View report page

- 116 -
Social Activities
Twenty-six social clubs for the elderly were organised by various
associations. The Old Age Pensioners' Club held at The Third Feathers
closed after the summer holidays owing to lack of support occasioned
by rehousing of the members.
Old Time Dancing and Arts and Crafts classes continued to be held
at the Chelsea and North Kensington Community Centre.
The main object of the clubs is to provide facilities where the
elderly of both sexes can meet in a friendly and congenial atmosphere.
Concerts, outings and other social activities are also arranged by the
club organisers. A small subscription which generally provides for a
cup of tea and biscuits is collected weekly and any balance is directed
towards the costs of outings and a Christmas party. Most clubs hold a
weekly raffle and other games, for which a small charge is made; any
profits help to offset club expenses.
The Old People's Welfare Committee arranged Christmas concerts at
Kensington and Chelsea Town Halls, which were attended by 720 elderly
persons. In addition, 2,621 Christmas parcels were distributed to
those in need through the Old People's Welfare Committee, assisted by
various organisations and schools in the Borough, The total number was
an increase of 907 on the previous year. Arrangements were made with
the management of a local store for late Christmas shopping facilities.
The store remained open until 8.00 p.m. and 400 people from the Borough
and adjoining boroughs took advantage of this facility, which was
greatly appreciated.
A party of 300 elderly people were taken on a day outing to
Ramsgate; the money for this venture was raised by the Caius Boxing
Club at a tournament held in the Chelsea Old Town Hall.
Other Voluntary Services
Some 70 'freelance' voluntary visitors have been engaged during
the year in visiting regularly one elderly person each. Also, the very
active Good Neighbours schemes have expanded to cover most of the
Borough. Over 160 voluntary visitors from churches in the Borough of
all denominations, as well as individuals, are providing a very valuable
contribution to this work. Both individual volunteers and volunteers
attached to the Good Neighbours schemes have shown an increase of 50%
during the past year and there is reason to believe that an even larger
number of volunteers will be forthcoming in the future. An essential
feature of a voluntary visiting service, particularly where more than
one scheme is functioning, is good co-ordination. This has been
materially assisted by the Council's Liaison Officer for Voluntary
Services whose help and advice have been warmly welcomed by many
voluntary organisations.
It is of interest to note that during the past year some 25 talks
have been given to organisations and groups of people regarding the
welfare services available to the handicapped and elderly of the Borough.
The Voluntary Appeals Committee was formed as a sub-committee of
the Old People's Welfare Committee and during the year arranged two main
money raising projects. In April a 'Spring Market' was organised at
the Chelsea Old Town Hall and resulted in the sum of £765. The proceeds
are being used to meet urgent needs of the elderly which cannot be met
from statutory or other sources. To help meet the cost of an increased
number of Christmas parcels for distribution to the elderly, the Committee
arranged a Grand Christmas Draw, which showed a profit of £126.