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WOMEN'S VOLUNTARY SERVICE
I have received the following report on the work of the W.V.S.
over the past year, from Mrs. J. M. Fisher, Centre Organizer, to whom
1 express my thanks.
Derby and Joan Clubs
In Beckenham, there are three Darby and Joan Clubs and two
Over 60's Clubs in West Wickham. Of the Beckenham Clubs, two are
held on Tuesday and one on Thursday from 1.45 to 4.15 p.m. All
the members of the three Beckenham Clubs are over 60 years of age,
and the total membership is approximately 500. The fee for membership
is only Id., and a charge of 3d. is made for tea supplied. Each
week, Whist Drives, Dart Matches and Raffles are held and at least
two of the Clubs have talented choirs which entertain generally. For
those interested, a free library is available and plenty of magazines are
supplied.
Outings are arranged for Club members about twice a year, and
during the winter, visits are made to Pantomimes, etc., Holidays are
arranged at reduced rates during the ' out of season ' period of the
year. In addition, a Savings Group is run for members who wish to
save weekly towards holidays, outings, etc.
The two Over 60's Clubs in West Wickham, have an average
membership of 130-150, and all Clubs are subsidised by voluntary
subscriptions.
Meals on Wheels
These meals are served on Tuesdays and Fridays, and this service
is run principally for the benefit of invalids and the elderly people
who, for some reason, cannot cook for themselves, and live alone.
All meals are cooked in the Centre by members of the W.V.S. Appeals
for such meals usually come from Hospital Almoners, Doctors, and
through the Darby and Joan Clubs. The cost of meals is subsidised
by voluntary funds and an allowance towards cost of transport made
through the Local and County Authorities. Those in need-are tequired
only to pay a very small sum for this service. About 40 meals aer at
present served twice a week.
West Wickham Luncheon Club
Meals for this Club are cooked by W.V.S. and only a nominal
charge is made. On an average, 35 meals are served weekly, in addition
to the Meals on Wheels, an average of 16 served twice a week.
Old People's Welfare
Visits are made to elderly people who live alone and where
necessary, assistance is given with clothing supplied free on the
authority of the National Assistance Board, District Nurses, etc.
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