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4. Coal (F.0.P.1.C):
The Committee is registered in the Licensed Merchants Register in
relation to the district of Finsbury, as a licensed merchant to furnish
supplies of coal in quantities not exceeding 28 lbs
This coal is stored at the Health Centre and the service was used
on numerous occasions to provide coal to the aged in an emergency.
5. Mending Scheme for the Aged (F,O.P W,C,,:
This scheme provides in association with the Finsbury Employment
Scheme for the Elderly, a Mending Service for the aged There is a
definite need for this service which effects repairs to such items of
clothing as socks, underclothes etc, and is particularly useful in
respect of the male aged living alone Substantial use had been made
of the Scheme, There is no charge to the aged.
6. Ophthalmic Service:
As there were many elderly in need of glasses or other ophthalmic
treatment who found it too much trouble to make an appointment at a
hospital or other clinic, a special arrangement was made in 1956 by
the courtesy of Moorfields Eye Hospital whereby appointments could be
made on their behalf and for them to be seen with a minimum of waiting
in the hospital Each year till 1959 about thirty old persons,, and in
1960 18, had their eyes examined under this Scheme. A few domiciliaiy
visits by an optician have also been arranged, where the aged person
has been nousebound
7. Outings, Christmas Parties etc.
A number of outings in the summer, and parties and visits to a
theatre in the winter have been arranged, and given by many organisa
tions and individuals interested in the Welfare of the Elderly, as Dy
the clubs in the Borough In some cases the arrangements have been
made by the Old People's Welfare Committee
8. Patients in Hospitals S Residents in Homes (FOP W C
An endeavour has been made to keep in touch with Finsbury old
persons in hospital and Welfare Homes, and so help them to feel that
they are not forgotten, by sending them birthday ana Cnnstmas cards
and by arranging friendly visitors for them This hasish nas however proved
difficult and has only been successful to a limited extent
9. Redecoration of Accommodation (F.0.P.W.?, C
Through the good offices of an international voluntary organis
ation whose members have been willing to give their services, several
old people were enabled to have their rooms redecorated in 1957,, '958
and 1960 The cost of materials used and other incidental expenses
were borne by the Committee In a number of cases, organisations
arranged their own voluntary labour, and the FOP I.C. has born
cost of the materials used
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