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In order to ensure that every child should be given the
opportunity of learning to swim during school life, it was envisaged .
that the present inadequate facilities in the Borough would demand a
scheme limiting instruction to certain age groups. The appointment of a
Swimming teacher, together with transport facilities to and from the
schools, were necessary for the fall implementation o.f the Scheme. The
Committee authorised this now venture, and it is hoped that good results
will he quickly observed.
The need for an additional instruction Bath in the Borough is urgent. It
is still necessary to secure extra accommodation at Finchley, Islington and
Wood Green as in the past. The scheme as outlined ill only develop swimming
in Hornsey in a very limited degree until another bath is available.
Playing Fields.
The Organisers are pleased to report that there has been a resumption of
Organised games at the playing fields on a pre-war scale. Requests for
allocation of times were made by Youth Organisations and Grammar Schols in
addition to Modern and Primary schools, it was not possible to meet the
demands. This situation will persist until additional playing field acreage
is secured. The wear and tear upon the fields is too great and it is feared
that the grass will deteriorate rapidly, particularly in view of the limited
attention the fields have rec ived during the war years.
Under present conditions some fields are used more than others. The
prevision of transport to and from schools would lead to more even use in
addition to enabling Heads to plan their time-tables more economically.
At present there are approximately 30 acres in Hornsey available to the
schools. It must be pointed out that this does not permit of organised games
lessons for all school children for whom provision should be made, A survey
of the Borough shows that additional playing fields space cannot be acquired
and it may be necessary to consider the purchase or hire of additional grounds
outside the Borough, or even outside the County areas as in the cases of
Stationers and Hornsey County Playing Fields. This suggestion mi.ht apply
particularly to grounds for the use of Youth Organisations, and thus relieve
pressure on the school grounds.
Greater stress should bo laid on the training in hygiene and general health
matters in connection with the games lesson. The Organisers, therefore, would
strongly urge that, as so, n s conditions permit, consideration should be given
to the provision of suitable changing and washing accommodation on all fields.
Improved storage facilities for both games apparatus and groundsmen's equipment
should also be planned.
Sport3 Meetings.
In reviewing the war period the Organisers wish to congratulate the schools
upon their tenacity and courage in the matter of Sports Meetings. Not only
have they continued their annur.l meetings throughout a difficult period, but
they have also accepted and developed a new Athletics Scheme which is already
ensuring a better all—round training for a greater proportion of children.
This has been achieved in spite of a shortage of experienced staff.
Inter-School Matches.
There has been a resumption of inter-school matches, and it is hoped that
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