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The Committee entered into an agreement in 1956 with the two
Relay Wireless Companies which cover the greater part of the borough,
whereby relay wireless 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 minimum 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 1963 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
11. Television(F.O.P.W.C):An unknown benefactor has financed a scheme
for the London Area to provide television sets for loan housebound
elderly persons. The Scheme provides for rented sets to be installed
and all expenses, including the annual licence fee, would be met from
a fund he has set up. It has been agreed that the sets shall only be
sought for old people who are: -
(a) mainly confined to their homes apart from any old people's
welfare activities arranged for them;
(b) managing on an income which is around the current N.A.B. allowance
level,
(c) have no T V. set available to them and would like one;
and
(d) may fairly be expected to get recreational benefit from an
installation.
The total number of sets to be made available in London under the
scheme would be 1,000.
The Finsbury Old People's Welfare Committee submitted 40 nominations
of elderly persons within the above category, and television sets have
been provided to such nominees.
12. Various (F.O.P.M.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.
(ii) Brown walking sticks, foot stools and shopping baskets on
wheels have been issued to elderly persons on loan, unable to afford
them, where they have been needed.
(iii) A special news sheet called "Finsbury Tidings' was issued and distributed
free of charge to elderly persons on two occasions during 1963.
40.