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"There are now two Needlework Classes, one at each Centre,
both meeting on Tuesdays. That at the old Centre is presided over
by the Chief Health Visitor, and that at the new by Miss Sandeman
and Miss E. Ross Baxter, the latter a most valued voluntary worker.
It is charming to see some of the toddlers in pretty knitted frocks,
coats, overall knickers, etc., and the babies now wear knitted
frocks, in addition to other woollies. A special effort is made to
induce those expecting a first baby to attend, in order that their
infant's clothes shall be made of suitable material and from good
patterns. Several have taken advantage of this. Mothers are
taught to cut out and make up their children's clothes and are
encouraged to do things on their own at home, and to show the
results at the Class. Also attention is given to the making of new
garments from old—a favourite economy being the making of
Liberty Bodices from 'father's Army pants!'
"There were 608 attendances at the Needlework Classes, and
about 480 garments were made. The afternoons are made enjoyable
by tea and cakes, being supplied at cost price. Mrs. Price and Miss
Blay, at the old, and Miss Williams, at the new, Centre, very kindly
manage the teas. It is a fact that the social side of the Needlework
Class is a very valuable feature. To many mothers it is the one
bright item in the week.
"It is appropriate to mention here that we sell hand-knitted,
long-sleeved, woollen vests for babies. These are made for us
according to our instructions, with wool supplied by the Centres.
We are much indebted to the following for their help in this connection:
Lady Baddeley, Miss Biggs, Mrs. Collen, Miss Gardiner,
Mrs. Smyth, Mrs. Shepherd, Miss Thorne, Miss Turner and Mrs.
Walters. Also the Head Mistresses of the following schools, who
have vests knitted for us in some of the classes: Southgate County
School, Palmer's Green; Princess May Road L.C.C. School;
Wordsworth Road L.C.C. School.
"With regard to Voluntary Societies operating in the Borough,
most useful to the Centres is the Dispensary, which does extremely
good work among uninsured patients. Many of the mothers and
children attending the Centres attend there for treatment. There