THE . VOCAL THERAPY SOCIETY
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sm,—The Committee of the Vocal Therapy Society, whose work there is good reason to believe has done much to restore shell-shock patients to normal condition (in several cases actually restoring speech) are greatly disturbed by the fast approaching closure of hospitals, which must deprive the meri of centres of instruction and 'choir practices. When this occurs, these unhappy beings, although nominally cured, in many instances will be subjected to a severe strain in crowded and uncomfortable home surroundings, without the possibility of carrying on what has proved a health-giving interest.
In these circumstances the Committee have taken a bold step. They have leased a house in Osnaburgh Street, not far from Portland Road Station, conveniently situated with regard to trams and omnibuses, as a meeting place for dis- charged patients, where Vocal Therapy classes, choir practices, -and instruction in various handicrafts can be maintained. The teacher from Ewell Hospital, now closing down, will live there, and an old choir member will act as caretaker. The men themselves have long been petitioning us for some. thing of the sort, and their satisfaction is great at the thought that they can once more meet, and work, and sing, at what may be described as a Convalescents' Club. The experiment moreover commands the full approval of the authorities. In fact, one medical officer on hearing of the scheme remarked : " It will do a good deal towards preventing the men having to return to hospital."
The Committee are naturally delighted to find that their new venture enjoys so good a Press. Their satisfaction is, however, alloyed by one consideration. It is already sufficiently difficult to find the funds to keep the Vocal Therapy Society and the King's Services Choirs in being. And it is no small problem to discover how an additional sum is to be raised to meet the modest, but inevitable, expenses of the " London Central Choir." In our hours of blackest need we have, however, always found that the public has come to the rescue. We cannot believe that they will fail us now, and, that just as these men have regained their footing they will be allowed to slide back into that awful slough of despond from which we hoped they were delivered. It is,
therefore, to your generous contributors, Sir, that we venture to appeal. The most trifling sum addressed to myself, The Lady Burghelere, 80 Green Street, Park Lane, London, W.1, or to the Secretary, Vocal Therapy Society, 27 Grosvenor Place, London, S.W.1.. will be promptly and gratefully acknowledged.I—I am, Sir, &c.,
WINIFRED BURCHCLERE.
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