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57
The Christmas Concert by Old People for Old People held in December
Was accompanied by dense fog. Neverhteless the twenty-one club members
who braved the elements had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon helped
considerably by the lively compering of Mr. Dave Walker.
King George VI Memorial Club (Camberwell and Lambeth)
The Association is fortunate in sharing with Camberwell this almost
unique day club for the infirm. Members normally attend one day a week
and are taken to and from the club in its own two vehciles. The provision
of transport is one of the expensive aspects of the Club and for this reason
every effort is made to provide services on the premises as well as normal
club activities; for example, bathing, chiropody, hairdressing, handicraft
instruction, help with shopping and where necessary help with personal
Problems.
During the year under review there was a total of 10,544 attendances
which is lower than last year largely due to fog and snow during the winter.
The 428 members on an average attended the club on seven out of every ten
club days, and 90 people missed only one out of every ten club days. This
gives a clear indication of the attraction of the club as most of the members
are people who find it quite an effort to get up early, wash and dress themselves,
and undertake to be away from home for a whole day. This year 186
People were put on the waiting list for membership but only 124 new members
could be accepted. The approximate waiting time for admission is seven
months but priority is given to people who are urgently in need of the Club's
Services.
This was the first full year during which the club's special 'sitting
down' shower has been manned by a full time bathing attendant. By the
end of the year the number of showers taken was between 30 and 40 per week,
Each member of the club was able to take part in three outings during the
Summer; a Christmas party; and a handwork sale and competition in the
Autumn. Holidays were arranged for 73 members through various agencies
Including the Association.
Planned New Services
Both the services described below require the appointment of a parttime
trained and experienced social worker. In addition they are the type
of services which require a considerable amount of groundwork. It is
imporrtant therefore to realise that it may be many months before the Association
is in a position to say that the services are available to elderly
Lambethans.
Good Neighbour and Sitter-in-Service. The aim of this service is to assist
Womain groups of people; those who are at present compelled to enter
old People's homes or hospital because the domiciliary services and family
support are not sufficient for them to remain at home under reasonable