THE CALDECOTT COMMUNITY.
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sia,—May I draw your attention to an educational and social enterprise of unique interest which is in danger of having to close unless timely help is forthcoming—the Calde- cott Community? The Caldecott Community is a boarding school for working men's children—the first of its kind. It has developed from a Nursery School started twelve years ago in London. In the English Review for March the following arresting statement is made : "The root cause of our physical degeneration is unnatural urban environment. Its worst effects could be destroyed at one blow by the establishment of National Boarding Schools in the country and at the seaside." For seven years the Caldecott Community has been demonstrating the possibility and the practicability of this type of school. It has provided a healthy country life and a sound education for forty London children. The work of the house, the garden and the farm is done by the children in co-operation with the staff. A good " general " education is given, and the intellectual standard attained has been
most satisfactory. Several children have passed on to secondary schools and done well, while others have taken up definite vocational training with success. The school is co-educational, and the health record is excellent.
Owing to entirely unforeseen circumstances the Community is obliged to leave its present home near Maidstone and at short notice find new premises. It has no endowment, and no funds upon which to draw for this unexpected expense. 18,000 is needed immediately to procure permanent buildings if this inspiring educational venture is to be saved. It would be little less than a calamity if this pioneer school should have to close for lack of a little support after twelve years of fine work. As Treasurer of the Community may I appeal to your readers to assist me in raising this comparatively modest -sum, and in raising it without delay ? I shall grate- fully acknowledge any contributions, however small, which may be sent to me ; and I shall be glad to forward full particulars of the work done by the Community, and of its future plans, to any who may be interested enough to write to me at Charlton Court, East Sutton, Maidstone, Kent.—
I am, Sir, &c., WILFRID STOKES.
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