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Home Chiropody.—591 home visits were made to people unable to get to the Clinic. 44 new
patients were accepted. There is always a waiting list, but our thanks are due to Mrs. Baird and
Miss Curran for all they do to make this service such a worth-while work, and also to Mrs. Simmons,
of the British Red Cross Society, who acts as 'Transport.'
Holidays.—During May 62 elderly people were sent in two parties for a week's holiday at Brighton.
Each contributed £1 17s. 6d. towards the cost of residence in a Guest House, transport by coach
and entertainments in Brighton. The balance of expense was met by the Association from the
Borough Council's grant for holidays. The smooth working of this scheme owed a great deal to
Miss Sharp, who accompanied the two parties and helped them settle, and to the kindness of the
landladies. The Soroptimist Club of Mayfair took special interest in one old lady, enabling her to
have an extra week's holiday.
In addition, arrangements were made for several people to go for individual holidays to
Cliftonville and elsewhere, and others were helped with fares.
£20 was again contributed to the Fourth Feathers Club for their holiday at Margate, and £10
was given to St. Mark's Church, Marylebone Road, towards another holiday for old people.
Clubs.—A welcome addition in 1958 was the 'Evergreen' Club started in Bell Street by the
Salvation Army. The other Clubs have all had a successful year, with summer outings and Christmas
parties as a popular part of their programme.
Home Visiting.—An average of ten visitors attend the monthly meetings with Miss Sharp and
the Secretary, when exchange of news and views is invariably useful. We have welcomed four new
visitors, but have lost two old friends who have moved away from London. The co-operation of
local Churches in this field is invaluable in ensuring a complete approach to old Peoples' needs.
The Church of All Souls still has the largest group of Visitors.
Fuel.—20 deliveries were made from the emergency service of delivering 28 lbs. of coal.
£5 10s. of gift money was also spent on providing fuel direct from the merchants.
Relief.—Owing to the need for economy, it was not possible to do quite so much in relief as during
the previous year, although each emergency was met. Most items of help were small, e.g., fares,
locks and keys, wireless repairs, but a gas fire was provided in one case and in another instance
help was given with a coal bill in arrears.
Wireless.—11 new sets were obtained from the ' Wireless for the Bedridden' Society, who also
kindly provided the first licences in some cases. In other cases the Mayor generously gave the
licences. 26 sets were on loan at the end of the year; some had been returned because of the death
of old people. Miss Sharp supervises the care of sets on loan, which are of course a source of untold
pleasure.
Fireguards.—As a result of the L.C.C.'s offer to lend and fit proper fireguards to necessitous
households, on the recommendation of appropriate organisations, the Association has been able
to arrange for the provision of several guards for old people.
Entertainments.—The Distillers Drama Club invited 30 of our old people to a play at the Rudolf
Steiner Hall. The Berkshire Association of Mixed Clubs also sent tickets for their Drama Festival.
The Sports and Social Club of the Central Office of Information gave a most enjoyable show and
tea party for 100 old people in April.
In July, by kind permission of the M.C.C., two days' 'Cricket at Lords' were again arranged,
and about 300 old people attended each day. These arrangements were undertaken by Miss
Macintosh, with the wonderful help of the W.V.S., who coped with all the teas, the money for these
having been collected by a member of the M.C.C.
The Women's Institute of Wye, Kent, entertained a coachload of our old folk for a delightful
visit, sending them home laden with country produce.
In December, Lady Colwyn invited 18 old people to tea and a Dress Rehearsal of the Coliseum
pantomime, which was immensely enjoyed.
Just before Christmas, Mrs. Lew Grade repeated her wonderful Christmas party, inviting 500
old people to a Tea and Cabaret show at the Seymour Hall. Everyone had a carrier bag full of
presents, plus a slice of Christmas pudding which had been presented by Australian Fruitgrowers
through the Lord Mayor of London. The Association provided the names for the party and once
again the W.V.S. and other helpers at the various Clubs assisted with the tea.