TRAINING IN HANDCRAFTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 170, 21 July 1939, Page 2

TRAINING IN HANDCRAFTS

( RIPPLED CHILDREN’S SOCIETY GIRLS’ CLUB AS A BRANCH Some time ago the idea of having a girls’ club as a branch of the Crippled Children's Society was mooted; now it has been formed and the club started. It has a membership of about fifteen .girls, whose ages range from 12 years upwards. The idea ot the club is to give scope for the development of individual talent in handcrafts. The girls conduct their own meetings and deal with the business part most capably. The club is supported by the Crippled Children's Society, being a branch of the work. It. is hoped that the club can be built up to something quite large, and there are dreams of having a club room of their own some time in the near future for the fortnightly meetings which are at present held at the home of the president, Mrs. W. S. Rennie. As the president had been ill with influenza the girls gathered this week at the home of Sister Enid Aitken. Also present, were the vice-presidents, Miss Fowler and Miss M. Wallace. Miss Ashmore, who offered her services as instructress for fancy work, was present. It, was interesting to -see th? handwork under way. One girl who has the use of only one hand has almost completed a cushion cover in coloured embroidery worked with heavy cotton. Wool rugs, knitting of all kinds, appliqued flowers, embroidered articles, cosies, beautifully worked guest towels, and a household mop mad? of many colours in wool, and forming an article of beauty as well as for utility. These are just a few of the articles that are in the making. The idea is to make anything that has a selling value, for it is intended to display the work for sale and it is also hoped to put it on display at the Centennial Exhibition. There are handicrafts to suit all tastes and they are designed to give the crippled girl some trained occupation in the work they like and are capable of doing. This fine experiment is supported by the Crippled Children's Society ond interested friends are doing all possible to make up for the deficiencies due to bad health and handicap and helping them to self expression. For the girls who are unable to attend the meetings they are kept in close touch with the club with reports of the business dealt with, accompanied with a cheery letter telling of work done and other little interests to hearten their lives.