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Social training included trips to the Tower of London, Mayesbrook Park,
and many shopping excursions which involved travelling by train and bus.
Many children continue to receive swimming instruction, and most of the
school attend the physical education class. Both the swimming and P.E.
classes are held at the Barking Regional College of Technology.
Our association with the R.M.S. Arlanza flourishes. Captain Gibbons
attended the children's Christmas party, and other members of the crew have
made social calls. Captain Gibbons presented the children with a huge Christmas
cake made by the cook of the Arlanza. In turn, the children collect reading
books to replenish the ship's library. The visit by the children to Wembley to
see "Cinderella on Ice" was also made possible by the goodwill of the Arlanza
crew.
Local old age pensioners were invited to the Harvest Festival and the
produce was given to them and others who were unable to attend this service.
During September we were happy to welcome Mrs. Mitson as a new member of
staff in a temporary capacity replacing Mrs. McKenzie, who had gained a place
on a teacher training course. Miss V. Green also joined the staff, filling
the vacancy created by Mrs. Mathews.
Visitors to the school have included:-
Dr. Balbal - Philippines
Miss Willis - Tutor, N.A.M.H. Course
Students - Guy's Hospital
Students - Chiswick Polytechnic
Health Visitors
Pupils from Fairlop Secondary School.
The Speech Therapist pays a weekly visit to the school, and routine
medical inspections are undertaken by Dr. Burgess, School Medical Officer.
During the early part of the year, structural alterations were made at
Castle School to provide a small special care unit for physically handicapped
sub-normal children. This unit was opened on the 24th April when four children
were admitted; two cot cases, a girl aged six and a boy aged fifteen, and two
chair cases, boys aged twelve and fourteen. At the end of the year, there were
four cases on the waiting list for admission, but arrangements were in hand to
admit a further two cases to the unit at the beginning of 1968.
Westfield Psychiatric Social Club
Aims of the Club:
1. To provide a stepping-stone between illness and isolation on the one
hand and good mental health, re-socialisation and integration into
the community, on the other.
2. To widen the interests of the members and thus stimulate them into
outside activities on their own initiative.
3. To provide a regular meeting point for staff and members in a social
setting.
4. To follow up with introduction to outside clubs.
During 1967 the average attendance increased by 80%.
In January we were able to move to new and larger premises, the Day Centre
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