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25.
support it entirely for the rest of the year. Unfortunately 1956 saw us
in some difficulty in getting an efficient replacement for our faithful old
cook when she retired, but our difficulties in that direction seem now to
have been solved. The coach in which guests have been taken to Copthorne
for many years became useless during the year, and thanks to King Edward's
Hospital Fund who covered half the cost, this was replaced by a luxurious
vehicle of the same capacity which now gives not only greater comfort in
the journeys between the Town Hall and Copthorne, but is in great demand
for trips to the seaside from the Home. The old coach has been placed in
the grounds and still gives great pleasure to the children as their most
realistic toy.
The extremely close liaison with St. Matthew's Hospital for the elderly
sick, and with the L.C.C's "Hillside" Home for the elderly needing care and
attention only, has been of very great help to the department.
The Meals on Wheels service had a setback for the moment when the Red
Cross were unable to find enough personnel to continue their share of
deliveries. However, the local Salvation Army Goodwill Centre nobly stepped
into the breach and now deliver even more meals each day (except Monday)
than the W.V.S., as well assupplying their own vehicle. A further help to
an increase in the number of meals delivered to the home bound each day has
been by dividing the Borough so that one half is supplied entirely by the
W.V.S. while the other half is dealt with by the Salvation Army only - thus
reducing the mileage and time of each vehicle and avoiding duplication of
journeys. During the year, new insulated containers of a smaller size have
been supplied by the Council, as the previous ones were too heavy for women
to lift. In addition the Council has agreed to provide a new van for the
W.V.S. during 1957, a Council driver still working daily for them from
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The meals continue to be cooked by a local caterer who
was able for a month or two after his payments increased from ]/6d to 1/8d
(following an increased grant from the L.C.C. of lOd instead of 8d), to
give the old people a weekly treat such as steamed chicken for their lOd
payment. This produced an increase in club members having lunch at that
time, but now that the caterer's costs have further increased, these treats
have unfortunately had to cease.
The co-operation of District Nurses as well as L.C.C. Health Visitors
and Hone Helps, has been of great assistance to our staff, and much
appreciated by all concerned. We have given the L.C.C's Duly Authorised
Officers some awkward problems and have forged closer links with Long
Grove Hospital, Epsom, this year.
Arrangements have been made with St. Matthew's Hospital for the
laundering of bed linen etc., of the incontinent at the expense of the
Borough Council.
Altogether we feel that our Social Services for the aged are doing
first class useful work.