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The Willesden Division of the British Red Cross Society and the Women's Voluntary Services,
religious and other organisations in the area run clubs for the old folk, arrange outings to the seaside and to
the theatre, and their members visit them in their homes.
The meals-on-wheels service organised by the Women's Voluntary Services is probably the most
important service for old people. The Borough Council purchased two heated food containers and individual
meat dishes at a cost of £70 and placed a driver and van at the disposal of the Women's Voluntary Service
when required. The cost of transport is recovered from the Willesden Old People's Welfare Committee (see
next item). This additional equipment enabled many more old people to be supplied with meals during the
year. 8,098 were prepared and delivered, compared with 5,763 in 1957. Only two meals a week are supplied
to each person; the aim is to give a hot meal to old people five days a week in all parts of the borough. At
Christmas 95 old people who were being helped by the meals-on-wheels service received a free Christmas
dinner.
Willesden old people's welfare committee
The Willesden Old People's Welfare Committee was formed in April, 1958. The Committee has a
membership of 19, ten representing the Willesden Borough Council, 2 the Middlesex County Council and 7
representing Willesden organisations concerned with the welfare of old people.
The objects of the Committee are to expand the meals services (both meals-on-wheels and at clubs);
the chiropody services; recreation facilities in the form of clubs, holidays, entertainments, visiting, etc; and
any other activity to serve the interests of old people. The Council set aside £3,000 for the Committee's use
in the estimates for 1958/59 and further provision is being made in the estimates for 1959/60.
The Committee purchased a refrigerator for the Women's Voluntary Services for use in the mealson-wheels
service kitchen and also pays on an hourly basis for a Borough Council vehicle to assist in transporting
the meals.
A paid organiser was appointed and will commence duty in 1959. It is then hoped to expand the
services for the aged.
BURIAL OF THE DEAD
In accordance with the provisions of section 50 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, arrangements
were made for the burial of nine persons during the year, at a cost of £112.5.1, £50 being recovered from the
relatives.
PUBLIC MORTUARY
Post-mortems were performed on 519 bodies, followed by an inquest in 102.
78 inquests were held on Willesden residents but only 17 of these were held in the Coroner's Court
attached to the mortuary. The remainder were held at Ealing.

Improvements to the heating, lighting, hot water supply and ventilation in the post mortem room
were carried out in February and March. Three infra-red heaters were installed, strip lighting with wander
lead was fixed above the post-mortem table, an additional water heater was provided and the air extractor fan
replaced. This work cost £120.
In July the refrigerator plant broke down and the Council authorised the purchase of a new plant
costing £193.
LICENSING OF HAWKERS
Hawkers of food and premises used by them for storage accommodation must be registered by the
Council (section 11 of the Middlesex County Council Act, 1950). 23 licences have been issued to hawkers
(19 selling fruit and vegetables, 3 selling fish and 1 selling miscellaneous foods). There were no new licences
issued in 1958.