Rushden TB After-Care Committee

Craft Work

Photo showing the rear of Rushden San

In 1933 Mrs Hensman was asked to give classes in leatherwork for men and beadwork for women at the San. Several shoe manufacturers in the town were interested in the scheme and either gave leather free of charge or at a very low price. The patients were to pay for the materials but would then be entitled to the proceeds of the sale of the articles made. Miss Cunnington and Mr Gardham were to assist Mrs Hensman.

The classes for women were soon discontinued as the need was not so great for them as for the men.

Two display cases were obtained by Mr Gardham free of cost to the Centre for showing the goods which had been made. One was positioned outside Mr Child’s shop in Newton Rd and the other at Mr Bates’s shop in Church St.

In 1946 the committee were able to report that “Occupational therapy for patients is a feature of care work which has developed steadily throughout the war years. That it is a part of TB treatment is recognised by the Ministry of Supply who allow a supply of leather, admittedly small, to patients for the making of bags etc.”

Occupational Therapy continued to be of great importance. Early in 1947 several members of the committee attended at the San for the opening by Lord Exeter of the Occupational Therapy Centre and Library. According to the annual report of that year "the centre for leather work was well fitted and, together with the library, was of great help to patients and both were assets to the San."

In 1949 “Much thought and planning went into the Arts and Crafts Exhibition in Alfred Street Schools in November. The effort was worth while both financially and as a way to show the public the work done by the committee. Mrs Hensman and the patients were commended for their splendid contribution to the work stall and exhibits. The committee entertained the patients and staff to tea and a concert at the San afterwards to show their appreciation.”

As late as 1963 Mrs Hensman was still “doing valuable work at the San as honorary Occupational Therapist and Librarian,” despite having just celebrated her 80^th birthday.

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