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In our industrial workshop we have successfully increased our output for the three local
firms with whom we have dealt with for some years.
In the handwork workshops we have again been busy, keeping pace with the large
volume of orders received during the year. The continued support speaks well for the high
standard of work produced in this department.
With our two trainee instructors returning from their year's course as qualified staff we
have been able to widen the scope of our educational classes and the special care unit to the
benefit of the trainees.
In September, 44 trainees and 7 staff from Birkbeck and Queens Road Centres went to
St.Marys Bay Holiday Camp for a week, in many cases this is the only holiday trainees get
and it is found to be very beneficial in the respect of mixing with other people and managing
without parental backing. During this week the remainder of the trainees and staff of Birkbeck
Road Centre spent a pleasant day at Colchester Zoo.
In January the entire Centre went to the Wembly Ice Show, and all trainees were
del ighted.
The Essex Training Centres Sports competitions have now developed into a 2 division
football league and netball league. In the latter the Birkbeck girls were runners up.
In the Essex Centres Annual Sports at Basildon the combined team from Birkbeck and
Queens Road won the trophy scoring most points, for Waltham Forest. Thus repeating their
success of 1969.
Yet again considerable progress has been made during the year and it is confidentially
expected this will continue in 1971/72.
Queen's Road
Adult Training
Centre
Mr.L.W.Hammond, Manager of the Centre, writes:-
The number of trainees attending the Centre on January 1st, 1970 was 60.
On 31st December, 1970 this number remained stable at the same figure.
Our annual increase has in past years remained at 8 per cent, and I have to report a
loss of four trainees from this Centre during 1970.
One has moved from the district, another has been transferred to another Centre within
the authority, and unfortunately two have died.
I understand from Mrs.Knight that two or three trainees will be coming to us from her
Centre during 197 I.
Staffing
Staffing problems have made the year a difficult one, sickness being the main cause.
One member was absent for three months, and another for a total of 23 weeks which included
three periods in hospital.
Another member of staff resigned during the year due to pregnancy.
Two other members of staff began a one year course at Chiswick College.
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