Spenborough Cripples League, Voluntary Welfare Committee
The following source list was originally available only on paper in one of the West Yorkshire Archive Service offices. It may have been compiled many years ago and could be out of date. It was designed to act as a signpost to records of interest on a particular historical subject, but may relate only to one West Yorkshire district, or be an incomplete list of sources available. Please feel free to add or update with any additional information. |
In 1911 Mrs Rebecca Sugden gave the disabled a gift of 5 shillings each, as part of the celebrations for the coronation of George V. The letters of gratitude were so moving that Mrs Sugden decided to visit many of the recipients.
She found them needing occupation, diversion, encouragement and treatment and so gathered together a band of helpers and the 'Cripples League of Love' was founded. Each helper undertook to visit the disabled and render any help that might be needed.
In May 1918, Mrs Sugden's mother [Mrs Ellison], to celebrate her Golden Wedding, gave the premises at 22 Bradford Road as a clinic. In 1924 Brookfield House was purchased and became known as the Ellison Clinic. By 1924 the annual expenditure was £900 a year and over 300 cases received attention, by 1939 it had risen to £1250 and 563 cases. Every case was referred from local doctors and every month Mr James Phillips examined patients and prescribed treatment.
In 1947 the clinic was taken over by the Ministry of Health and the regional Hospital Board took control. The work of the volunteers continued until 1991.
This collection is held by WYAS Kirklees, collection reference KC600.