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Beckenham Tuberculosis Care Committee.
The Hon. Secretary, Mr. S. W. Collett, has submitted the following
report on the work of the Beckenham Tuberculosis Care Committee,
for which I express my thanks :—
" The Voluntary Tuberculosis Care Committee, which has been
working for the welfare of local patients since 1938 continues to
meet many and varied needs of patients and their families.
Assistance with fares has made it possible for relatives to visit
patients away in hospital for many months and these visits help to
sustain morale ; also patients on leaving sanatoria need to be helped
to re-establish themselves either in their old job or in other more
suitable employment."
WOMEN'S VOLUNTARY SERVICE.
The following report on the W.V.S. work in the Borough has been
submitted by Mrs. S. E. Porter, the local Area Organiser, to whom I
express my thanks.
Darby and Joan Clubs.
Three Darby and Joan Clubs and two Over 60's Clubs are running
in the Borough. Two of the Clubs are held on Tuesdays and one on
Thursday from 1.45 to 4.15 p.m. Membership averages 100/120 and
the Clubs are attended by people over 60 years of age. The membership
fee is Id. and usually a nominal sum of 3d. per person is charged for the
tea provided. A free library is available. The members enjoy weekly
Whist Drives, Darts Matches and Raffles. The Clubs are subsidised
by voluntary subscriptions.
Spring and Autumn outings are arranged for the old people in
addition to a pantomime and Christmas show. The members save a
small amount weekly in order to pay for such outings.
A Savings Group is run particularly for members who wish to
save towards holidays, outings, etc.
The two Over 60's Clubs are run in West Wickham with an
average attendance of 130/150 in the Lecture Hall and 50 at Coney
Hall. The total membership of the Over 60's Clubs is 255.
Old People's Welfare.
Many visits are made to elderly people living alone and assistance
is given in regard to clothing which is supplied free on the authority
of any reliable body such as the National Assistance Board.
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