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A great attraction has been the special 0lde Tyme Dances for the old people; free admission to
plays, quiz contests, etc., and the highlights of all this activity are the 'All-Star Variety
Concert' and the special Cinema Show The facilities for entertainment provided by the Edmonton
Borough Council are greatly appreciated by the old people.
Two new ventures in this field were the exhibition of work from Old People's Clubs held
at the Middlesex Guildhall, Westminster, S.W,1., and the Edmonton Arts and Crafts Exhibition.,
at which many exhibits were submitted by the old people. The standard of work exhibited was
amazing, and in the Edmonton Arts and Crafts Exhibition, one competitor of 75 years won a first
prize for needlework. The interest in this work has been stimulated by these two exhibitions
and we are hoping for further success.
Visiting: This service continues to receive many demands on the small number of volunteers
available for this very important work Many of the Old People's Clubs operate a 'visiting
service' to their sick members, and through the National Assistance Board etc., we have been
able to introduce a number of old people to a club near their home, Also in a number of cases,
the secretaries of the Old People's Clubs have acted as 'initial visitor' on information from
the Welfare Organiser, The Association are greatly appreciative of the work done in this field
by Mrs, D.M. Dixon, Divisional Director, British Red Cross Society, Edmonton, who does the
'initial visit' in a number of cases on behalf of the Association, Here is a field of activity
that urgently needs more voluntary workers.
Holidays: During the year there have been many more enquiries with regard to the offseason
holidays at reduced prices for the old people, and as in previous years full information
has been circulated to all the Old People's Clubs and interested organisations of the facilities
available. There is urgent need in the Borough of Edmonton for short-stay holiday accommodation
for old people whilst their relatives, who have looked after them for fifty weeks of the year,
have a much needed rest.
Information and Assistance: It has been clearly established that the Town Hall has become
the 'focal point' for people with 'problems'. The number of cases dealt with by the Welfare
Organiser has exceeded that of last year, and there is proof of the need of this service by
the wide variety of problems, covering all age groups. Many of the cases have been referred by
local doctors, hospitals, National Assistance Board, Police, etc., and an endeavour is made to
treat each case with courtesy sympathy and understanding. A number of editions of the NEWS
LETTER have been circulated giving information quickly and briefly to the greatest number of
people through its distribution to Old People's Clubs, affiliated Organisations, the Press etc.
Library Service: This admirable and efficient service to physically handicapped and house
bound old people is greatly appreciated, and we record our thanks to the Libraries Staff for
their excellent work. To-day, 43 people are in this delivery service.
Welfare Foods Service: The sales of Ovaltine and Bovril continue to maintain a very high
level, and last year they reached a total of 2,329, There is no doubt of the need of this service,
especially to old people on a 'light diet' and those who are house-bound during the
winter months on account of respiratory trouble. We owe the British Red Cross Society, Edmonton,
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