View report page

48
these have been much appreciated. It has always been regretted that so little
time can be spared with each person but with an average of forty meals per van,
it is not possible to stay longer than is necessary.
Thanks are due to all those who give so much to make the Meals-on-Wheels
Service such a vital part of the Association's work.
Lunch Clubs
Prior to May, 1963 there were three centres in the Borough providing meals
for the mobile elderly person at the same price as the person receiving Mealson-Wheels.
They were King George VI Memorial Club for the Infirm, St. Thomas'
Senior Club at Northcote House, and the Gothic Restaurant.
It was felt that Lunch Clubs offered an opportunity, not only to provide a
hot meal at a reasonable price, but they also gave pensioners the chance to
make social contacts with others in similar circumstances, especially those who
do not belong to Clubs.
The Association decided to experiment with this scheme and on May 13th
1963, Springfield Hall, Wandsworth Road was opened as the first centre for this
purpose. Meals were cooked on the premises, and up to March 31st this year,
11,063 meals were consumed. In addition, 19,548 meals were provided for the
Meals-on-Wheels service.
Chiropody
Since this service was first introduced by the Association in 1949 when
one session was held and seven old people treated, there has been a gradual
overall increase in the service available to the elderly. It is comforting to
know that, during the year ended 31st March, 1964 the needs of 2,580 old people
were met. In all, 31 sessions per week were held at five clinics, three at a
private surgery, and eight in the domiciliary service. A total of 14,213 treatments
were given.
There continues to be an ever increasing demand for chiropody treatment and,
although the expansion forecast in the 1963 report has taken place, the waiting
lists for both clinics and the domiciliary service continues to rise.
It has been necessary, therefore, to ask the London County Council for an
increased grant to finance the additional expansion required. If approved a
considerable improvement in the existing service should be achieved, and it
should be possible to open two new clinics in areas not already covered by this
vital service.
The Association would like to thank all the chiropodists who continue to
give such valuable service in alleviating one of the main needs of the elderly
and to thank all the receptionists who give their unfailing voluntary help to the
chiropody service.