Infant Welfare

Nurse Margaret Atkinson at work - 1960

The Infant Welfare Centre was started in 1917 and continued until 1970. From the 1930's until at least the 1950's clinics were held at the Baptist Assembly Rooms. The purpose of Infant Welfare was to improve the health of children at a time when when childhood illnesses were often far more serious than those suffered by children today, and infant mortality affected a greater proportion of the population. The organisation came into its own during the Second World War; amongst its activities were the distibution of orange juice and dried milk and the weighing of babies. Activities ceased with the opening of the Medical Centre and a clock was purchased with the remaining funds. This was presented to the Council and is situated on the front of the Council Offices.
Burton Latimer Infant Welfare Group - 1926
Burton Latimer Infant Welfare Group - 1926
These members are meeting at the Rectory.
The Infant Welfare Centre annual tea - 1931
The scene at Preston Hall after the distribution from the Christmas Tree at the annual tea of the Burton Latimer Infant Welfare Centre in 1931.
Wartime Infant Welfare Clinic - 1941
Wartime Infant Welfare Clinic - 1941
Mothers and children outside the Baptist Assembly Room.
The Baptist Minister Revd.McNaughton has his back to the camera and a W.O. of the Inns of Court Regiment, which was stationed in the area in the early days of the war, is looking on. Wearing a dark coat is Mrs Lil Lewis; Mrs Lil Richardson can be seen between the two men and Mrs Jessie Mills is on the right of the picture.
Infant Welfare Helpers - 1950's
Infant Welfare Helpers - 1950's
Standing: Mrs V Sawford, Mrs G Stokes, Mrs E Borman, Nurse Jackson, Mrs L Lewis, Mrs S Giles.
Seated: Mrs H Thurlow, Mrs G Cooper (wife of Baptist Minister), Mrs D Pentelow, Mrs E Freestone.
The photograph was taken at the Baptist Assembly Rooms where the clinic was held.
Infant Welfare Nurses and Helpers - 1950's
Left to Right: Mrs Topsy Turner, Nurse Jackson, Mrs E Freestone, Mrs D Pentelow, Mrs V Sawford, Nurse Capps, Mrs D Chambers, Mrs Downing, Person Unknown, Person Unknown, Mrs Lil Lewis.
Infant Welfare Centre Tea Party - January 1931
Infant Welfare Centre Tea Party - January 1931
Held in the Preston Hall. Bob Lewis, who supplied this photograph, wrote: "I am the third child from the right, with my mother just to the right. The child on my right is,
I believe, my cousin, Peter Toseland. His mother was
Elsie Fox, my mother's sister".
Infant Welfare Christmas Party - 1935
Infant Welfare Christmas Party - 1935
A Christmas Party for mothers and children who attended the Infant Welfare Clinic at the Baptist Assembly Rooms.
Among those present are Mrs York, Mrs Coleman,
Mrs Burley Mrs Toop and Mollie, Mrs Bull and Mrs Darnell.
An Infant Welfare party during the 1950's
An Infant Welfare party during the 1950's
2nd left is Sylvia Russell, 3rd right Mrs Lane,
2nd right Jean Childs and extreme right Peggy Pearson.
Infant Welfare Helpers Relax - c1970
Infant Welfare Helpers Relax - c1970
Lady helpers at Burton Latimer Infant Welfare Clinic and some husbands. From left to right: Doreen and Fred Pentelow, Edna Freestone, Hilda Thurlow, Person Unknown, Grace and Walt Stokes, Muriel and Walt Clipson.
Nurses Atkinson and Punyer - 1981
Midwives at Burton Latimer from 1956 for about thirty years and very keen bowlers, as can be seen from the outfits.

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