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The scheme organised by the Ministry of Food for the provision
of Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin Tablets and Orange Juice to expectant
mothers and children, has been steadily developed since its inception
and it now entails a very large weekly distribution.
The Local Food Office have made arrangements for volunteers to
be in attendance at 13 distribution points in addition to the Infant
Welfare Centres.
The "take-up" of these issues varies very much in different
districts, but the periodical statistics furnished by the Ministry of Food
show quite conclusively that Beckenham is among those areas with the
highest percentage. The figures for the period ending November,
1948, show that the issues were:—
Cod Liver Oil 619 bottles representing 61.65% of the
possible issues.
Vitamin Tablets 141 packets representing 64.68% of the
possible issues.
Orange Juice 2,397 bottles representing 71.92% of
the possible issues.
The numerous volunteers who undertake this work are to be congratulated
on their public spirit as all medical opinion is agreed upon
the importance of these additions to our present dietary.
Free Milk to Necessitous Cases.
The supply of milk for children under 5 has been taken over by the
Ministry of Food. The Milk Officer reports that since the Scheme came
into operation, a very large number of permits have been issued.
Voluntary Helpers.
We are much indebted to the many ladies who gave most valuable
assistance at the Beckenham Welfare Centres. At all Centres there was
a band of volunteers who attended regularly and undertook a great deal
of work which made it possible for the nurses to concentrate on giving
advice and instruction to mothers. Some of the workers had been
helping for periods of 10—20 years. Volunteers who were assisting when
the service was transferred to the Kent County Council are listed below.
Town Hall Mrs. Buckley Mrs. Dungay Mrs. Hone
Mrs. Susans
Baths Mrs. Gummer Mrs. Lambert Mrs. Muttridge
Mrs. Newman Mrs. Petrie
Alexandra Mrs. Abbs Mrs. Clark Mrs. Davieson
Mrs. Foster Mrs. Fry Mrs. Groves
Mrs. MacWilliam Mrs. Morgan
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