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when this is not in use for the cleansing service, on two afternoons
in the week. Although appreciated by some, relatively little use has
been made of it, the number of attendances for this purpose being only
27 in 1955.
Nursing services have been provided by the Metropolitan District
Nursing Association and these have been invaluable to the aged sick.
A very close liaison has been maintained with the Health Department
and this has proved most useful. The Council has given a grant
towards the extra expenses involved by the Association in this way.
Many of the aged, particularly those who live alone, are apt to
take insufficient food not only because of expense but also because of
difficulty and trouble involved in preparing a satisfactory meal for
one. Dinner services have been instituted through voluntary associations
throughout the Borough. A grant is given to the associations
to cover their expenses and a further grant is made by the London
County Council to enable the meals to be supplied at a cost of lOd,
per head to the aged. This service, which commenced Immediately
after the war, has been gradually extended, and in 1955 20,019 dinners
were served. The centres in operation which are open on 3-5 days a
week are:-
1. Women's Voluntary Service, 68, Exmouth Market, E.C.1.
2 British Red Cross Society, Old People's Centre,
9, Walmsley Street, E.C.1.
3 Field Lane Institution, 16, Vine Hill, Clerkenwell Road, E.C.1.
4, Claremont Central Mission, White Lion Street, N.1.
5. St. Clement's Hall, Lever Street, E.C.1.
In addition a mobile dinner service for housebound persons was
inaugurated in 1949 through the medium of the Invalid Kitchens of
London, This has also been extended and now serves some 40-50 old
persons a day from Monday to Friday. The number of meals supplied
in 1955 was 11,391.
In 1949 a holiday scheme which has proved an unqualified success
was inaugurated Grants have been given by the Council to various
holiday homes and voluntary organizations whereby any old person may
have a fortnight's holiday at the seaside or in the country,, The
nominal charge established for the individual is 10/-d. a week and
travelling expenses are paid for. Arrangements are made for the contribution
to be saved during the previous winter by savings stamps if
desired. In 1955 holidays were arranged in Walton on the Naze,
Clacton, Ramsgate, Brighton, Leigh-on-Sea, Herne Bay, Cliftonville,
and 80 men and 221 women benefited.