parents belonging to the Community, who have learnt through the Community to demand for their boys and girls conditions of life which are considered by the wealthier classes essential to the well-being of children.
As an educational experiment, the Caldecott Community should become increasingly interesting, and the Directors believe that the present development may prove one means of finding a solution to the many problems of city child life. It will be possible to give the children an intelligent first-hand knowledge of country life, and to allow them a very large part in the management of their own Community. Close touch will be kept with their homes, to which they will return for regular holidays. The parents will contribute weekly towards the support of their children, payments varying according to income.
The difficulties of finding suitable premises have been great. Consequently there has been much delay. It was hoped to obtain Beeleigh Abbey, Maldon, but through unforeseen circumstances it was impossible to complete negotiations. Money which was raised for the purpose of acquiring those premises will be used for renting CHARLTON, EAST SUTTON, KENT, which has been taken for a period of five years. It is a fine Tudor building, which has recently been put in a perfect state of repair. Attached to it are seven acres of ground, in cultivation as kitchen garden, orchard, etc. It is within seven miles of Maidstone, and three miles from Headcorn Station on the main Dover line. The removal of the Community is taking place as this report goes to press, June, 1917. The School will open with thirty children, twenty-five of whom have been in the Community for several years.
A room will be set aside for the accommodation of visitors, to whom a small charge will be made for board and lodging. It is hoped that many will avail themselves of this opportunity of seeing the Community at work. They will be warmly welcomed by Directors and staff. Full particulars may be had on application to the Secretary.
Those who wish to gain first-hand knowledge and experience of the work and methods of the Community, can do so by joining the staff for a period of not less than three terms. Further information on this subject may be obtained from the Secretary.
AN APPEAL.
Now that the Council and Directors have finally committed themselves to this new venture, the Community will need considerable sums of money for capital expenditure. IN ADDITION, THE COMMUNITY’S SUBSCRIPTION LIST MUST BE DOUBLED