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Employment.
All the patients continued to be usefully employed. The
male adults made great progress, especially in Carpentry and
Boot-repairing. New occupations were commenced this year,
including the making of cocomats by the lower grade patients.
The girls were mostly employed in domestic work and sewing.
No less than 2,881 new articles were produced in the Sewing
Room during the year. No difficulty was found in disposing of
handicrafts, and the sale of articles during 1936 amounted to
£58. A special advantage accrued from the erection of th new
Scout and Guide hut which was opened in October. It was the
means of providing a class room for the higher grade boys under
16, which could not previously be arranged.
Recreation.
The new hut already mentioned, opened in October, 1936,
for the use of the Scout and Guide Troops stimulated interest in
the Companies. There is now, in addition a Troop of Cubs. A
summer camp at Clacton was arranged for 15 Scouts during a
fortnight in August, and proved a great success. It is hoped
that similar facilities will be extended to the Guides next year.
Outdoor games, such as football, cricket, netball, and tennis
were all enjoyed by staff and patients, and matches with outside
teams were occasionally arranged.
The Annual Sports Day was attended by excellent weather,
and again we were honoured by the presence of His Worshipful
the Mayor and many Aldermen and Councillors. The patients
enjoyed a very happy and exciting day, and were presented with
prizes at the close of the events. There can be no doubt that
Sports Day is remembered by the patients with great satisfaction.
In recognition of the Jubilee of the Borough, all patients,
with the exception of the very lowest grade, went by coach to
Dovercourt, and enjoyed the day in fine weather.
Christmas Day was celebrated in the traditional manner.
During the afternoon the patients were entertained bv a visiting
Concert Party.
Periodically the higher grade patients were given the special
privilege of visiting the Cinema at Grays.
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