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sanding discs, and masking tape. They also continued with the laundry
work for themselves, for two training centres, and for a local school. The
formal education and art classes continue to be popular and the trainees
are all making progress. As part of their social training they visit the
local library in groups of four, paying their own fares. They also answer
the telephone and take messages. During the Summer, the trainees had a
very enjoyable coach outing to Westcliff, and at Christmas they again
held their party in the evening. Even more parents than formerly attended,
and it was voted a great success by all.
The Hammersmith and North London Branches of the National Society
for Mentally-Handicapped Children again very generously gave gifts of
money to the Centre. One of the firms which sends wcrk to the Centre gave
a bottle of soft drink to each trainee, and a four pound box of chocolates
to be shared by staff and trainees at their Christmas lunch.
For the third year running the trainees entered the competition
organised by the Flower lovers' League, and this year they again won a
silver-gilt medal for their daffodils in the Spring Competition; and for
the first time they competed in the Summer Competition and wen a silver
gilt medal for their nasturtiums and candytufts, each trainee receiving
an individual certificate, as well as the trophies. All plants are tended
at home by the trainees until the day of the Competition, so this was a
most commendable effort.
Groups of medical students, student nurses, trainee health visitors,
and social work students again visited the Centre.
Training Centre Organised Hoiday
Officers of the Council's Community Services again undertook the
arrangements for the annual holiday for trainees of the Inner London area
and Bromley, at St. Mary's Bay School Journey Centre, Dymchurch, from
1-15 May.
27 Hammersmith residents were included in the party of 235. This year,
as previously, Mr.Potter, Supervisor of North Kensington Training Centre,
led the party assisted by Mrs.lee, Supervisor of College Park Training
Centre.
There were 29 staff mainly from other Centres, but they included 3
mental health social workers and twe voluntary workers, Thirteen of these
came for 1 week only but the staffing ratio was good and, with the addition
of 6 weekend vo unteers, it was possible for staff to have sufficient
time off.
The weather was dry and warm with only one wet morning, and this
ensured that the barbecue was a great success. Coach outings were arranged
to Folkestone, Rye, Canterbury, Hastings, and one to Lydd Airport where
the trainees had trips in a Hovercraft which proved a most exciting experience.
This year for the first time a Nature Hunt was introduced. It created
great interest amongst trainees and staff, and the winning dormitory were
given an evening meal in a local restaurant. The other dormitories were
given ice creams as consolation prizes. There were no major casualties,
only one minor sprain, Visits to the camp were paid by the Officers of the
Inner London Boroughs which were sharing in the holiday These visits are
always appreciated by both staff and trainees.
Social Clubs A weekly social club continued to be held for patients
attending Emlyn Gardens Day Centre and is run by the Day Centre staff. It
is well supported by the patients and nearby residents.
D.29