View report page

22
SERVICES RENDERED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
The St. John Ambulance Brigade.
Over 60's Clubs.
The invaluable work carried out by these voluntary agencies
continued during the year.
Women's Voluntary Service.
The County Organiser has kindly furnished the following
information:—
" .Meals on Wheels."
Orpington served 6,400 meals during the year 1958, an average
of 123 per week. The old people pay 1/- per meal and no subsidy
is taken from any source whatsoever towards the cost of the meal.
A free dinner for 78 was served at Christmas. They received a
donation from Alexandra Rose Day which has been used to maintain
their van. The service covers Orpington, Farnborough, Petts
Wood, Chelsfield, St. Mary Cray, Cudham and Knockholt. During
the year they have had three very sick women to care for, which
has entailed delivering meals five days a week in special containers.
Darby and Joan Clubs.
The two clubs continue to flourish, one has a membership of
approximately 45 and the other 75. Both are run on the same lines
—various forms of entertainment parties and outings are arranged
for them. A local resident generously gave a free outing and free
lunch to the members of the Farnborough Club.
General Welfare Work.
Many visits are paid to local old people. The Hospital
Almoners frequently call upon W.V.S. members to visit lonely old
people in hospital. The Trolley Shop is greatly appreciated by the
old people in the geriatric units. The Orpington W.V.S. members
also assist with the Occupation Therapy in the psychiatric ward,
which is very beneficial to some of the old people; this is done
by specially chosen members. 243 escorts by car have been carried
out during the year. Wheel chairs and other medical equipment
are loaned free of charge.
Orpington and District Old People's Welfare Committee.
The Honorary Secretary has kindly furnished the following
report:—
" The Orpington and District Old People's Welfare Committee
maintained its usual activities throughout the year. In addition to