3-077-806 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

"Children's Happy Evenings," conducted at London Board schools by Mrs. Jeune and other ladies, 1890. 'An association has been formed, by some wise and kind-hearted ladies, to provide evening amusements for boys and girls in the London Board schools, inviting those who have the best records of attendance at the studies and conduct in school hours. Mrs. Francis Jeune, a lady whose writings on topics of social charity have frequently gained public notice, is one of the active promoters of this scheme, which has been cordially supported by others; the honorary secretary is Miss Edith Heather-Bigg. The London School Board has willingly allowed the use of the school premises, also supplying gas free of charge, while the Association has had to furnish a pianoforte, and some bats and balls, toys and pictures, and a little decoration for the rooms, as well as tea and cakes and bread-and-butter. Several ladies and gentlemen endowed with musical or other talents have exerted themselves to entertain the children; and the dancing, in which all have freely joined, seems to be particularly enjoyable...Already, in Marylebone, this reward has caused the school attendance to improve five per cent'. From "Illustrated London News", 1890.