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In the past we have had to rely on the good offices of the
Borough Council for the provision of transport, but during the past
year it has been possible to transport each party in the Association's
new minibus. In this connection, we have purchased a suitable
tarpaulin, in order that cases belonging to members of the invalid
holiday parties may be secured to the roof of the minibus and
safeguarded from the weather, thus providing for a more comfortable
journey.
We regret to report, however, that after the present season,
the accommodation at Lancing is being sold for development. It
thus became necessary to find alternative suitable accommodation
in order that this service might be continued in 1962 and, with
this in view, arrangements were made for a Viewing Sub-Committee
to inspect accommodation at Clacton-on-Sea. Arising from
this visit, accommodation suitable in every way for invalid holiday
parties has been reserved during May, 1962.
Homebound Christmas Tea Party.—It is with great pleasure
that we report a new venture. On 13th December last 41 homebound
persons were transported to the Minor Hall, where they
enjoyed a Christmas dinner, comprising roast turkey, ham, sausages,
roast and creamed potatoes, sprouts, cheese, Christmas pudding
and brandy sauce (or fruit salad and ice cream). The meal was
followed by a film show, tea and biscuits and a small gift for each
person before they were returned to their homes.
Many letters and expressions of appreciation were received
from those who attended and we would like to place on record our
sincere thanks to all those who contributed in so many different
ways to ensure the success of this occasion.
In view of the success of this event, we have decided to arrange
other functions for the homebound during 1961, it being felt that
this section of the elderly people in the Borough are unable to take
advantage of the normal services provided by the Association.
Details of some of these events will be found later in the report.
Christmas Food Parcels.—Once again, with the aid of a grant
from the Borough Council, we were enabled to distribute food
parcels to 400 homebound elderly persons. Each person was
visited to ensure that only those who were strictly homebound
received a parcel and we were able to maintain the high quality of
the parcels, each of which contained the following items :—
Tea, biscuits, Christmas pudding, tin of fruit salad, tin of cream,
box of cheeses, sweets and chocolates.
Members of the Committee and other volunteers packed and
wrapped the parcels and helped with the distribution and our