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Special Laundry Service.—Under the scheme started in 1950 for laundering bed linen and clothing
of acutely ill and incontinent or very dirty and verminous old people, sixty-five cases were dealt with.
Fifty-two of these were new and each was the subject of a certificate given by the Medical Officer
of Health under the provisions of section 122 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936. The work is
done by the Council's staff at the Public Health Department laundry at 217, Lisson Grove, N.W.8.
Bathing.—Under the provisions of section 43 of the London County Council (General Powers) Act,
1953, sanitary authorities are empowered to make arrangements for bathing old people at their own
request or with their consent. During the year, a total of 493 baths were given, 341 to women and
152 to men, under the scheme started in 1954 for bathing old persons at the Lisson Grove Centre.
A trained nurse is employed part-time, under the general direction of a woman public health
inspector, to supervise the bathing and accompany the old people on the journeys between their
homes and the Centre.
St. Marylebone Old People's Welfare Association.
The Executive Committee of the Association (Chairman—Mrs. L. Fewster; Hon. Secretary—Mrs.
K. M. Cowan, Room 103, Town Hall, St. Marylebone, W.l) has kindly provided the following
information, which has been extracted from the Association's Annual Report, on work carried out
during 1959:—
"The end of the year was saddened by the death in hospital after a short illness of Miss M. K. C.
Macintosh, Vice-President, who, as Hon. Secretary of the Association from its beginning until
early in 1958, largely inspired the creation and development of its work, and gave devoted service
to old people's welfare, not only in this Borough but in the wider spheres of this work.
Donations and Gifts.—The kindly idea of the regular distribution of a parcel of groceries to needy
old people led to the organisation by Mrs. Pomeroy of a small committee which twice distributed
such packages from 'The Friends of the Aged in St. Marylebone' to one hundred people whose
names were suggested by the Association. Warm appreciation is expressed for this generosity.
It is impossible to list all the kindly donors whose support has given so much encouragement
to the work. One donation specially appreciated was £5 from someone in the country who wished
to express gratitude for the help given her elderly aunt by everyone concerned at the Town Hall.
Harvest Festival and Christmas gifts were distributed by several Churches and Schools. The
Association was happy to suggest names and to see the great pleasure brought by these presents,
especially when taken into the homes of old people by the children.
Although the main offices of the Central Office of Information are no longer in the Borough,
their staff kindly remembered the old people at Christmas.
Meals-on-Wheels.—This service was initiated in St. Marylebone by the W.V.S., greatly
encouraged by the Mayor of that time, Councillor A. T. Coucher. Since 1947, by which time it had
outgrown the early distribution by private cars, the responsibility has been undertaken by the
Association, the meals being distributed by W.V.S. workers. A direct grant comes from the Borough
Council and a contribution for each meal is made by the London County Council, this being paid
through the Borough.
At first meals went out twice a week; in January, 1948, the service was extended to four days,
in December, 1949, to five. From November, 1954, the dinners have been prepared in the canteen
of Messrs. Spencer, Turner and Boldero, Ltd. (Factory Restaurants, Ltd.). The Welfare Department
of the London County Council agreed to contribute to voluntary organisations arranging for the
provision of meals to old people, at the rate of 8d. per meal, in respect of meals obtained at a cost
not exceeding 1s. 6d. each, sold to people at 10d. This contribution was increased to 10d. a meal
from September, 1956. In spite of rising costs a most satisfactory standard of meals has been
maintained. One part of the Borough is served two days weekly, the other part two days, the fifth
day being reserved for more urgent cases, but it has not been possible to serve any person daily.
The Committee has given considerable attention to the distribution of hot meals, re-examining
the method and looking into the possibility of improvements or alternatives. The Public Health
Department was very helpful in making tests as to heat conservation. Further consideration,
however, would be needed before any changes could be undertaken.
6,101 meals were delivered during 1959, the service continuing to be a great benefit to many
old people, sometimes only in temporary difficulties. ' I feel I can now manage my meals, at any