Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for West Ham]
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Although the Camp is rather far from the sea, this proved no
drawback to enjoyment; in fact, rather the reverse, as the children
thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful, shady, tree-lined walk to the
sea.
The liners, ships of all kinds, yachts, seaplanes, etc., added
interest to the seashore, and the short trip to West Cowes by
motor launch for a penny or by the floating bridge for a halfpenny
return, was a source of much pleasure.
The esplanade with its paddling pool, grassy slopes, playground
and the trees shading it make it an ideal spot. The bathing
is good and safe, and the sea is warmer than at Dymchurch.
The district abounds in so many places of interest and beauty
that it was difficult to choose which to visit, and the fortnight
proved all too short to do more than visit a very few. Excursions
were arranged for every dav. These included visits to Carisbrooke
Castle and Osborne House, for which permits had been
previously obtained by the Education Committee. These visits
were thoroughly enioyed bv all; the donkeys and the well at
Carisbrooke, and Swiss Cottage and the grounds at Osborne
House were great attractions.
The coach trip to Alum Bay was very popular, as also was
a trip to Shanklin and Sandown by train ; while some of the most
affluent managed a trip to view the liner "Majestic" in Southampton
Dock.
Walks to such places as West Cowes, Gunard Bay, Newport,
along the river bank, Woodside, Whippingham, were common
to every day. It would be impossible in a short reoort like
this to give an account of all the places seen by the children, but
I really was amazed at the amount of walking cheerfully done
and thoroughly enioved in order to see as much as possible of the
island in the fortnight.
On account of the many facilities for enioyment outside, the
time actually spent in Camp was very little. In the evenings after
the day's outing's, games were organised and were as popular as
ever—stoolball this year being' first favourite-—while the little
swimming pool in the camn grounds was full at every opportunity.
Jhe usual dormitorv frolics were indulged in—community singing,
concerts, etc., finishing with the usual staff entertainment.
The food supplied at camp was good, well cooked, and
adeouate. Meals were well served and alwavs punctual. Packed
lunches or teas were provided to order, and hot meals provided on
the return of those who had been out for the day.
The weather was excellent, glorious sunshine prevailing until
the last dav, when unfortunately we had a verv wet journey home.
The health of the girls was exceptionallv good—no sickness of
any kind needed attention.
In this reoort I should like to sav that though I have enioyed
camp manv times. I think this the most eniovable one I have
experienced, and from the visits I have had from parents and the
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