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gifts by the clubs or churches with which they are associated, or by
the Finsbury Old People's Welfare Committee, which has distributed about
300 each year.
5. Coal (F.O.P.W.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.
the coal is stored at the Health Centre and the service was used on
numerous occasions to provide coal to the aged in an emergency.
6. 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 has been made of the Scheme. There is no charge to the
aged.
7. Ophthalmic Service: As there was 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. Extensive use was made of this
service in 1963.
8. 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,
9. Patients in Hospitals & 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 been successful
to a limited extent.
10. Wireless (F.O.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 1963.
(ii) Wireless Relay Services: The Committee has continued to
Finance the provisions 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.1.
and at the Women's Voluntary Service Meal Centre in Exmouth Market,
E.C.1. These have been much appreciated by the elderly persons using
the Centres.
39.