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The last coach outing was to Southend to view the illuminations
and this proved a very enjoyable finale to the season.
As part of the Winter programme of activities, trips to various
West End theatres were organised, and in November a party attended
Billy Smart's Circus at Clapham Common. In each case Club
members were able to take advantage of considerably reduced
seating prices.
Arrangements have also been made with various companies
supplying preserves and provisions for their products to be made
available to the old people at specially reduced prices.
A Harvest Festival was organised by the Headmistress of
Laxon Secondary School and pupils were invited to bring gifts of
tea and packed groceries which were kindly presented to the Club
and which were greatly appreciated by everyone.
Music for the Club is provided by relay wireless, the cost of
installing which was generously donated by the girls of Fawcett
House, Aylwin School, who have adopted the Club as part of their
aim to assist local social activities. Three receivers are in operation
and the service is much appreciated, particularly by employees in
the Workrooms, who enjoy "Music While You Work" programmes.
December 16th was the date chosen for the Club's Christmas
Party, and approximately 170 sat down to tea. The Mayor very
kindly accepted an invitation to the party and attended with the
Vice-Chairman of the Public Health Committee and the Vice-
Chairman of the Council for the Welfare of Old People. Carols
were sung during tea by girls from the Aylwin School and entertainments
during the evening included a concert party, Old Time
Dancing, a sing-song and games, for which prizes were given.
Each old person received a gift, and also a bag of fruit and sweets on
leaving. The party was a great success and has prompted a request
from Club members for a monthly social, to take the form of a
whist drive followed by a tea and a social evening.
The Club was open on Christmas Eve and. after the mid-day
meal, there followed a sing-song and the distribution of sweets and
groceries.
The value of the Workrooms cannot, of course, be overemphasized.
The benefits deriving from this project cannot be
measured solely in terms of financial gain to the old people concerned
(for, while, like nearly everyone else, they are not unappreciative
of an increased income, shortage of money is not one
of their main worries) but more from the feeling of well-being
imparted by the knowledge that they are continuing to lead a
purposeful and active life in the community. It is worthy of note