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9
Radio.—Ten new applications were approved for sets on loan by the 'Wireless for the Bedridden'
Society, who in needy cases generously provided licences also on request. There were at the end of
the year 29 sets under the supervision of the Association, also other sets sponsored by other bodies.
This Society clearly gives a vast amount of enjoyment and encouragement to homebound people
and the Association greatly appreciates its fine work.
Entertainments.—The highlight among entertainments was once again a splendid party given by
Mrs. Lew Grade at the Seymour Hall for 800 old people of St. Marylebone to all clubs, homes,
institutions and almshouses. Invitations were allocated and some 300 old people belonging
to no club were included. The Association was very glad to help with a party which brought delight
to so many and expresses the warmest possible thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Grade for another really
memorable occasion.
Fifty old people enjoyed a Christmas party at the Y.M.C.A. in Great Russell Street. It is not
possible to list similar entertainments arranged by the clubs.
The Women's Institute at Wye, near Ashford, again invited a party of St. Marylebone people for
an August outing. This proved a very happy day for a coach load of old people who were not
otherwise having any holiday.
The Student Theatre Group of the St. Marylebone Literary Institute gave 40 tickets for the use
of old people at an entertainment.
Christmas Gifts.—The Association was glad to submit names of needy people for money gifts
from the St. Martin-in-the-Fields Christmas Appeal of 1960.
Warm thanks are expressed to many generous friends and firms who co-operated with the
Association in giving parcels and hospitality to old people at Christmas, and also harvest festival
gifts."
Diseased or Infirm Persons—Compulsory Removal.
Section 47 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, as amended by the National Assistance
(Amendment) Act, 1951, empowers the Council to apply to the Courts for Orders for the removal
to a hospital or institution, for the purposes of securing the necessary care and attention, of persons
who—
(a) are suffering from grave chronic disease or, being aged, infirm or physically incapacitated,
are living in insanitary conditions, and,
(b) are unable to devote to themselves, and are not receiving from other persons, proper care
and attention.
It was not necessary to follow this procedure during 1961 but unfortunately distressing cases do
sometimes occur of old persons who, although no longer able to look after themselves and living in
conditions which make it impossible for them to be nursed at home, refuse to enter a home or hospital
voluntarily.
Public Baths and Laundry.
The Seymour Hall, opened in April, 1937, covers an area of 37,000 square feet. The building is
electrically heated and contains two indoor swimming pools, private baths, public laundry, squash
racket court, changing and club rooms. Swimming, private bath, and laundry facilities are available
daily throughout the year.
The large swimming pool, which is converted from October to April inclusive for use as a public
hall, has a water area of 132 feet by 42 feet with depths from 3 feet to 12 feet, and the smaller pool
a water area of 100 feet by 30 feet with depths from 2 feet 9 inches to 6 feet 6 inches. The pools are
provided with independent purification plants which are cross-connected to purify water in either pool
if necessary. These plants have a capacity of 65,000 and 23,800 gallons per hour respectively. This
enables the contents of the pools, 228,000 and 83,600 gallons, to be circulated and purified within
3½ hours. Continuous filtration is applied so that all the pool water does not have to be changed.
Water from the pool is used to wash the filter beds and "make-up" water is taken from the mains
of the Metropolitan Water Board. Chemical treatment is by alumina and soda, and the water is
sterilized by chlorine gas with modern "breakpoint chlorination" equipment. Automatic recorders
provide a continuous check on residual chlorine and periodic re-agent tests are also taken. Samples
from both pools are regularly sent to the Council's Bacteriologist and the results have been satisfactory.
Both pools have spacious dressing rooms which are provided with foot-baths and showers. Diving
stages and spring-boards offer every facility for the advanced swimmer and diver, and refreshments
are obtainable in the upper balconies.