A
Sunday Afternoon At
Heatherwood Hospital School, Ascot
The following article was published in the special schools journal pre 1948.
This torn page from the journal was among the items received from Ruby Brook.
It was a dismal wet Sunday in November- but outside the ward only. Inside
brightness and happiness filled the room. Flowers, bright against copper beech
leaves were everywhere. Colourful leather and felt articles, made by the girls
themselves, made brilliant splashes of colour. Even the golliwogs and giraffes
seemed to be enjoying the proceedings, as they gazed un-winking at the girls,
with their tidy trim figures and merry faces and their parents, sitting in
little clusters round the ward.
The head mistress Miss Cannon, began to speak of the daily service of worship in
the ward and of the girls pleasure in good music. The sad, sweet “ Air on the G
string ” brought with it a feeling of solemnity and worship and the clear voices
of the girls soared as they sang “ Brother James Air ” and “ Jesu, joy of mans
desiring ”. The readings which included animals and even insects in their
blessing were from the book of proverbs, from “Hiawatha “ and “ the ancient
Marriner “. As the lovely words of the Te Deum floated on the air, the voices of
the parents mingled with those of the children in the hymn of praise.
Miss Henry, Red Cross Commandant, a great friend to all the patients and the
staff of the hospital, had kindly consented to present the gifts to the girls.
She and all of us were delighted that there was a gift for every girl, for all
had excelled at one or more of the many varied pursuits their teachers provide
for them. Then it was the turn of the teachers to receive gifts from the parents
and children. After the bouquet from the school to Miss Henry had been presented
by Betty McKimmie, bouquets of lovely chrysanthemums against a background of
beech leaves and asparagus fern, were the gifts to the teachers. As Lily
Culverwell, the smallest pupil came limping stolidly down the ward there was a
loud burst of applause. A vote of thanks to Miss Henry, proposed by Matron,
followed, and this was seconded by Mercy Dixon, who gave the impression that she
had been making speeches all her life, she spoke so confidently and sincerely.
A spontaneous tribute to the work of the hospital was paid by Mr Britton;
Sheila’s father. He made us see clearly the parents point of view, the anxiety
that the child would miss it’s chance of learning and social training whilst in
hospital. He told us of his own thankful relief when he knew that his own child
was to be cared for mentally as well as physically. He said he felt that the
teachers did more than their job, and he asked God’s blessing on their work. The
quiet sincerity of his “ God bless you all “ brought tears to the eyes of many.
The parents were then invited to inspect their children’s work and to view the
display of handwork. They were told they would see all the children’s efforts as
nothing had been kept back; where upon they eagerly availed themselves of the
opportunity. They must have thrilled with pride at the courage of their girls,
who make so little of their disabilities and in spite of them, produce such a
volume of excellent work.
Thus ended a very happy afternoon, medical , nursing and teaching staffs
intermingling with the parents and the patients, at one in their common desire
for the general well-being of the girls in their care.
Back to Top
