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59
It is also probably in order to record here that any profits accruing from
the sale of the first thousand copies of the History of St. John at Hackney by
Mr. F. C. Heward will be handed to the Nursery. These are all deeply valued
sources of help and assistance and it is of course most gratifying to see that the
Nursery is regarded as such an indispensable adjunct of our particular community.
It was in this spirit that Mr. Noel Gaten of "The White Hart Hotel,"
Clapton, organised a most interesting billiards match between Mr. Graham
Symes and Tom Newman, and the Richmond Revellers under the direction of
Mr. Alec Brown and Mr. Jack Brown gave their wonderful Revue. The enthusiasm
of the audience on this latter occasion was perhaps the most fitting tribute
to its excellence, but let it be said that apart from the resultant handsome
contribution to our funds the producers and artistes responsible are to be very
heartily congratulated upon their polished performance and in every way clever
production of a great entertainment.
Now a word about the alterations which have been carried out. The
Trustees of Dr. Spurstowe's Charity graciously gave their consent to the sugges
tion that the wall between the gardens of the adjoining almshouses and the
garden of the Nursery should be demolished. Now that this has been done and
railings erected in its place the beneficial increase in light and air is very
noticeable. Some re-furnishing and interior re-decoration has been done with
good effect, and the provision of a pram shed in the front garden has proved to
be most useful. The back garden has also been paved throughout, and the
asphalte covering since it dries so much more quickly after rain, enables the
garden to be used much more frequently by the children than was formerly the
case. In fact, the whole premises have now acquired an even better aspect
of efficiency and utility.
Financial assistance has been received by means of grants from various
Cinemas, support has been received from the Hackney and Stoke Newington
Chamber of Commerce; the Clapton Tradesmen's Association; The Laura
Tennis Club, and many other local organisations. It is no part of this Report
to extend thanks to any of the long list of those who have taken a part in the
establishment, organisation and conduct of the Nursery, but to mention them
that it may be seen how widely appreciated are the benefits to the Community
which are provided by such an Institution. All the same those thanks are
rendered and with deep-felt gratitude by all those in intimate contact with the
Nursery.
Furthermore, it must be noted that our most deeply appreciative thanks
are offered to His Worship the Mayor, the Aldermen and the Councillors of the
Hackney Borough Council for their continued and much valued support, and
we do most sincerely thank them all for the interest shown in the Nursery.
And now just a final word of special thanks to all those friends who rallied
round and helped us on our "First Pound Day," and particularly to those ladies
who so devotedly help with voluntary service throughout the year.
It is only to be expected and most earnestly to be hoped that with such
increasing recognition being duly accorded, wider fields of support will be opened
during the year, and thus the scope of our activities may be successfully extended.
C. FISHER YATES
Chairman.
MATRON'S REPORT.
1935 has been a very busy year for the Hackney Day Nursery.
During the year the Nursery was open—231 days—there were 2,073
attendances of babies under two years of age and 4,106 attendances of children
from two to five years of age, making a total of attendances of 6,179.