19 OCTOBER 1934, Page 18

A PHYSICAL FITNESS CRUSADE

[To the Editor of TILE SPECTATOR.]

SIR,—I was much interested in reading Doctor Griffin's article on Physical Fitness in your last issue. In it he mentions the work done by the Boy Scout and Girl Guide Movements, and I feel site that he will like to know something of the develop- ments in this connexion which have taken place in girls' voluntary organizations throughout the country under the direction of the Physical Training Department of the National Council of Girls' Clubs.

Owing to the generosity of the Carnegie Trustees and the National Council of Social Service, the Council are able to have four Physical Training Organizers, two of whom are • concerned with work in Girls' Clubs in the British Isles whilst two are working exclusively among women and girls affected • by unemployment in Lancashire. The former have been working for the past four and a half years, developing a - system of physical training which, besides giving the girls - exercises and enjoyment, encourages in them a greater interest

• in physical fitness for its own sake. There is little doubt that the present-day girl will take a great deal of trouble to keep herself fit if the means arc presented to her in an attractive form. The training of leaders for " Keep Fit" and similar classes is carried on by the Physical Training Organizers so that the " village hall and city club room " arc in fact being used for the purpose suggested by Doctor Griffin.

Nearly 4,000 girls' clubs are affiliated to the Council through the local unions of girls', clubs and National Societies, such • as the Young Women's Christian Association, the Girls' Friendly Society, Fcc.; with a total membership of over 300,000.

As a culmination of four and a half years' work, a demon- stration is being arranged at the Royal Albert Hall, at

7.30 p.m. on December 8th, at which the Duchess of y„rk has graciously consented to be present. This demonstration will, we hope, show to the general public that we, a, an organization, are endeavouring to play our part in seviiring a fitter and more alert generation of girls, and so safeguard the future mothers of the nation.—I am, Sir, yours faithially, National Council of Girls' Clubs, Chairman. 3, Bloomsbury Place, W .C.1. ELEANOR KEA NI;