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The accommodation includes a club room, a warden's office, kitchen,
bathroom, hairdressing and chiropody cubicles, together with lavatory
accommodation.
The disabled old people are transported to and from the Club in special
vehicles provided by the City Council and the London County Council
Welfare Department.
The success of this club is due in no small measure to the Warden and
her staff. It caters for the recreational needs of a section of Westminster's
elderly population for whom no provision had previously been made, and
enables a number of disabled old persons, who were formerly confined
largely to their own homes, to participate in the happy atmosphere which
prevails at the Club.
The admission of some of the handicapped elderly people to the Club
has undoubtedly given them a new lease of life. In several instances
they were brought to the Club just at a time when they were resigned to
giving up their own accommodation and seeking admission in a Welfare
Home because they felt they could no longer manage on their own.
During the first few weeks at the Club they were quiet, and in some cases
morose, but they soon began to take an active interest in their new
surroundings and to participate in the Club's activities. In some cases
old neighbours, not seen for many years, were re-met, and old friendships
renewed. Thoughts of entering a Home were put aside.
The Club has proved to be a most worthwhile venture, and it need
hardly be said that a waiting list exists, both for the Day Club and the
Luncheon Club.
British Red Cross Society—Mobile Meals Service
During 1962, the Westminster Division of the British Red Cross
Society continued the service which it established in the City in December,
1946, for the delivery of hot mid-day meals to the homes of old people
who are themselves unable to prepare meals at home.
In July, 1962, in order to take account of rising food costs, the price
paid to the caterers was increased from 1s. 10d. to 2s. per meal. The
price charged to the old people remained unchanged at 8d. per meal; the
London County Council contributed 1s. 1d. per meal and the City Council
bore the balance of 3d. per meal. As from 1st April, 1963, the London
County Council subvention is being discontinued and the City Council
will then assume responsibility for the whole of the balance, amounting
to 1s.4d. per meal.
The service is operated with three vans provided by the City Council
and loaned to the Society on the understanding that they will be returned
to the Council if they cease to be used for the service. The City Council
also makes an annual grant to the Society of 75 per cent. of the running
costs of the vans.