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WOMEN'S VOLUNTARY SERVICE
I am very grateful to Mrs. J. M. Fisher, Centre Organizer of the
W.V.S. who has kindly submitted the following interesting report—
Darby and Joan Clubs
Three Darby and Joan Clubs in Beckenham and two Over 60's
Clubs in West Wickham are still running in the Borough. Of the
Beckenham Clubs, two are held on Tuesday and one on Thursday
from 1.45 to 4.15 p.m. Membership of the three Clubs in Beckenham
is about 500, and all the members are over 60 years of age. The
membership fee is Id., and a charge of 3d. is made for tea. Whist
Drives, Darts Matches and Raffles are held each week, and at least
two of the Clubs have talented choirs which entertain not only their
own members, but other organisations as well. A free library is
available to members and there are also plenty of magazines for
reading.
Spring and Autumn outings are arranged for the Club members
and in the winter visits are made to pantomimes and ice shows.
Members also have holidays at reduced rates—out of season—at the
seaside. A savings group is run for members who wish to save weekly
towards holidays, outings, etc.
The Clubs are subsidised by voluntary subscriptions. The two
Over 60's Clubs are run in West Wickham with an average membership
of 130/150.
Meals on Wheels
Meals are still served twice a week, Tuesdays and Fridays, and
from the West Wickham centre three times a week, on Tuesdays,
Wednesdays and Fridays. The service is run principally for the benefit
of invalids and elderly people who live alone and cannot cook for
themselves. The meals are 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 40
meals are served each time from Beckenham and about 30 from West
Wickham.
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
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. Owing to a
fund started by one of the Townswomen's Guilds we are now able to
send a few special cases of old people away to the sea for out of season
holidays. This year we are able to send ten away.
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