Patients Leisure Activities

Although recreation was not an essential part of the treatment, patients were encouraged to participate in leisure activities. Patients could build their strength up on leisurely activities and sports; these would often relieve the long boring months in the sanatorium while waiting for treatment.

A period wireless set In 1933 a wireless set was installed with headphones to all the beds on the adult wards and in Oakwood Hall a Library, to the delight of the patients. The radio, like cinema and the paperbacks, brought a whole new culture to many who had previously had very little culture of any kind. Many recreation facilities could be found the sanatorium. Snooker and table games like cards and dominoes were also very popular. Indoor patients enjoyed activities such as billiard to the delight of the patients a full size billiard table was installed. In 1935 an amateur billiard championship was held at Oakwood Hall. British Empire exhibition billiards matches were staged and the most famous players of their time took part. The billiard match was said to be well attended by patients and was the talk of Oakwood for weeks. Many music concerts were also given at the sanatorium and these often occurred during the long winter months. The library was a great source of entertainment to the patients, 350 books a month were read by patients. This was a great delight to patients who were not fit enough for the more active recreations the sanatorium offered. Handicraft work was also undertaken by patients, a lot of these items were sold to raise money for the sanatorium. Handicraft work included the making of wooden toys, basket making and knitted items. The children were occupied during the day at school, and during the evenings the boys were very active with the Boys brigade and scouts. The girls became brownies and guides.

VAD male and female Cricket team The sanatorium had a number of outdoor sports, patients being involved in games such as putting, croquet and bowling. It also had a full size tennis court and land was appointed in the ground for the used of a football pitch and playing field. An active cricket team was also run at Oakwood. Patients who were well enough could help with gardening and growing flowers; the fruit and vegetables were used in the sanatorium. Some patients enjoyed a walk along the lake in the sanatorium grounds or walks in the nearby woodland.