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the exception of the Juvenile Organisations Committee and football and
cricket clubs, there were few activities or facilities for those of post-school age.
As a result of this survey the first meeting of the newly formed Edmonton
Physical Training Area Committee was held to approve the formation of
" Keep Fit " classes on lines suggested by the Organisers. Leaders with
some experience of recreative physical training were appointed by the Area
Committee to take these classes, and two courses for men and women were
taken during the year.
Classes for the general public started on 10th January and were held
in various school halls in Edmonton. The classes began with very small
numbers, and response from the factories was poor. The organisers then
tackled various Ratepayers' and Tenants' Associations, etc., and also addressed
the Rotary Club at their weekly luncheon. From this last source
came the idea of a dance for members of the " Keep Fit " classes and their
friends. This was held at the Regal Cinema on the 7th and 8th April, and
1,500 people attended.
The numbers in the classes gradually increased until there were over
900 on roll by Easter. It was considered wise to continue the classes during
the summer, and this decision was justified. Some groups played games,
but on the whole these were not satisfactory, as they had to use the playgrounds.
After the long break from July to September the classes were
resumed on 26th September—crisis week—since then they have never recovered,
and although most of the centres are still open, the decrease in
numbers is due in no small measure to the calls of National Service and
extra working hours.
Juvenile Organisations Committee.
Suggestions and help have been given to the Juvenile Organisations
Committee when and where required, and very happy relations exist between
the organisers and the various groups of the organisation.
Facilities for Post-School Work, and Adult Recreation.
Under the Physical Training and Recreation Act of 1937, Local Authorities
have been given very wide powers for the provision of buildings and
the granting of facilities for adults.
The organisers are responsible for discovering what facilities are necessary
for games, swimming, and recreation of all types in the district, and
for putting forward suggestions to the Local Authority so that all sections
of the community, whether tenants, ratepayers, Juvenile Organisations Committee,
or educational bodies, should benefit from any scheme which may be
put into operation.
Thus the organisers feel that co-operation between the Borough Authorities
who could provide the facilities and organisers who would provide the
recreation for the people would result in a growth of that section of the
community who are public spirited enough to wish to help any scheme which
provides healthy recreation for the leisure time of all grades of society.
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