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52
building. It was originally hoped that it would be ready for occupation in November
but as a result of delays due to bad weather and shortages of building materials
the move was made a week before the end of the year under review. The Centre,
therefore, faces a new year with the hope of great expansion in terms of members
and contracts for work. The minibus purchased by the Association in February
will help to further this aim.
During the year the number of people attending the Centre varied from
41 to 45. Two people left on finding part-time jobs. The contracts for sewing
button cards and darning hose, and the sorting of tin foil have continued throughout
the year. Two new activities were price tag assembly and putting literature in
envelopes for a mail order firm. The latter contract involved collection and
delivery of materials but was one of the best paid jobs under undertaken by the
Centre.
The move to the new Centre, which was accompanied by the closing of the
small subsidiary Centre at Orsett Street, Kennington, resulted in the membership
being reduced to 36. The new building was accepted with unreserved enthusiasm
by the members despite the fact that many of them now have to travel by bus to
the Centre.
Special Activities
A Jumble Sale held on a Saturday afternoon in May at the Civil Defence Hall
Brixton was a most successful occasion thanks to the generosity of the Lambeth
Borough Council in letting the hall at a small rent, and the help of the members,
friends and staff of the Association who gave so generously of their time and
energy. A net amount of £53 was raised.
Inter-Borough Talent Contest. As in previous years the Association took part in
this annual event, and held its own preliminary contest to select the Lambeth
representative. For the 1961 Contest the Executive Committee decided to pay
for a coach to take a group of people to the final Contest which is held at St
Pancras Town Hall. All performers in the Lambeth heats were offered seats in the
coach and the remainder were offered to the winner's club.
The Annual Church Service was held in May at St. Matthew's Church Brixton and
was attended by the Mayor, Mayoress and Town Clerk. The weather was poor and
the congregation was rather small.
Lambeth Festival 17th-25th June. A United Services coach loaned to the Association
for the occasion took part in the Carnival procession and was occupied by
forty club members and leaders representing eleven different clubs. A new
meals-on-wheels van also took part in the procession. Included in a Welfare
Exhibition in the Town Hall was a full display of the Association's services
which aroused considerable interest.