View report page

162
number of meals delivered during the current year, viz. 113,290,
shows an advance of over 27% compared with 1965. Actual persons
receiving 'meals-on-wheels' numbered 606 at the end of the year, a
figure equivalent to more than 2% of the total of all residents over
the age of 65 years. The charge to the recipient for each meal remained
at 1s. 1d., the balance of the cost being subvented by the
Council.
In cases of need, a restricted service was provided during Bank
Holidays and, over the Christmas period, 84 meals were delivered on
Christmas Day, 88 on Boxing Day and a further 121 on December
27th.
Emergency food packs for the use of old people were again
distributed during the winter months to cover the eventuality of
'non-delivery' of a meal during severe weather.
Provision of Mobile Meals
(during 1966)
1966 1965
Mobile Meals served during year 113,290 88,988
Persons on Mobile Meals Register 606 453
(31 st December, 1966)
Luncheon Clubs
With the object of enabling as many elderly residents as possible
to have at least one hot meal a day and to encourage them out of
their homes to enjoy companionship and recreation with others, the
Council's policy in relation to its Luncheon Club Service is one of
expansion.
During the year, the number of meals served was 148,786, an
increase of over 24% compared with the figure of 119,945 for 1965.
New clubs were opened at St. Luke's Church Hall, Charlton Village,
S.E.7, and at St. James' Church Hall, Burrage Road, S.E.18, in
June, both of which have proved to be very successful and the
present daily attendances of over 70 at each club indicates their
popularity. All clubs provide opportunities for social activities and
organisers invariably arrange outings and Christmas treats for their
members.
An increasing number of elderly homebound persons are being
conveyed to luncheon clubs and, in some cases where there is an
established Old People's Club held on the premises during the
afternoon, they stay to enjoy the social activities. There are some 6
luncheon clubs which are able to offer this dual service for the benefit
of the homebound.
As with the mobile meal, that served at lunch clubs is subvented
by the Council and the cost to the member remained at 1s. 1d.
By the end of the year, negotiations were well advanced for the
opening of a new club at the Methodist Hall, McLeod Road, S.E.2,
and plans for a further 3 clubs were being formulated,