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It was evident from these results that the venture
merited further exploration for there appeared to be no
doubt that there was a real requirement for health propaganda
of this kind. It was also established that there
was a need to create a friendly atmosphere at the beginning,
which a cup of tea and introductions before the meeting
helped to bring about, Finally, there was ample confirmation
of the important principle that wise direction and
counselling must be available, given by experts who
participate rather than instruct - a lesson quickly learned
by the organisers themselves. It was accordingly decided
to continue the experiment and to try to set up a further
group in a neighbouring parish, where the experience gained
could be applied. Dr. Dalzell-Ward was keenly interested
in the experiment and he and his colleagues consented to
be responsible for the actual conduct of the meetings.
The Vicar of the adjoining parish was approached and a
preliminary meeting was held in the church hall at which
Dr. Dal zell- Ward addressed a number of church officers and
workers and explained the principles behind the scheme and
the manner in which the meetings might be conducted, There
was enthusiastic support and subsequently handbills were
prepared and distributed by those present to members of
the church, inviting them to attend on five evenings at
weekly intervals to ; talk over parents' problems in the
I96o's': light refreshments, films and music were offered
These invitations were signed jointly by the Vicar and the
Medical Officer of Health.
As before, the attendances were small, averaging
fourteen, only three of whom were males. It is significant,
however, that with one or two exceptions, those who came
to the opening meeting were present at all the others, including
a sixth session, which they themselves requested
should be held. It was unfortunate that so few fathers
attended It was understood that many would have liked to
do so, but they had to stay at home to look after the
children. It was suggested, also, that but for the attractions
of 'Bingu', the numbers would have been much greater.
It is paradoxical that, for reasons already given, a larger
concourse might well have defeated the object of the
exercise.
All the members of the group took part in the discussions
on incidents in films which they were shown and on topics
suggested to them, diffidently at first, but with rapidly
increasing enthusiasm and spontaneity. Later, they discussed
some of their own problems and took part in role-playing