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During 1968 our Junior Training Centre had a varied programme in spite of the highest
staff absence through sickness ever, the Centre only being fully staffed for three weeks out
of 43. Four students came from the Training Council for six weeks practical training and all
passed their assessment examinations on their work with us. Also 121 students visited in
groups for half or one day observation periods.
Outings - All the children and staff went to Shoeburyness for one day during July, the
weather was fine and a good time was had by all. Three "mystery" afternoon coach tours
were also enjoyed by a majority of the children and staff. Holiday excursions by bus and
tube for the benefit of the experience were made and, except for the very young children, a
lot of fine weather time was spent in the park and forest near to the Centre. Nineteen children,
including several with multiple handicaps, and five escorts had a happy holiday of one
week at Winterton-on-Sea, Norfolk, in September.
Exhibitions - During what must have been the wettest June week ever recorded, there
was an exhibition of the children's artwork and handwork at the public library in Church Lane,
Leytonstone, which approximately 600 people visited. A successful climax to the week was
the showing of the film of the Borough's Health and Welfare Service in action.
Parents9 Afternoons - From the 14th March, 1968, a series of Parents' afternoons was
arranged. Four or five parents, whose children attend the Centre, and two or three parents
whose children for various reasons are not yet able to attend the Centre, received invitations
to visit the Centre for a cup of tea and to talk over their ideas and problems. Dr.Richards
advised upon medical and related matters. Mrs.Knight dealt with educational and training
queries. These sessions proved valuable to all participants.
Entertainments - Three parties were indulged in - one during the Spring term because
everyone felt like it, one to end the summer term and the third at Christmas. Throughout the
year five film shows were given. The films shown were those taken at the Centre and on
outings.
The four student teachers gave a puppet show for the children - twice - by popular
demand and, although both occasions were hilarious and several children actually wet themselves
through laughing, the effort everyone put into the venture was well worthwhile.
Work on the new Junior Centre in Hoe Street started during the year.
Adult Training
Centres
On April 1st, 1968, the Birkbeck Adult Training Centre had 102 trainees (64 boys and
38 girls) and Queens Road had 54. During the year one boy and one girl started work from
Birkbeck and are still working. Three Essex trainees transferred to the Loughton Centre and
five Redbridge trainees transferred to the Redbridge Centre. Two others left and also four
left the Queens Road Centre which however took in eight more during the year, finishing the
year with 36 boys and 22 girls.
During the year they have carried on their high standard of work and have received
many orders in their handicraft workrooms and carried out a steady flow of work for local
factories. Queens Road report a marked increase in output.
In September, 26 trainees and five staff from the two centres went to Dymchurch Holiday
Camp for a week from which the trainees received great benefit and their parents a welcome
break. An outing to Maiden from Birkbeck for the day and outings to Shoeburyness and High
Beach from Queens Road were a great success.
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