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Home Visiting.—The friendly, unofficial visiting of lonely old people, which was the first work
undertaken by the Association, continues to be of real value, though the effectiveness of such a
service is sometimes difficult to assess. 'Thank you for asking Miss E. to come to see me,' wrote one
old lady. 'She is quite young, only 21, and she is such a joy. She comes up bright and smiling every
Thursday evening after she leaves the school where she teaches and we have a cup of tea together,
she always says she enjoys that cup of tea.' Another wrote: 'Mrs. N. is a very nice person, she helps
to cheer one up.'
Five new 'friendly visitors' joined in this service, but several others were obliged to discontinue
on leaving the neighbourhood. No two people are alike, so many different types of visitors can be
of use. There are at present too few men visitors to call on.
The monthly meeting with Miss Sharp and the Secretary provides not only opportunities for
learning about conditions met during visiting, but about many kindnesses shown to old folk by
Churches and other groups. For example, the Samaritan League connected with the City Temple,
provided a wireless set for one of the old people, a T.V. licence as well as gifts of money at Christmas
for about a dozen. It is a great advantage to have six churches represented on the visitors' committee.
The Church of All Souls, represented by Mr. J. A. Johnson, has the largest number of members
engaged in visiting.
Clubs.—The 'Good Companions,' meeting in All Souls' Club-house, was a welcome addition to
the Borough's clubs for the elderly. Later in the year Mrs. Willey, the W.V.S. Centre Organiser,
was asked to start a W.V.S. club in Luxborough Lodge, an innovation which was an unqualified
success. There are other clubs in the Lodge such as a club for the blind. An L.C.C. lip-reading class
was reported and the excellent work of the Red Cross has continued.
Christmas parties and summer outings were as usual most popular and all the older established
clubs had a successful and happy year, most of them filled to capacity.
Relief.—As usual most items of help were small in terms of money but represented timely and
useful assistance not available from other sources. Wireless licences were provided in three cases,
repairs were paid in others, a gas ring was fixed to add to the comfort of two elderly sisters, a taxi
helped with a removal, assistance was given in such items as insurance arrears, the cost of spectacles,
a newspaper bill and tailor's alterations for a man's suit before its new owner went away for a
holiday.
Home decoration was an innovation made possible through the kindness of students connected
with Hinde Street Methodist Church, who between June and November gave spare time to decorate
rooms for eight pensioners. The Association provided paint and other equipment and paid expenses
of a chimney sweep and cups of tea for the workers. This service was immensely appreciated,
specially in the case of an old lady who returned from a spell in hospital to find her home transformed,
with clean walls and new linoleum on the floor. In several cases the National Assistance Board
was able to refund the cost of materials.
Fuel.—Miss Sharp was quick to the rescue in any emergency due to fuel shortage; a bag of coal
from the Association's store could thus prevent much discomfort. 17 such deliveries were made.
Coal tickets given by a kind friend were also distributed.
Wireless.—At the end of the year 29 sets obtained from the 'Wireless for the Bedridden' Society
were being used and enjoyed under Miss Sharp's supervision. The Society generously provided
the licence with most of the seven new sets lent during 1959 and renewed others. Other sets privately
given or lent, have also given joy.
Library.—The delivery of books to the housebound, instituted by the Public Libraries Committee
in 1957, has been carried out regularly by library staff, mainly to cases recommended by the Home
Help service. Twenty-four old people are now receiving this service and over 3,000 books were
delivered to them during 1959.
Fireguards.—Applications to the L.C.C. were made in only two new cases.
Entertainments.—Once again the highlight among entertainments was the wonderful Christmas
party and cabaret show given by Mrs. Lew Grade at the Seymour Hall, for eight hundred old people.
Everyone felt it was 'better than ever,' an occasion to be remembered, and went away with a large
bag of good things for Christmas. The Association allocated the invitations, making special efforts
to include a larger number of individuals outside the Clubs, and is grateful to Club leaders and other
friends who helped so efficiently on the day. Two Christmas trees went on to give pleasure at
Luxborough Lodge and Newstead.
The Distillers' Drama League again gave tickets for an evening performance."