London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

View report page

Walthamstow 1939

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Walthamstow]

This page requires JavaScript

33
demands were made upon the funds in the preliminary stages of the
evacuation. During the months of August and September, 1939.
over 300 pairs of boots and shoes were distributed to Walthamstow
scholars at *a cost of approximately £100.
"In all, over 1,050 pairs of boots and shoes have been distributed
to school children during the 12 months at an approximate
cost of £330."
(d) The Honorary Secretary of the Mental Welfare and AfterCare
Committee sends the following report compiled by Miss S. C.
Turner, of the Mental Welfare Section, Essex County Council:—
"The Junior Occupation and Training Centre under Miss Drury
and the Craft Class for senior boys under Miss Carol Wood remained
open until the summer holiday. Rapid changes which followed
the outbreak of war are the outstanding features of 1939.
"Occupation Centre children were not included in the Government
Evacuation Scheme, so a limited scheme was carried into
effect by the Essex County Council on the 6th September, 1939.
A surprisingly small number of those eligible. 17 out of 39, took
part in the scheme, although in many cases parents had arranged
the private evacuation of their defectives.
"The evacuees who could not be admitted to one of the branches
of the Royal Eastern Counties Institution are in the care of staff
from the various Occupation Centres at Chandos Hall (for senior
lads) and at Brandon House (for girls and juniors), Clacton. Five
children have returned home. The parents of a few who were
prevented from participating in September now wish them to join
the evacuated parties, and it is hoped that some may be enabled
to do so when accommodation becomes available.
"In the case of defectives whose parents sent them away
privately, efforts are made to keep in touch through members of
the family at home. In other cases they have been referred for
continuance of supervision to the Local Authority in whose area
they are staying.
"The following gives the numbers in the various categories of
children normally resident in Walthamstow:—
Under statutory supervision 112
Under guardianship 2
On licence 6
Under voluntary supervision 213