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60
Social Activities
Pirates Spring Holiday. It was deeply regretted that it was
found necessary to cancel at short notice the arrangements for the
holiday at Dymchurch this year because some of the children developed
a throat infection a few days before the departure date. The decision
was only taken after careful consideration of the difficulties involved.
It was a great disappointment to us all and a most difficult task to
explain to the children. The possibility of a later holiday was
explored but it was not possible to obtain satisfactory accommodation
at such short notice. We are most appreciative of the understanding
of all the parents and we look forward to a successful holiday in 19&7.
Outings. A combined outing for parents and children was arranged
at the Salvation Army Playing Fields, Sunbury. The cost of this outing
was paid by the Kingston and Richmond Society.
The adults in the workshops attended an Ice Show in January.
A Harvest Festival service was held in the Kingston Parish
Church arranged by the Centre Supervisor and the Reverend E.M.Pilkington.
Many of the pupils attended a demonstration at the fire station
at the invitation of the local branch of the Fire Brigade.
Recreation in the Centre
A Nativity play was performed by the children at the training
centre, for parents and friends. By special request a repeat performance
was given, attended by girls from Greycourt School, Ham, Rivermead School
for boys, elderly people from the borough's welfare homes, and staff from
the Health and Welfare Department.
Separate Christmas parties were given to the junior and adult
pupils. The Mayor and Mayoress and the Reverend and Mrs. Pilkington
attended the junior party. At the adult party, entertainment was
provided by the Queen Mother's Pipe Major, Mr. Leslie de Laspd, who
attended in full ceremonial dress, performing Scottish sword dancing
and selections of music on the pipes. Parents were present on each
occasion.
Visitors
The training centre had an opportunity of entertaining
several visitors during the year, including Dr. Matarozza from Italy,
representing the World Health Organisation, and the Mayor and Mayoress
of Richmond. A mistress and several pupils from Tiffin Girls' School
paid us a visit. They presented the training centre with £10. which
the girls had collected at the school. They suggested that the money