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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 630
elderly persons. In addition, 2,556 Christmas parcels were distributed
to those in need through the Old People's Welfare Committee, assisted
by various organisations and schools in the Borough. Arrangements
were made with the management of a local store for late night Christmas
shopping facilities. The store remained open until 8.30 p.m. and
300 people from this and adjoining boroughs took advantage of the
opportunity which was greatly appreciated.
A party of 300 elderly people were taken on a day outing to
Brighton; cost of this venture was met by funds raised by the Caius
Boxing Club at a tournament held in the Chelsea Old Town Hall.
Other Voluntary Services
During the year some 114 unattached voluntary visitors have been
visiting regularly one elderly person each.
The very active Good Neighbour schemes have expanded to cover most
of the Borough. Over 277 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 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 eighteen
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 which was formed as a sub-committee
of the Old People's Welfare Committee continued their money raising
projects. In November, a Michaelmas Fair was organised at the Kensington
Town Hall and resulted in the sum of £1,130. 6s. 9d., being given to the
parent body. 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 for collection boxes to be
placed in public houses etc., and the sale of suitably inscribed book
matches. Together these efforts raised a sum of £193.
The Kensington Day Centre Limited
Close liaison was maintained with the Centre, which has a membership
of 350 elderly and handicapped persons. It is open each weekday
and provides recreational facilities and occupation therapy, a
chiropody service, hairdressing and bathing facilities, library services
and mid-day meals. Attendances average sixty per day.