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engaged on assembly work sent to the centre by local firms while others work in the
fully-equipped laundry section. The latter handles approximately 6,000 to 7,000
articles of clothing and linen each week collected from more than 100 different
establishments of the Council. The laundry service for incontinent persons provided
by the Council without charge is also undertaken at the centre.
I am pleased to report that, during the year, the Education Department was
able to supply two part-time visiting teachers to provide formal education to a total
of seventeen hours per week. Nearly all trainees have benefited from this service.
The scheme in which 20 selected trainees work in a local factory under supervision
continues to be successful. Another two of these trainees were successfully
absorbed into the factory's routine during the year and are working as full-time
employees.
Another highly successful enterprise is the garden maintenance contract with a
local firm obtained in 1966. This work is undertaken by a group of trainees under
the supervision of an instructor.
All trainees are medically inspected annually and parents are invited to attend.
Matters requiring further investigation are referred to the general medical practitioner
concerned. The visiting medical officer also acts in the capacity of Her Majesty's
Appointed Factory Doctor.
During the year, a Works Safety Committee, on lines suggested by Fl.M. Factory
Inspectorate, was formally constituted at the centre—comprising a Principal Medical
Officer, the Manager, representative members of the staff, and the Council's Industrial
Safety Officer. Four meetings were held and detailed consideration given to various
aspects of safety in regard to trainees and staff. This development has served to
stimulate a preventive approach to matters of safety—of great importance at this
industrially-orientated centre, having regard to the work undertaken at the centre
and the machinery in use.
The centre was open to the parents and friends of trainees all day on Wednesday,
10th September, 1969. A record number of over 130 visitors attended on this very
successful occasion. Guests included the Chairman of the Health Committee,
Members of the Council, executive members of the Enfield Society for Mentally
Handicapped Children, and representatives of local firms with which the centre has
contact. A most interesting exhibition of the work accomplished by the trainees, both
at the centre and during their leisure hours at home, was on display. This covered a
wide range from light engineering, assembly work and woodwork, to photography
and art, etc. The exhibition demonstrated the high quality of the work done by the
trainees under the supervision of the Manager and his staff.
The third Annual Sports Day was held at Henry Barrass Stadium, Edmonton,
on Friday afternoon, 6th June. A full programme of competitions and team events
was organised by the Manager and staff of the centre. About 180 adult trainees from
the London Boroughs of Haringey, Waltham Forest and Enfield took part. Teams of
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