved to the coast.
He has attended the class since its formation on 4th November,
1932, and has been an inspiration to other leather workers.
The following voluntary associations in the Borough have
maintained close co-operation as in the past: The British
Bed Cross Society; Family Welfare Association; Nursing
Associations, Invalid Childrens' Aid Association; Soldiers,