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82
National Assistance Act, 1948. Section 31.
"Meals on Wheels" and Lunch Clubs.
This section of the Act permits local authorities to make contributions to
the funds of any voluntary organisation whose activities include the provision
of recreation or meals for old people. A grant was approved for the '' Meals on
Wheels '' service operated by the Women's Voluntary Service and during the year
a grant for a similar purpose was made to the Islington old People's Welfare
Council.

The need for extension of Meals on Wheels service was recognised by the
Borough Council, who subsequently made a grant for the purpose of purchasing a
vehicle and equipment, together with the employment of a driver, to the Islington
Old People's Welfare Council.
The extended service commenced in February, 1958 with the assistance of
voluntary workers. All prospective recipients are visited by this Department's
Elderly Persons Visitors in order to confirm the need.
The new vehicle was quickly operating to capacity, and in consequence was of
benefit to elderly persons in the Borough.
A brief inauguration ceremony, performed by His Worship the Mayor, took place
on 24th February. 1958, in the forecourt of the Town Hall in the presence of
representatives of the Islington Old People's Welfare Council and Women's Voluntary
Service This was subsequently broadcast in the B B.C. Locals News Service and a
film was televised.
The figures quoted above do not include during the year under review records
relating to lunch clubs which are subject to direct grants for meals supplied by
private means with a view to recipients getting a hot 2-course meal at a reduced
price. Such a club has already existed for a number of years at the Claremont
Central Mission which, although situated in the Borough of Finsbury, receives a
good proportion of elderly Islingtonians at its lunch club held on Tuesday Wednesday
and Thursday. A newly-formed lunch club commenced at St. Giles Christian Mission
Bride Street, N 7. on 22nd January, 1958, and the Council, on 21st February 1958
approved the payment of a grant towards the running of this club which operates on
Wednesday On these premises a club room is available every week-day from 11 a.m.