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42
aspect of the hygiene of games training, and whilst the temporary
pavilions and amenities provided at Salisbury Hall have served a
very useful purpose, the need for a supply of hot water has been
strongly felt, especially during the winter months.
"One of the chief advantages of controlling our own grounds
is that it is rarely necessary to exclude children on account of major
repairs or seasonal changes in games markings, which can be carried
out during the school holidays. We much appreciate the valuable
co-operation of the Parks Committee for granting facilities for
school games in parks and recreation grounds, but these playing
pitches are often closed for long periods because they are considered
unfit for use, and for the re-marking of pitches at a particularly
valuable school training period at the beginning of each autumn
term.
We would, therefore, urge that every effort be made to
acquire at least twelve acres of the valuable centrally situated
Chestnuts site for school playing fields under the Education Committee's
control. Much time is now taken in travelling to and
from the playing fields, but with sufficient accommodation all
school games could be arranged at the end of either the morning
or afternoon school session. This would have other important
advantages besides the saving of valuable time, and regular use of
playing pitches for more than two occasions per day is undesirable
if turf is to be maintained in good condition.
"The provision of concrete practice wickets at Salisbury Hall
and Billet Road made it possible to organise cricket practices of
real training value, and the opportunities provided for intensive
batting practice were much appreciated by teachers and boys.
The senior girls readily realised the 'carry over' value of informal
tennis and cricket practices, and the majority were able to provide
themselves with some type of racquet.
"These improved facilities should do much to ensure that the
vast majority of children will, before leaving school, acquire
sufficient skill and pleasure in performance to create a real desire
to take an active part in games, instead of merely filling in coupons
about them.
"An indication of the growing interest taken in games was
given during October when approximately 200 senior girls from
East Ham, Barking, Walthamstow and Willesden took part in an
interesting 'handball' tournament at Salisbury Hall. Provided
that the competitive element is rightly controlled, these gatherings
are of great value to teachers and children.