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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 1964, on an average 14 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.): In 1963, an unknown benefactor financed a
scheme for the London Areato provide televisionsets for loan to 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 made available throughout London under the
scheme is 1,000 and about 40 Finsbury residents were fortunate enough to
be included in the original allocation in 1963.
New cases nominated since that time are placed on a central waiting
list, and the waiting list is absorbed as and when sets become available
due to discontinuation of service to existing cases.
12. 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 are 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 1964.
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