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34
In suitable cases, arrangements are made for the elderly
to be bathed either in their own homes or at the Council's Bathing
Centres and a special "incontinent laundry" service has been introduced
for the cleansing of soiled bed linen and clothing of the
bedridden.
Greenwich can boast of modern public baths. There are four
such establishments within the Borough, each of which has two
swimming pools. Moreover, at Eltham, the Council has provided
a hydrotherapy pool and, on the Abbey Estate, has introduced a
launderette. Warm baths for men and women are to be had at
Greenwich, Plumstead and Woolwich and, at the former two
premises, in addition to Turkish and Vapour Baths, public laundries
still operate. In winter, the large pools at Eltham, Greenwich and
Woolwich are covered and utilised for a wide range of recreational
pursuits such as ro.ler skating, badminton, table tennis, etc., and
facilities are made available for indoor bowling and the use of
indoor cricket practice nets.
The Council has control of the five cemeteries located within
the Borough and, on behalf of the Woolwich, Greenwich and North
West Kent Crematorium Board, is responsible for the modern
crematorium at Eltham.
The unique position held by Greenwich in Britain's history
has its counterpart in the nation's industrial story. From earliest
years its residents have been closely linked with the sea and ships
and Britain's ascendency in respect of them for over 1,000 years.
This association, manifest since before the advent of the ancient
"wooden walls" until after the birth of the "ironclad" has, to a
very large extent, determined the pattern of industry in the Borough.
Early in its history, local industry was influenced by the area's
close association with royalty and the demands which it and its
retinues made on the neighbourhood. For instance, the siting close
to Greenwich Palace of the Royal Armoury in the reign of Henry
VIII gave rise to the production of russet steel suits of armour
which became renowned and modern metal products from Greenwich
continue this distinction. Connections with shipbuilding and
armaments, forged in the days of Britain's peril, are perpetuated in
existing industries. Indeed, throughout its annals, the country has
never demanded armaments and accoutrements from Greenwich
industry in vain. Even records covering the last war will clearly
reveal the great contributions made by these industries with special
reference to PLUTO, FIDO and the famous Mulberry harbour.
In the main, industries and sources of employment of the
Borough are to be found in the vicinity of the River Thames which
forms the northern boundary. Chief among the concerns employing
large numbers of workers are:—