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Day Club for Handicapped Old People
In 1961 the basement of one of the City Council's blocks of flats—
Sherborne House, Abbots Manor—was adapted at a cost of some £4,600
for use as a Day Club and Luncheon Club for old people, operated by the
Westminster Old People's Welfare Association.
The Club started on 6th July, 1961, and is used as a Day Club for
about 25 handicapped old people on three days per week (including
the service of lunches which are cooked on the premises), and as a
Luncheon Club for up to 40 persons on two days per week.
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 some cases old
neighbours, not seen for many years, have re-met, and old friendships
have been renewed.
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 1963, 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 Is. 10(2. to 2s. per meal. The
price charged to the old people remained unchanged at 8d. per meal; the
London County Council contributed Is. Id. per meal and the City Council
bore the balance of 3d. per meal. As from 1st April, 1963, the London
County Council subvention was discontinued and the City Council
assumed responsibility for the whole of the balance, amounting to Is. 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
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