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games, watch T.V., listen to the radio, read, chat or just sit and stare, each
according to his own tastes. Tea and biscuits are available in the morning
and afternoon and both men and women volunteer to wash up afterwards.
About a quarter of the members were not previously known to the Association.
Many have comfortable and happy homes but nevertheless are grateful to
have an attractive and comfortable place in which to meet friends or get out
for a few hours. For people who live alone, or do not have very adequate
accommodation, it has provided an excellent retreat fora few hours. Many
of these people do not wish to join an old people's club because they do
not like participating in organised activities. The Association would like
to express its gratitude to all those who have made gifts to the Centre and
also to the Lambeth Library which has supplied a good selection of books
on semi-permanent loan.
Clubs
The thirty clubs represented on the Association show considerable
variety, but each provides to its members the opportunity to meet others, to
make new friends, to take part in outiiigs, parties, entertainments, and other
activities. Through the clubs the Association is able to publicise the
various activities and services available to the elderly. It is hoped that
club leaders feel able to approach the Association for advice, or assistance,
with the problems of individual members, or of the clubs activities in
general. The club leaders and helpers are always ready to give help and
support to the activities arranged during the year and their unfailing loyalty
and generosity is greatly appreciated.
Grants. During the year under review the Association received applications
for financial help from 15 different clubs and made 10 grants towards rent
or its equivalent; two grants for the purchase of equipment; and six grants
of up to £5 to be spent on the fees or expenses of entertainers. Many of
the clubs experienced financial hardship because of poor attendance during
the winter, and this was one of the reasons for the increased number of rent
grants made this year. It is hoped that no club has had to cut down on its
activities because of lack of money.
Inter-Borough Talent Contest. Five clubs were represented among the
eleven entries for the Lambeth heats held in March. The judging
most expertly carried out by the Mayor and two members of the Black and
White Minstrel Show. The Association hired a coach to take a party of
People to the main competition held in St Pancras Town Hall.
The Inter-Club Competition and Exhibition of Work was held in OctoberFifteen
clubs were represented among the prize winners and the Competition
shield was won by the Springfield Club. Although nearly 450 articles were
entered for the competition, apart from the handwriting section, the number of
entries in almost all classes were considerably less than in the previous
year. The painstaking skill of the five judges was greatly appreciated. Due
to the generosity of Miss G. Cuthbertson it was possible to award eight
special prizes for effort rather than skill.