View report page

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 a small
number of occasions during 1964 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 aged male living alone. Substantial use
has been made of the Scheme. There is no charge to the Aged.
7. Opthalmic 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. A small number of cases were referred during 1964.
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 and 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 1964.
(ii) Wireless Relay Services: The Committee has continued to finance
the provisions of a Wireless Relay Service for the use of the 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.
The Committee entered into an agreement in 1956, with the two Relay
Wireless Companies which cover the greater part of the Borough, whereby
20