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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 organisations and individuals interested in the Welfare
of the Elderly, as by 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 (F.O.P.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 Christmas Cards and by arranging friendly visitors for them.
This has however proved difficult and has only be successful to a
limited extent.
9. Wireless (F.0.P.W.C): (i) The Wireless for the Bedridden Society; The
Committee has continued to act as Sponsor in respect of applications
received from bedridden or housebound Finsbury aged persons desiring
wireless facilities provided by the above Society. A number of new cases
have thus been able to enjoy the sound programmes in 1962.
(ii) Wireless Relay Services: The Committee has continued to finance the
provision of a Wireless Relay Service for the use of the hundred and
twenty aged persons participating in the Finsbury Employment Scheme for
the elderly, at 'Brooke House', 39/41 Gloucester Way, E.C.I. and at the
Women's Voluntary Service Meal Centre in Exmouth Market, E.C.I. These
have been much appreciated by the elderly persons using the Centres.
The Committee entered into an agreement in 1956, with the two Relay
Wireless Companies which cover the greater part of the borough, whereby
relay wireles facilities are provided for elderly persons at a reduced
rental,the Committee to be responsible for ensuring that each aged person
has a current Wireless Receiving Licence.
It was agreed that the service should initially be restricted to a
maximum of twenty aged persons, who, whilst not housebound or bedridden
were, in the opinion of the officers, deserving of the provision of
wireless facilities and that in such cases the rental should be paid by
the Committee.
In 1962 on an average 17 persons have enjoyed these facilities
(either relay or a wireless set where Relay Service does not operate)
at any one time.
10. Various (F.O.P.W.C. ):
(i) Co-operation has continued with the London Electricity Board,
and North Thames Gas Board to have electricity and gas appliances checked
for possible defects, and meters lowered, where they were situated in
places difficult for the elderly to reach.
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