The year 1920 saw the inauguration of the Ash Child
Welfare Centre, and it was held in the Parish Hall. This was Mrs
George Day’s special care. The centre began in a very small way
under the auspices of the District Council, but with the passing of
the years it grew to considerable proportions.
Mrs Day was much loved throughout the village, where she
took an active part in its social life until she was obliged to
relinquish her activities during her husband’s illness. She worked
on the Child Welfare Committee for well over 20 years and during that
time great improvement in the condition of the children was evident,
they were better cared for and more sensibly dressed. The centre was
concerned with the care of the children until they reached school age.
Her fellow committee members were |
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Mrs Fulford, Mrs F. Anstiss and the
late Miss Hood.
On Mrs Day’s retirement the work was
taken over by Mrs F. Goodwin. She was helped by Mrs Meager and Mrs
Vigo. Up to the year 1947 the District Health Visitor and Doctor
attended. After the National Health Scheme came into operation the
District Nurse also helped. As time went on there were so few new
babies in the Village that the County decided in 1951 to close our
clinic and have a central one at Hartley for the surrounding villages,
and transport is provided for the mothers.
Up to the outbreak of the Second World War a clinic party
was held every year at Christmas with a Christmas tree and tea. After
the war this custom was revived and continued until the clinic closed
down. |