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A grant was made to each of the homes to cover the cost including
the railway or coach fare and their necessary travelling expenses
less that amount which the individual was required to contribute.
Arrangements were continued with the co-operation of the Red
Cross Society and Women's Voluntary Service for those aged persons who
so desired to save through the medium of Savings Stamps the amount
or part of the amount they would be required to contribute towards the
cost of the holiday. Stamps were on sale at the Health Centre Red
Cross and Women's Voluntary Service Centres and in all a considerable
sum was saved by aged persons.
In this way a holiday was provided during 1957 for 290 persons
comprising 32 married couples 56 men and 170 women at a total cost
to the Council of £2 265 Holidays were arranged at Ramsgate Brighton,
Bognor, Leigh on Sea Clacton Margate Worthing and Walton-onthe-Naze.
The Scheme proved an unqualified success as was evidenced by the
large number of appreciation letters received and in other ways.
I am of the opinion that a holiday benefits considerably the permanent
health of the individual builds up the body for the winter
months and is of considerable value socialogicallyl All this apart
from the pleasure and enjoyment given to the aged persons at the time.
(iii) Meal Services
(a) Many of the aged particularly those who live alone are apt
to take insufficient food not only because of expense but also because
of the difficulty and trouble involved in preparing a satisfactory
meal for one. Dinner services therefore have been instituted
through voluntary associations throughout the borough., A grant is
given to the associations by the Council to cover their expenses and
further grants are made by the London County Council and Finsbury Old
People's Welfare Committee to enable the meals to be supplied at a
cost of tenpence per head to the aged. During 1957 a total of 19 903
meals were served from such centres,. 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.l
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 EC 1