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We are getting more applications than we can deal with, and
unfortunately our domiciliary service can only be a three-monthly one.
We were disappointed that with the introduction of chiropody into the
Health Service we were not able to expand this branch of our work.
There is a real need for several more sessions a week, but up to date
we have not been given a grant sufficient to expand.
Outings
Outings have been numerous during the year. Coach trips to
Brighton, Wittering, Albourne, Southsea; a river trip from Reading to
Henley; visits to the Palladium and the Whitehall Theatre by coach
these are some of the high-lights, and in addition there have been
many parties and entertainments at St. Alban's Hall.
Choir Festival
The Festival for old people's choirs for South London was once
again held in Crossways Mission and again Southwark took part,
Seaside Holidays
On Saturday, 16th May, 118 old people went to Bognor for a two
weeks' stay by the sea. We were again able to take three very severe
arthritics who were accommodated in a convalescent home belonging to
the Bermondsey Mission. They were taken down in our own car and driven
around during their stay. They were able to join the rest of the party
at functions and outings specially arranged for their entertainment. We
were glad for these badly crippled old people to have the opportunity
of a holiday - accommodation for arthritics is difficult to find as all
too few ground floor rooms are available in the hotels.
We are indebted to the Mayor of Southwark for his grant of £500.
This made it possible for so many old people to have a holiday at such a
low cost.
Comforts Fund
During the year we have supplied, out of our Comforts Fund, a
variety of articles, among others invalid foods, blankets, clothing,
and have paid for convalescent holidays in needy cases. In addition,
old people visited in hospital have received gifts of flowers, sweets
and fruit. We have been able to meet all genuine requests for help
largely thanks to the generosity of those who have sent donations to
the Old People's Welfare Committee during the year.
We hope that many more people who are interested in the welfare of
the elderly will support us by sending donations, so that we may be able
to widen the scope of this very important side of our work.