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CLUBS
The "Over 60's" Club continues to fill a need. But unfortunately only
those elderly people who live in the central area are able to use it with any
regularity. There seems to be no doubt that high 'bus fares and long waits at
'bus stops are an obstacle to many who would like to become members. With a
weekly attendance of 110-120 for the five days on which the club is open it is
felt that the rooms are not being used as much as might be expected. (This
question is discussed again in a subsequent section).
The "Third Thursday" Club for housebound and partially disabled people
continues to fulfil its valuable purpose. In May and September afternoon outings
were arranged to a country club in Hertfordshire. In November the Inner Wheel
gave a celebration party at Station Road and the Committee held a New Year Party
in January. So far no similar club has been started under the auspices of the
Committee outside the central area. But we are informed that a group of ladies
in Mill Hill entertain a group of 16 elderly housebound people in their homes at
frequent intervals. This is probably the most practical way of extending this
activity. The Committee would be most happy to give their support to any similar
effort and to help financially if this is needed. They again offer their most
grateful thanks to all those volunteer drivers, helpers and entertainers whose
help and enthusiasm have made these valuable activities possible.
CHIROPODY
The service continues to be operated under the Middlesex County Council
in the manner described in the previous Annual Report. As we have to keep
within the quotas laid down in 1960 after the first six months' running of the
extended service, the number of treatments given in private surgeries remains
static. New patients are referred to the County Clinic nearest to their homes.
We are, however, allowed a certain latitude with domiciliary treatments and
the number of patients who are visited by Mrs MacCabe shows a small but steady
increase. The County Council have made advance payments to us on account of our
monthly outgoings and this has removed the financial anxieties from which we
once suffered.
CHESHIR HOUSE, NEW BRENT STREET ESTATE
This two storey block on the new estate in the central area of the Borough
is designed to house 43 elderly people in fully equipped single rooms. Tenants
are not necessarily of pensionable age. A number of elderly people whom we
have known for some years and who were previously unsuitably housed are now
living there in comfort. The assistant to the organising secretary spends one
afternoon each week visiting there. Although a letter was left with each of the
tenants inviting them to join the "Over 60's" Club we have had no new members
from among them. There is a comfortable clubroom which seats 100-120 and
which can be hired by clubs and organisations. Application for its use should
be made to the Borough Housing Officer.
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