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of work, and our Workshops have had to face these periods of slackness.
The aim of the organisation is rehabilitation - to help those who think
they are long past work to realise that they are not old because they
are pensioners. The scheme has already justified its existence by the
therapeutic value and its effect on old people who are discouraged by
inactivity. There have been several cases of workers going back into
full and part-time employment and other who thought life was over for
them are now leading happy and useful lives.
Television for the Homebound
A new venture this year has been the introduction of a scheme for
bringing television into the homes of the homebound who have no means
of providing this entertainment for themselves. With the co-operation of
the British Relay Wireless Company, who have agreed to install sets free
and charge only a nominal fee per week for maintenance, we are able to
provide this service, including the licence, for £10 10s. 0d. a year.
The Committee cannot afford to take on this added financial responsibility
and we are asking for people to come forward to guarantee the
ten guineas each a year. Already a number of sponsors have come forward;
in some cases groups of friends have agreed among themselves to sponsor
a set. As few as four friends paying 1/- a week each can bring continued
joy to an oli person all through the year. We ask for many more sponsors
to come forward to help in this very valuable work.
Money Raising Events
A flag day was held on Friday 7th September, when the total sum raised
on the street collection was £95 18s. 5d.
Another succesful Dickens Fair was held on 24th November and raised
the total sum of £385 19s. 1d. This has become an annual event.
Donations are always gratefully received and all money sent in this
way goes to helping the old people. During the past very severe winter
a considerable amount of coal was bought, as well as a number of gas
and electric fires, and given to old people without any adequate heating
facilities.
Holiday Homes
It is with very great pleasure that we can report immense progress
made by the Holidays Homes Committee. Many successful money - raising
functions have been held during the past year and the culmination of
their efforts was when a cheque for £15,000 was received from Mr. J.