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The Dame Colet Voluntary Infant Welfare Centre., and Dame Colet House.
On 1st April the Dame Colet Voluntary Infant Welfare Centre,
Duckett Street, was taken over by the London County Council. This
voluntary infant welfare centre was commenced in 1916 in Emmott Street by
the St.Paul's Girls' School Union for Social Work, Mrs.Carew Robinson
being the Hon,Secretary until her death last year.
The centre was transferred to new premises in Duckett Street in 1926.
Prior to the war there were nine voluntary infant welfare centres in
Stepney and with the closure of the Dame Colet centre none now remains.
The first voluntary centre. the "Stepney School for Mothers and Babies",
started in Stepney before the commencement of this century. The successful
pioneer work of the Voluntary Centres brought about legislation which
enabled Local Authorities to open municipal centres following the Maternity
and Child Welfare Act of 1918.
Since the war the activities of the Dame Colet Centre were mainly
concerned with infant welfare work and health visiting, but prior to the
war numerous other services were provided including an artificial sunlight
clinic, a father's club, sewing and keep fit classes.
On 26th June,Her Royal Highness, Princess Margaret, opened the newly
built Dame Colet House in Ben Jonson Road, which includes a large Communal
Hall (The Frances Gray Memorial Hall). A club is provided for girls,
and a luncheon club for old persons including up-to-date catering facilities;
but the infant welfare work is now carried on by the London County Council
at the premises in Duckett Street, which will eventually be transferred to
35, Stepney Green.
SPECIAL REPORTS.
A special report was made to the Physical Training and Recreation
Committee of the Council by the Medical Officer of Health during the year,
concerning The Manor House Holiday Centre, Sandgate, Kent, proposed to be
established under the Physical Training and Recreation Act, 1941.
STAFF CHANGES.
The following staff changes took place during the year:Ceased
Duty:
Clark, W. Mortuary Keeper. 13th April (deceased).
Dixon, W.J. Orders & Requisitions Clerk. l6th June (deceased).
Walker, T,T. Rodent Investigator. 7th October (retired).
Commenced Duty:
Giddings, H.A. General Clerk. 15th Hay.
Nunn, B.L. General Clerk. 15th May.
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