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24
Not only does the holiday provide pleasure at the time but it is
enjoyed for a long time both in anticipation and in retrospect and
does much to preserve the mental and physical well-being of those who
participate.
In 1951 an Employment Scheme was inaugurated by the Council in
association with The Employment Fellowship. Through this scheme
remunerative employment for those of the pensionable ages has been
provided. The lecture hall in the Health Centre was used at first
but after about six months in September 1951 premises were leased at
352, St. John Street and work was provided for some 60 persons working
in 2 shifts of two hours five days a week. In view of the success of
the enterprise and the unsatisfactory nature of the premises, a prefabricated
building was erected on a site in Gloucester Way. This
was made possible as a result of a number of generous benefactions
The new centre opened by Lord Horder in 1954, has proved eminently
satisfactory in every way and is able to give room to some 110 elderly
persons.
The work undertaken by the elderly has been mostly outwork on
behalf of many firms who have generously co-operated but some articles
have been made for sale to the trade or direct to the public.
The persons employed have been of an average age of 72 and those
not able or not sufficiently strong to be engaged in the normal labour
market but very happy to be occupied with useful work under sheltered
conditions.
A small wage amounting to 10/-d. a week which is slightly more
than the actual value of the labour has been paid.
This scheme has not only brought joy and happiness to many
elderly people but has been of great value in preserving their health
of mind and body.
The Council has given grants to a number of clubs and organizations
in the Borough in respect of various services conducted by them
on behalf of the aged.
These organizations are as follow:
British Red Cross Society
Claremont Central Mission
Clerkenwell & Islington Medical Mission
Family Welfare Association
Field Lane Institution
Finsbury Mission
Finsbury Old People's Welfare Committee