View report page

31
Holiday Schemes
Holidays during 1956 were organised for the eighth year in succession. The resorts
chosen were Broadstairs and Southsea. In May 118 elderly folk went on holiday and in
September 103 participated.
Christmas Activities
In addition to the usual Christmas party for 200 lonely pensioners. arrangements
were made for the distribution of 100 gift parcels to elderly housebound and lonely old
people just before Christmas. The names were selected from those submitted by 16 local
organisations. The Fulham Grocers' Association very kindly provided at a greatly
reduced price the Christmas fare which was delivered in attractive carrier bags by
members of the 23rd Fulham Boy Scout Group. Assistance in parcelling up was given by
members of the Committee.
In one way the Christmas party held at the Walham Green Methodist Church Hall on
Boxing Day was disappointing There were many more "non-acceptances" than usual due
mostly to illness and on the day of the party the wet weather kept many away The 150
old people who did attend however were well rewarded by a first class Christmas dinner
cooked by the 127th London Company of the Boys Brigade and an enjoyable concert of
musical and humourous items rendered by the Toc H Male Voice Choir
The Mayor, as usual, kindly met the expenses of the party, which this year cost £88
out of his Charity Fund, and attended the party with the Mayoress.
By arrangement with the South London Catering Company all the recipients of "Meals
on Wheels" received a Christmas dinner during Christmas week
Entertainment Provided by the Council
It is of interest to record that the Borough Council during the winter period provided
12 afternoon concerts. 6 quiz concerts and 2 evening entertainments at the Town
Hall Whilst these entertainments are not specially for old people, they are greatly
enjoyed by elderly persons who form a large proportion of the audience on each occasion
During the summer the Council also provides band concerts and variety entertainments in
the parks which again are enjoyed by a large number of elderly persons.
Voluntary Visiting
The good work of visiting old people in their own homes by clubs and organisations
has continued throughout the year. Requests are regularly received from hospitals
relatives and other sources for old people living alone to be visited. In the main
these are referred to Bishop Creighton House whose 25 visitors perform most valuable work
in this field.
Home Help Service
The officers and members of the Old People'S Welfare Committee co-operate fully with
the L. C. C. Home Help Service which provides help in the house where it is needed. There
are now 92 women helpers and 2 male helpers on the register and approximately 60% of the
cases assisted are elderly persons. The number of elderly people receiving assistance
on 30th March was 453. The night help service has recently been extended in the London
area and arrangements can be made for a home help to sit with an elderly person in a case
where the doctor considers it is essential that the patient should not be left alone.