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The redevelopment of the Corporation's other main estate in Avondale Square, Old Kent Road,
continues to progress well and 236 of the 380 flats in the first stage have been completed. The
remaining 144 are in an advanced stage of construction and will be available for letting in the
near future. A contract for the erection of an old People's Unit of 48 flats has been made.
Improvement of an old block of 48 flats is progressing well.
At the Holloway Estate, Islington, Hilton House containing 24 flats has been completed as
the first stage of redevelopment. These flats have been let to families who were occupying old
houses on an adjacent part of the Estate, which will enable a further section of the work to
proceed.
Consultant Architects are now preparing plans for new flats as the first phase of replacement
of the sub-standard houses to the north and west of the Metropolitan Cattle Market in Islington,
outline planning permission having now been obtained.
The modernisation of the 104 flats at Windsor House, Shoreditch, was completed.
The model Old People's accommodation at Isleden House (31 flats) erected by the City
Parochial Foundation and acquired by the Corporation, continues to be of interest to people in
this country and from overseas who are concerned with the housing and welfare of the elderly.
The ready availability of physical assistance, the provided mid-day meal with the other benefits
at Isleden House is reflected in the well-being of the elderly residents and their longevity, and
the infrequent use of the Sick Bay for their treatment. The Sick Bay continues to receive patients
from St. Bartholomew's Hospital (a total of approximately 845 having been admitted since 1954)
and elderly tenants from the Corporation's housing estates.
WELFARE
I am indebted to Mrs. Rita Cohen, M.B.E., Honorary Welfare Officer and Honorary Secretary
of the City of London Old People's Welfare Association for the following report:—
The activities of the Association during 1962 have been concentrated on the provision of
extra domiciliary facilities for those rather sick elderly folk who continue to remain in their own
homes. This has entailed the strengthening of the personal services such as Visiting, Domestic
assistance, Chiropody and Hairdressing. In so many instances this work has been carried out by
voluntary workers, and to all who have co-operated and by so doing made these essential facilities
possible this Association is most grateful.
During the very cold spell, the Over 60's, for whom this Association accepts responsibility,
encountered extra difficulties in regard to heating, water and cooking ; arrangements were satisfactorily
carried out to ensure that those old people who could burn coal or coke were kept adequately
supplied, and that for those who could not burn such fuel, extra heating facilities from
either gas or electricity were made available. Alternative arrangements were made when supplies
of these public services were restricted.
During this period, additional mid-day meals were made available and the frozen packed meal
was indeed a boon. It was the Association's first experience of this type of meal, and those who
received them were warm in their praise of both the quality and the quantity of the food supplied.
Accommodation for old people is still the most urgent problem. A large proportion of those
seeking admission to Homes would, in my opinion, be able to live an independent life if they
could be provided with small self-contained units of accommodation within blocks of flats with
a warden in charge to give the necessary supervision and, possibly, a little care and attention
if required.
The Association has continued to provide Convalescent Holidays, Handicraft Classes,
Chiropody Treatment at Clinics, Outings, and other general facilities which assist in making the
lives of those over 60's,for whom the Association is responsible more cheerful.
Employment has been provided for 102 people during the period under review, and if it were
not for the fact that the earnings of the pensioners affected their pensions by reason of the
'earnings rule', many more of the over 60's,and 65's in the case of the men, would have been
placed in suitable employment.
Many applications for assistance are received by the Lord Mayor from old people in distress
who live in places far removed from the City of London. The majority of such applicants appear
to have failed to obtain from local sources the assistance required, and as a last resort, seek
the aid of the Lord Mayor. Such applications are handled by the Honorary Secretary of the
Association in her capacity as Honorary Welfare Officer to the Corporation of London, and there
is much evidence to support the need of a more comprehensive scheme for the provision of
welfare services for the elderly.
This is a brief report and summary of the activities provided for the over 60's in and of
the City for the year ending December 31st 1962.
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