Bedfordshire Archives Service Catalogue
  • Reference
    X682
  • Title
    Records of Bedford Mencap
  • Admin/biog history
    In 1955 the only facilities In Bedfordshire for people with learning difficulties was Bromham Hospital, most mentally handicapped children were excluded from school and there was no special clubs or holidays. In 1955 the Bedford & District Society for Mentally Handicapped Children was formed (later Bedford Mencap) with the aim of providing better facilities for all people with learning difficulties. Within two or three years of its formation, the Society was starting the events which were to become annual favourites, for example, in May 1957 the first holiday to Overstrand had been organised. The progress of the society is represented by the following time-line which shows the commendable work of the charity against the developments of the local authorities: Date Mencap Provided Facilities Statutory Provided Facilities 1956 First Christmas Party 1957 Holiday to Overstrand 1958 Starlight Club started 1959 Mencap Nursery Started 1964 Bedford Centre Opened 1966 First Mencap Year Book Education provided for all children for first time!! 1970 St.Johns School opened 1971 Social Services Dept. formed 1973 Beds Times reports 'Ministry axe projects for handicapped' 1974 Christmas Fair 1975 Welfare Visiting Scheme Holiday Chalet bought 1976 Smiley Club opened 1979 Foxgloves opened 1981 First French holiday Orchard House opened 1982 Rainbow School opened 1983 Park Gateway Club 1986 South Lodge opened 1987 George Beale House 1988 Kempston Centre opened 1989 Sparkle Club 1990 Bambergh exchange 1992 Two new homes 1993 Community Care begins
  • Reference
  • Level of description
    fonds
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