LKE FITNESS

Collection: Papers of Leonard Knight Elmhirst
Level: Series
RefNo: LKE/FIT
Extent: 2 boxes
Title: LKE Fitness
Date: 1937-1939

Leonard Elmhirst's records of the National Fitness Council and the National Fitness Campaign, accumulated while serving at the invitation of Lord Aberdare as a member, and later, as chairman of the National Advisory Council for Physical Training and Recreation Area Committee for Devon and Cornwall (1937-1939). Materials in this series include pamphlets; programmes; press cuttings; publications; reports; grant applications; minutes; memoranda; regional reviews; and bulletins.

AdminHist:The National Advisory Council for Physical Training and Recreation was established in 1937 and suspended in 1939 due to Britain's involvement in World War II. In 1937 it was the Government's intention to supplement existing health and educational services by promoting measures for the improvement of the 'National Physique'.

These measures included the appointment of the National Advisory Council for England and Wales to survey existing facilities for physical training and recreation, and to suggest ways by which the needs which are revealed may best be met. At the same time, the Government appointed a Grants Committee to advise on the expenditure of additional funds for these purposes. The Physical Training and Recreation Act, 1937, provided for the establishment by the National Council of Area Committees. The main functions of the Area Committees were to assess need, to stimulate interest in physical training and recreation and encourage the promotion of better facilities; to consider regional grant applications and to forward them with recommendations to the Grants Committee.

See the online catalogue for item level descriptions reference LKE/FIT