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54
Nevertheless, throughout the year demand was so great that waiting lists had
to be maintained and many patients had to wait between six to nine months
before they could be given a first appointment. It is therefore with very
great pleasure that the Association can report that in March the London
County Council authorised, andpromised grant aid, for a fairly substantial
expansion of the service. In consequence it has been possible to start the
new year completely clear of waiting lists, and with funds available for
furtherexpansion as, and when, the demand for treatment makes it necessary.
This long needed expansion has been like an end of year bonus for the
chiropodists who have given devoted service to the Association. The same
of course, applies to the receptionists, whose unfailing voluntary service
does so much to help the service along. Their efforts are greatly appreciated
by the Association.
Holidays
Many elderly people find it difficult to get out and about during the
winter months and therefore look forward with great pleasure to an opportunity
to get away for a change during the summer. This year 40 women saved with
the Association for two weeks holiday under the auspices of the Women's
Holiday Fund which offers vacancies throughout the summer at holiday
homes on the South Coast. The Lambeth Borough holiday scheme continues
to be very popular and 400 people stayed for a week during the Spring or
Autumn in Boarding Houses and small Hotels at Brighton. This year the
rule about the waiting period between holidays was reduced from three to
two years for people over seventy six, a change which was welcomed with
great enthusiasm by older Lambethans. In addition help was given towards
holidays for nine infirm people; and every effort was made to keep details
of other holiday projects and arrangements to pass on to people who were
not eligible for, or did not wish to participate in, the above schemes. The
Association wishes to thank the Women's Holiday Fund and other similar
organisations whose co-operation has been invaluable.
Half Day Summer Outings
Last year for the first time the Association arranged an Outing for
older more infirm people who did not belong to clubs. The success of this
first attempt was sufficient to encourage the extension of the programme for
this year. There were three outings in May, one in June and one in July; a
total of 110 people participated, and over half of them were more than eighty
years of age. Two groups of ten people were entertained by the Kennington
Toc H at a private house in Chessington, the Association's minibus being
lent to them on both occasions. The other three outings were made possible
by the generosity of the Hedgerly, Kingsnorth and Swalecliffe, and Chestfield
Women's Institutes who each provided tea and entertainment; and the Rotary
Club of Brixton which paid for all three coaches. Every effort was made to
offer these outings to people who lead restricted lives because of physical
or mental infirmity, and there is no doubt that they were greatly appreciate
and of considerable value. The Association is glad to have an opportunity
to thank the members of the Women's Institutes, the Rotary Club and Toc H
without whose cooperation and help this type of service would be impossible