London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Barking 1938
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Barking]
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18o
Number of Attendances and Certificates Gained.
| Year. | Attendances. | Certificates. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Baths | Park Pool. | Total. | 100 yds. | 50 yds. | 30 yds. | |
| 1935 | 22,366 | 1,468 | 23,834 | 318 | 435 | 624 |
| 1936 | 23,672 | 1,763 | 25,435 | 358 | 483 | 564 |
| 1937 | 21.646 | 1,519 | 23,165 | 300 | 428 | 528 |
| 1038 | 20,942 | 1,170 | 22,112 | 228 | 382 | 445 |
The bad weather conditions seriously affected
attendances at the Park Pool, but the loss of 704
attendances at the Public Baths was largely due to
restrictions placed upon the number of children per
teacher (20) and the total number of children allowed
in the bath (40). These limits were imposed in order
to increase the efficiency of the instruction.
A proof of the need for further accommodation for
swimming instruction was afforded by the number of
applications received for permission to organise swimming
classes outside the limits of the ordinary school
sessions.
7. Out of School Activities.
This report would be very incomplete without some
reference to the splendid voluntary service rendered by
members of the Barking Schools' Central Sports Association.
The activities organised by this virile Association
contribute much towards the maintenance of the health
of Barking children. After seeing large queues of
children lined up for admittance to the cinemas on
sunny Saturday mornings it is some consolation to
reflect that over 300 boys will be chasing footballs at
the Lodge Avenue Playing Fields. The great value of
possessing a large centrally-placed playing field has
been amply demonstrated and excellent use has been
made of the facilities provided at the Lodge Avenue