View report page

32
The last three occupations, covering of coathangers, packing of
edible crosses, and stitching and carding is by far the most continuous
work available.
(ii) Afternoon clubs for the elderly
By Spring the Rendezvous club had an attendance of some 60
members per week, and the numbers were rising so rapidly that by June
the attendances were up to 110 per week. It was therefore decided to
form a second club, "the Gaytime" and to restrict membership to a
maximum of 100 for each club, no member being allowed to belong to
both clubs. At the end of the year the Rendezvous (Thursday afternoon)
and the Gaytime (Wednesday afternoon) clubs had a membership of
about 90 each.
A social club for the handicapped was started on October 1 with a
small membership of 10, which had increased to 14 by the end of the
year. The members are picked up by special transport and taken to the
club each Tuesday at about 10 a.m. where they have lunch, play games,
and are entertained and looked after by several members of the Rendezvous
and Gaytime clubs until about 3 p.m. when they start to return
home. It is hoped to start handicraft classes for these people when
the membership has risen sufficiently to warrant the employment of a
teacher for the handicapped.
A number of outings and shows were organised by the clubs which
proved highly successful, as was the sale of work which made a large
profit. The club for the handicapped had their own party at the end of
the year, and all thought that it was the best day they had had for many
years.
(iii) Meals for the elderly
Meals are supplied to members of the club, and to members of the
workshop daily at a cost of 1s. 1d. to the recipient. Most of the meals
are prepared at the Saville and delivered each day except Fridays
when all of the meals are prepared at Burnt Ash. At the beginning of
the year the number of meals taken daily average 12 and by the end of
the year the average had risen to 35 a day. On special occasions, for
instance when an outing had been arranged, the number of meals
supplied reached as many as 65.
(iv) Change of Warden
Mrs. Aspinall who was appointed at the start of activities at Burnt
Ash Centre, and who saw the various sections well established resigned
in May, her place being taken by the present warden Mrs. Peevor who
commenced in July.
(c) Holidays and holiday home
As stated in the last report the Council had decided in early 1962 to
acquire a holiday home when suitable premises could be obtained.
Again it has to be reported that although a number of hotels were
inspected, suitable premises have not so far been arranged, but the quest
is continuing.
In April 1963 the Health Department took over from the Lewisham
Old People's Welfare Association the organisation of holidays for
old people with the exception of the special requirements for handicapped
old people. The number of holidays arranged was 470 of which