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WOMEN'S VOLUNTARY SERVICE
I an very grateful to Mrs0 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 Beckenhan and two Over 6Cfs Clubs
in West Wickhan are still running in the Borough. Of the Beckenhan
Clubs, two are held on Tuesday and one on Thursday from 1.4-5 to 4.15 P.m.
Membership of the three Clubs in Beckenhan is about 500, and all the
neribers 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 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 Club3 are subsidised by voluntary subscriptions. The two
Over 601s Clubs are run in West Wickham with an average membership
of 130/150.
Meals on Wheels
Meals are served three tines a week from West Wickham and Beckenhan,
Thirty-five meals are taken out each time from West Wickham and 40
from Beckenhan. 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.
West Wickham Luncheon Club
There are now two Luncheon Clubs, the meals are cooked by W.V.S.
and only a nominal charge is made. Thirty-five meals are served by
each Club.
Old Peoplo'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 were able to send eight away.
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