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I do not think enough praise is given to the staff in the Nursery who quietly continue to
do their duty even if this involves coming in early on frosty mornings to see that the Nursery
is as warm as possible by the time the children arrive, or staying late in the evening (sometimes
taking a child home) because a parent "has forgotten" to collect the child at the end of
the day.
From the decorations and the festivities at Christmas at all five Nurseries it was
obvious that the children who were fortunate enough to have attended had been given every
opportunity to express themselves in various ways as well as enjoying their time with other
children.
Work Centre for
the Physically
Handicapped
Mr.Butler, Manager of the Centre, writes:-
I should like to start my report concerning the centre, by saying that the past year has
been a very happy one at Roberts Hall.
The Centre has expanded all round since our last report, and over the year 30 or 40
more people have been able to take advantage of the Centre. Unfortunately some have left us,
but for some this has been for personal advantage. They have been placed in open industry.
The woodwork section has been kept busy, in fact a hive of industry, with orders for
the Borough, i.e. seat benches, show cases and shop for Essex Hall. Many orders were the
direct result of the 'Sales' at the Town Hall etc. These are very successful.
The handcraft section is also trying to keep pace with the numerous orders placed at
the 'Sales' and the 'open week' held at the Centre.
Work has been moving very well in the Industrial Section, the Plessey contract has been
bringing in a lot of work, and has kept all machines working flat out. Unfortunately this
contract was almost lost during the Industrial dispute. A wider variety of work has been
received from the other factories. One of the newer jobs we have obtained is packing Air Line
cutlery kits.
Our outing this year went with a swing. This year we took two parties of 70 people on
consecutive days to Folkestone, and luckily the weather held for us. Everybody seemed to
enjoy the trip, which made all the effort that went into it worthwhile.
Just before Christmas, we had our Christmas Party which went down very well. It was
another two day effort. To finish the year we all joined one of the girls in celebrating her
21st Birthday. The expenses all being paid for by her parents.
The League of Friends have progressed well over the last year, and have held several
fund raising functions. They were presented last month with a van by the Walthamstow Round
Table, for the use of Roberts Hall, for the collecting of work etc. A very nice gesture.
In closing we should like to thank Dr.Wright for coming to our Christmas lunch, and
also for the help and understanding from the department as a whole. May this continue throughout
the coming year.
Birkbeck Adult
Training Centre
Mr.W.P.Everard, Manager of the Centre, writes:-
The current number of trainees is 101. During the year one girl was placed in open
employment.
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