View report page

who live alone and cannot cook for themselves. The meals are now
cooked in the Centre by members of W.V.S. Appeals for meals
usually come from Hospital Almoners, Doctors, and through the
Darby and Joan Clubs. An allowance towards the cost of transport
is made through the local and County Authorities. Cost of the meals
is subsidised by voluntary funds, and those in need are only required
to pay a very small sum for the service. About 20 meals are served
each time.
West Wickham Luncheon Club.
Meals for this Luncheon Club are cooked by W.V.S. and only
a nominal charge is made. An average of 35 meals are served weekly,
in addition to an average of 16 meals on Wheels twice a week.
Old People's Welfare.
Visits are made to elderly people who live alone, and assistance
is given with regard to clothing which is supplied free on the authority
of the National Assistance Board, District Nurses, etc.
Hospital Work.
Work in connection with Beckenham Hospital has been much
appreciated, and consists of help with the library, flowers and magazines.
Other work is done at Swanley Hospital.
Maternity Home.
Many baby garments have been knitted, and we now have a
Guild of Service which will supply help personally to the Matron.
This Guild consists of W.V.S. and non-W.V.S. from Beckenham
and Penge.
Baby Clinics.
Helpers are supplied at three of the baby clinics in the Borough
and assist in the selling of Welfare Foods, weighing and clerical work.
S.S.A.F.A.
The local branch of S.S.A.F.A. is still run by W.V.S. from our
own Centre, and since last year around £500 has passed through its
hands. Apart from financial help, clothing has been given and
advice on many matters.
Clothing Depot.
We hold a good stock of second-hand clothing, which is available
for the old and sick people in the Borough who come to us with a
note from the National Assistance Board, Doctor or Health Visitor.
Over 20,000 garments passed through our hands for the Hungarians,
and we are clothing, in the Depot, those who are billeted
in the Borough.
The Children's Clothing Exchange is still being run every Wednesday,
and we understand it is the most flourishing one in Metropolitan
Kent.
23