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Every effort is made to introduce into the lives of the trainees all those
activities that the non-handicapped person enjoys - or perhaps takes for granted.
The activities of the Centre are as follows:-
Industrial Work
(a) One firm supplied the Centre with small electrical motors which
the trainees dis-assembled into constituent parts. Eightpence
was received for each motor.
(b) Another firm supplied the Centre with thousands of plastic caps.
All it was necessary for the trainees to do was to close the
caps - apparently no machine can do this. For every 1,000 caps
closed, 2s.6d. was received.
The total amount of money received during the year for these contracts
was approximately £166, and this sum was divided equally amongst all the
trainees. We are very grateful to the two firms who co-operated with us
in this way, and who also allowed our trainees to visit the factories
concerned.
Handicrafts
Handicrafts are an important activity in the Centre because they
utilise so many of the normal physiological activities of the body
(limb manipulation, eye - limb co-ordination, etc.). The handicrafts
consisted of leather work (wallets, purses, etc.), woodwork (stools,
ottomans, etc.), basketry (baskets, trays, etc.), needlework (cushions,
etc.).
Domestic Science
In rotation, each boy and girl is taught laundry work and cooking
utilising the needs of the Centre itself as work material. The
usefulness of this training in the homes of the trainees is obvious
and goes some of the way to making their home a normal one. Other
teaching activities which can well be included under this heading are
how to use a telephone, the Highway Code, and regular shopping
expeditions.
Social Activities
The most important item under this heading is the evening social
club started in September. Parents are encouraged to come whenever
possible. The attendance was very good, and so we hope to hold this
social evening every week, instead of fortnightly as at present.
Dancing lessons are given regularly, and the period after lunch
is frequently occupied by the boys and girls dancing together to music
from a gramophone.
In June, all the trainees and staff spent an enjoyable day at the
seaside - Minnis Bay, Kent. In December, all the trainees and staff
attended a variety show in London's West End - it was enjoyed by all.
There were two Christmas parties - one for the trainees during
the day, and another for trainees and their parents, relations and
friends in the evening.
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