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17
In this way a holiday was provided for 304 persons comprising
31 married couples, 59 men and 183 women, at a total cost to the
Council of £2,032.
The Scheme proved an unqualified success as was evidenced by
the large number of appreciative letters received, and in other ways.
I repeat once again and emphasise the observations which I made
in previous reports on the operation of the scheme.
"That a holiday at the seaside or country benefits considerably
the permanent health of the individual, builds up the body for the
winter months and is of considerable value sociologically. All this
apart from the pleasure and enjoyment given to the aged persons at
the time."
(3) The Council continued to encourage all Voluntary Organisations
in the Borough to extend the services available to the aged for
meals and recreation. Grants which were made on the basis of reports
made to the Council on the work of each organisation amounted in
all to £1,340 between sixteen organisations.
(4) The Finsbury Employment Scheme for the Elderly continued
to develop and to expand during the year, and many firms continued
to co-operate generously by providing work.
It had long been apparent that the premises leased at 352 St.
John Street were not sufficiently large or suitable and convenient
to serve the increasing needs and appeals had been directed towards
securing funds for the purpose of acquiring larger and more satisfactory
premises.
As a result of generous donations from various charitable
sources, it had been possible to erect a substantial prefabricated
building on an available site near the Town Hall. This new Work
Centre named "Brooke House" at 39/41 Gloucester Way, E.C.i.
was formally opened by the Rt. Hon. Lord Horder, G.C.V.O., M.D.,
B.Sc., in November of last year.
This new building will enable the work to be continued under
better conditions and to be extended to cater for about twice the
number of old people.