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169
Through the generosity of a private donor, other television sets were
made available, without charge, to elderly residents of the Borough.
The department makes arrangements for the repair and loan
of its own sets and also acts as agent for a number of voluntary
organisations such as 'Wireless for the Bedridden Society'.
Library Service—The Council's Library Service to Old People's
Homes was further extended and collections of books were changed
regularly. A number of elderly homebound people in the Kidbrooke
area are visited every fortnight by volunteers who distribute and
exchange books chosen from the Kidbrooke Branch library.
Civic Entertainment—I am indebted to Mr. T.W. Dobinson,
the Council's Entertainments Manager, for the statistics given hereunder:—
*ln conjunction with the Health & Welfare Department
The afternoon shows in the Clubs lasted for one hour and the
entertainment provided by three artistes per show. Films booked
for the Homes throughout the months January-March and OctoberDecember
were full-length features, half of which were in colour.
The shows at the Avery Hill Home were presented between August
7th-19th and included 6 film shows, 2 variety and 2 programmes of
light music."
Carol Services—Carol services for the elderly were held at
Christ Church, Greenwich, St. Nicholas, Plumstead and Eltham
Congregational churches on 12th, 13th and 15th December, respectively.
In all, some 215 persons attended these services after which
refreshments were provided by voluntary organisations.
Handicraft Exhibition—At a Garden Party held at Charlton
House on 25th June, a handicraft exhibition attracted 172 entries
from our elder citizens.
Mayor's Fund—With the aid of a grant from the Mayor's Fund,
a large supply of bagged fuel was purchased for issue to elderly
persons who, during bad weather, had no heating resulting from the
non-delivery of a fuel order.
Christmas Parcels—Distribution on Christmas Eve of over
5,500 parcels, the contents of which were determined on department
advice, was effected by a rota of volunteers organised in consultation
with the Health and Welfare department. Generally speaking, all