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In December 1963 however the Executive decided to extend the Meals
Service up to 100 per day, i.e. 400 per week, excluding emergency calls, and
in the first 5 months of 1964 - that is January to May inclusive the Women's
Voluntary Service have delivered no less than 8,447 meals - May was a record
month with 2,001.
This increase in the service necessitated an almost complete reorganisation
in the routes; additional voluntary workers and additional
transport but the "waiting list" was there, and many of the old people were
in great need of the service - once the Executive gave authority to act the
service went into operation.
The Association offer a very sincere tribute to all the ladies of the
Women's Voluntary Service and especially to Mrs. E. Everitt, Meals Organiser,
whose untiring work is the sheet anchor of this service. We also offer our
thanks to Mrs. P. Smith and her staff at the Town Hall Canteen who prepare the
meals, and the Council's transport staff for their help and co-operation.
(b) ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATION
The Edmonton Borough Council through the Municipal Entertainments
Department, have continued to maintain a very comprehensive and most enjoyable
programme of concerts to the Old People's Clubs. This year both Pymmes Park
Club, and William Preye Club enjoyed this service. In addition, there have
been the Special Old Type Dances, a great favourite, and on a number of
occasions "House Full" notices have had to be put up; special concerts at the
Summer Theatre in Pymmes Park, and the "high-light" of the year are the "All
Star" Variety Concerts at the Regal and Granada. There have been also free
admission to Quiz Shows etc., and reduced prices at special Celebrity Concerts
and Edmonton Old People's Club took part in the All London Old People's Talent
Contest.
The Edmonton Borough Council, and the staff of the Entertainments
Department in particular, can be assured that the old people are very appreciative
of these facilities, and we offer the Council our sincere thanks.
(c) VISITING SERVICE
A great deal of valuable work is being done by the Old People's Clubs;
Red Cross; Toc H and other voluntary organisations in visiting sick house-bound
old people. Many of these cases are referred to the Welfare Organiser by the
National Assistance Board; Citizens Advice Bureau; Area Health Department and
other agencies. The visit by a member of an Old People's Club may mean that
ultimately the lonely old person will join the Club, and from this contact new
friendships are formed of a lasting nature, and the problem of loneliness in
that particular case is solved.
An important development in this Service has been the work of the
Welfare Assistant, especially on emergency calls, and subsequent follow-up action.
There is almost daily contact with the W.V.S., on such cases, through the Mealson-Wheels
Service, and the extension of the Meals Service means more ground is
covered.