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OLD PEOPLES WELFARE
I must again stress the value of encouraging the elderly to
venture out as often as they are able. This is particularly important
where the elderly who live alone are concerned. They can all too
easily allow themselves to become careless in their personal cleanliness
and to be easily satisfied with a makeshift meal. We are fortunate
in Bermondsey that there are so many voluntary clubs catering
solely for elderly people where this class of person can find some
companionship. The Meals on Wheels service is proving invaluable
in meeting the needs of the elderly handicapped person who lives
alone. This section of the community requires a great deal of
attention from the Welfare Services. A nucleus of old people
requiring baths either in their own homes or in the Disinfecting
Station numbered approximately 44 per week during the year. The
old people who by reason of their medical condition required their
bed linen and personal clothing to be cleansed by the Laundry
Service averaged 59 per week.
Municipal Club
The Club now in its fourth year has an increased enrolled
membership of 458. This increase is due in no small measure to the
improved accommodation provided by the extension to the Club
which was completed in October. It was interesting to note that
during the structural alterations members remained loyal. They
apparently were not disturbed by the activities of the builders. The
Mayor accompanied by the Mayoress and other Members of the
Council opened the extension in November.
The Old Time Dancing classes, whist drives, darts and similar
games form the basis of the Club's weekly programme. The programme
is varied when the opportunity occurs by outings to the
countryside and visits to the theatre and the cinema. The seat price
concession for old people at many West End theatres and cinemas
enables members to visit matinee performances at a price more suited
to their pockets. The Arts and Crafts class introduced last year is
increasing in its popularity.
A part of members under the guidance of the Club Organiser
and her husband spent a fortnight's holiday in Jersey. The journey,
which was made by air, was for these people an exciting and an
adventurous one.
By arrangement with the Entertainments Officer, concert parties
have played a number of times at the Club. This form of entertainment
is always popular with the old people.
The Annual Outing of the Club and Workrooms was again to
Southsea on 21st June. The number of members attending was 152
which was slightly higher than the figure for the previous year.