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a comprehensive programme of concerts to the Old People's Clubs, and in addition,
there has been a series of special concerts during the summer months at
the Summer Theatre. The 'All-Star Variety' show and the special Cinema Show
are two of the high lights of this work which also included special Olde Tyme
Dances, free admission to plays, quiz .contests, etc. The facilities for entertainment
provided by the Edmonton Borough Council are greatly appreciated
by the old people.
VISITING SERVICE: This service is the most difficult to maintain
owing to the lack of suitable volunteers to undertake this important work.
However, the cases referred to the Association are often sent on to the Old
People's Clubs in the particular locality from which the enquiry is received,
and the Clubs report back the need of any special welfare services. In a
number of cases, lonely old people have consequently taken up membership in
the Club. Voluntary workers are urgently needed in this service, especially
to visit house-bound old people who live alone.
HOLIDAYS: As in previous years, there have been many enquiries with
regard to 'off-season' holidays at reduced prices for old people, and full information
has been sent to all the Old People's Clubs and interested organisations,
of the facilities available.
Many of the Old People's Clubs arrange for parties of their members
to go away together under these special facilities, and there is no doubt that
they derive great benefit from this happy association in new surrouidings.
INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE: The Town Hall continues to receive a
large number of cases of people in need of information and assistance on a
wide variety of problems. Many of these cases are referred to us by the local
Doctors, Hospitals, National Assistance Board, Police, etc., and an endeavour
is made to treat each case individually with courtesy, sympathy and understanding.
During the year a number of editions of the "News Letter" have been circulated,
giving information quickly and briefly to the greatest number of people
possible through its distribution to the Old People's Clubs, affiliated organisations,
etc.
LIBRARY DELIVERY SERVICE: This admirable and efficient service with
its bi-weekly delivery of books to the physically handicapped and house-bound
old people, is greatly appreciated, and we record our thanks to the Libraries
staff for their courteous and willing service. Today there are 47 people enjoying
this service.
WELFARE FOOD SERVICE; During the year the sales of welfare foods
have increased - Ovaltine 1,510 tins; Bovril 986 bottles; and Marmite, which
is in its first year of sale - 222 bottles. The Executive asked th^t an examination
be made as to how far the distribution arrangements could be extended,
and a system has now been introduced by which Old People's Clubs advise, in
advance, the British Red Cross Society, who then deliver the order on the day
that the Club concerned meets. Whilst the British Red Cross maintain control
over the distribution, the new arrangements give a wider distribution and is
greatly appreciated by the Old People's Clubs. The Association record their
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