THE HERITAGE CRAFT SCHOOLS [To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.]
SIR,—Last year you were kind enough to allow me to write about the work which Mrs. Kimmins is doing at Chailey for crippled children, and I hope that this year you will again permit me to remind your readers of an institution which has been well named " the public school of crippledom."
In 1932 the sum of £25,000 was raised for the new St. George's Buildings for boys, and they were duly opened by the Prince of Wales on July 19th. I shall long remember that ceremony, for it seemed to me to set the seal on Mrs. Kimmins' life-work, and to endorse her claim that Chailey is indeed a public school, because not only are bodies strengthened and minds educated there, but also character is being formed, and ideals of service and sacrifice.
It is the spirit of the Heritage Craft Schools which counts. A distinguished audience had come to hear the Prince's speech, and the-scene was full of colour and life. To stand up before such an august assemblage would- daunt many a man in the prime of life and health. But some of those who made speeches had to be wheeled before the Prince on their stretchers : they had come out of great tribulation, and pain had ennobled their faces and steeled their nerves they carried their suffering like a blazon : they held _them- selves as straight as their remedial harness would allow and spoke openly, clearly, fearlessly : the whole atmosphere was heroic. I am sure that every one of us present was impressed by the bearing of these children. But the sight of those maimed boys and girls who were yet so alert and confident was one for sorrow as well as pride.
Recently I have again visited the Heritage Craft Schools, and seen St. George's Buildings as the centre of the activities of 150 boys. The great dining hall there is one of which any college might be proud, and all the equipment is up to date and the best of its kind. Unfortunately, although the buildings have been paid for, the furnishing,and access..irces have not, and there is a debt which Mrs. Kimmins would like to wipe off as soon as possible. Then there is the cost of converting the old Kitchener huts into a recreation centre : that has been done; but, the account rendered can only Le met by small instalments. I wish someone would sett',. this amount in full. Anyone who sees, as I did the othtr day, how greatly the boys enjoy playing billiards on the miniature tables there, will know how to lay out a few guineas to advantage. Also there is the inclined way, of which t wrote last year,. which will "oneday be built frornthe solarium where the very sick patients lie all day, • to St. Martin's Chapel, so that they may be carried down to hear, the word of God. That is a thing of the future, but it will be accom- plished : Mrs. Kimmins has already collected and spent nearly half a million pounds : we shall not deny her and those who depend on her for happiness, and even life itself, the few extra thousands required to round off the good work. Chailey is now near completion. ' Another all000 will clear it of debt : then Mrs. Kimmins will be able to devote herself wholly to the children, instead of spending half her time in begging on their behalf.
Nowadays, when we are all poor, we may ask why the State should not provide for such a necessary service as the care of children who have been injured largely as a result of our way of life in cities., The answer is that the State does provide certain sums for treatment and education, but that it cannot replace the individual care and the enthusiasm of voluntary work. By- all means let us lessen in every way we can the terrible burden of mental and physical defect which weighs on us owing to' reckless marriage, overcrow&mg,' dark slums; artificial foods, and so on. But meanwhile the children born of such conditions are here. Many of them can be cured and made into upright, self-respecting citizens, and the process is at work in the Heritage Craft Schools. I have• seen a good many hospitals in various countries, but 'never another like this ; there is something here beyond the excellent site and the modern equipnient which only untrammelled personal attention and deep devotion could secure. I have also seen many soldiers in my life, but none braver than these children drawn from the poor of all parts of England. We who have .so much that they will never pOssess should feel privileged to contribute something towards their happiness.
A dinner is being held in London (next Wednesday, I believe) at which Mrs. Kimmins will make an important announcement concerning the Heritage Craft Schools. I will not anticipate what she has to say, but I know that she will be glad to explain her hopes and plans to any reader of The Spectator who cares to make enquiries. Her address is Chailey, Sussex. And if readers would pay her a personal visit, I am sure that they will think that I have understated the beauty of what she is doing.—I am, Sir, &c.,
Previous page
