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those who would otherwise have no outside activity, besides providing
them with a little extra money each week. The work carried
out is simple to perform, and we are indebted to the various firms
in the town who have made regular work available. The earnings
of the workshop during the period ended 31st December, 1962,
amounted to £272 1s. 4d. which more than offset the wages paid
which totalled £244 15s. Od. The Council's expenditure was therefore
limited to the establishment and running costs and also the
cost of fares for the old people employed, as the Council agreed
to refund these.
At the end of 1962, the Workshop was moved from the
temporary premises in which it was first opened to more permanent
premises, providing larger accommodation.
The Council also provide the following facilities for old people
living in the Borough :—
1. A week's holiday by the sea during the summer at a holiday
camp (£2 2s. 6d.) or guest house (£1 15s. Od.); or
A day's coach outing (for those who do not take part in the
Holiday Scheme) to the sea, including lunch and lea for 3s.
2. Free Christmas food parcels.
3. Concerts during the winter months, for which admission is
free, and coach transport provided without charge.
4. Hot two-course luncheons at four centres in various parts of
the town at a charge of 8d. (or 10d. including a cup of tea).
The Romford Council also have made considerable provision
of housing accommodation for the elderly, including bed/sittingroom
flats in either new blocks or by extensions to existing large
houses. The fourth of these at No. 61 Main Road was completed
during the year.
Residential Accommodation. A hostel for old people, the first
of its kind in Romford, was nearing completion by the end of
1962. This will accommodate some 63 residents.
Other services for the elderly, provided by the Local Health
Authority, details of which are given earlier in this report, include
health visiting, home nursing, domestic help, sick room equipment,
night attendance and chiropody.
The W.V.S. provide a meals-on-wheels service for persons who
are housebound and unable to provide an adequate meal for
themselves.
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