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158 STATION ROAD. N.W.4.
In a previous section of this report attention has been drawn to the fact
that the "Over 60's" Club is only of use to those who live in the central area
of Hendon. Although 150 subscriptions have been paid since April 1961 the weekly
attendance now averages no more than 110-120. Allowing for the "regulars"
who come to the club several times each week, the total number of people using it
in any one week appears to be not more than about 70. The club is also open on
two evenings each week when a group of about 30 members make their own arrangements
for entertainment. On Thursday afternoons the club has always been poorly
attended and at present only two couples come with any regularity on that day.
It was for this reason that Thursday was chosen for the monthly meetings of the
club for the housebound and disabled. Attendances on week-day afternoons used
to average about 130 a week. Although this drop in attendance is not very great,
it was natural to suppose that active membership of the club would tend to rise
each year. Various reasons might account for this position:
Yearly rise in the average age of members.
Increased 'bus fares and long waits for 'buses.
The position of the club at one of the highest spots in the Borough,
"involving a long drag uphill from whichever direction it is approached.
Possible rise in the number of those having television at home.
CONCLUSION
Following the publication of the new ten year Hospital Plan for England and
Wales, the Minister of Health, The Rt.Hon. J.Enoch Powell, presided recently at
a conference at which the chief officers of six important voluntary organisations
were present:
National Council of Social Service. British Red Cross Society.
National Old People's Welfare Council. Women's Voluntary Service.
National League of Hospital Friends. St.John Ambulance Association and
Brigade.
The theme of the conference was "Voluntary Work in Hospital and Local Health
and Welfare Services" and the aim was to reach general conclusions on the future
scope for voluntary work as a necessary part of the complete plan. Particular
emphasis was laid on the continuing need for full integration of voluntary effort
with the statutory services, the voluntary worker being regarded not as a
substitute for a full time paid worker but as a valued member of a team with a
specific task to perform. It is made abundantly clear in the report on this
meeting and in the directives recently published by the Ministry of Health that
without the continued close co-operation of the voluntary services at both
national and local level, the expansion envisaged would not be possible. The
need is likely to be felt for a considerable expansion of voluntary work and local
authorities are being urged to make the fullest use of services which voluntary
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