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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 over £600 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. We
are also able to help younger people with clothes and mothers with
baby clothes.
The Children's Clothing Exchange is still being run every
Wednesday, and we understand it is the most flourishing one in
Metropolitan Kent.
Welfare Foods
The Centre dispenses National Dried Milk, Orange Juice, Cod
Liver Oil and Vitamin Tablets.
Periodicals for the Forces
We send 30 parcels of books and magazines each month to our
Forces in the Middle and Far East. We get a small grant from the
County Office towards postage and the remainder has to be found by
the Centre, usually from any money we obtain from the sale of salvage.
Services Club
One of our members attends the Victory Club each Friday, where
she works in the library.
Canning
Members from the West Wickham Centre canned a large quantity
of fruit for the Maternity Hospital during the summer.
In addition to the aforementioned activities, the W.V.S. is closely
connected with the Tuberculosis After Care Committee, Area Pension
Officer, British Legion, the Disabled Persons' Committee and Children's
Homes.
Children's Holidays
We have been able to arrange holidays for a number of children
who are recommended to us by the T.B. After Care Committee and
Health Visitors. Last summer, eight children benefited from a holiday
at the seaside or in the country. More children could have received
such help had more money been available. The parents pay what they
can towards the holiday and the W.V.S. find the rest.
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