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23.
help of the City of London and East London Dispensary. Her first year has
"been fully occupied in visiting every person known to us,and in searching
out others previously unknown to the department. On finding that an
individual pensioner required help, she has passed the patient over to the
more experienced visitors who are able to adjust this work with their other
duties.
Old People's Clubs - The numbers attending the Council's full-time
clubs have remained almost constant this year, Moorfields having improved
somewhat, while the Bell has retrogressed slightly, pending the erection of
its new premises. Wenlock has gone still further ahead, Haggerston slipped
slightly and Hoxton Friday club for the enfeebled has further increased
(weekly concerts being given by Miss Betty Bray and her friends). However
all seem happy, especially with their handicraft work and the weekly concert.
The Council's Holiday & Rest Home in Sussex has had even more guests
than before, and has continued to do excellent work in rehabilitation not
only for Shoreditch residents, but also for people recuperating from other
areas as far apart as Newcastle and Exeter. King Edward's Hospital Fund
has helped financially to a greater extent in 1957 than in any previous
year, and the home is being completely redecorated.
The Meals on Wheels Service for the housebound has been maintained for
5 days a v/eek by the W.V.S. (for whom the Council has provided a new van
this year, as well as a new set of insulated containers to replace the
heavier ones previously used). The Salvation Amy has also delivered meals
for 4 days a week, using their own van and insulated containers provided by
the Borough Council. The meals for club members, still kept at lOd each,
have also been delivered by Council van service by the organiser and helper
of each club. These totalled about 100 meals/day.
The S.O.S. Cards, laundry service (with the help of St.Matthew's
Hospital), library service in the old people's own homes, shoe repair
service by the Lion Boys' Club, wireless for the bedridden, fireguards and
blankets, etc.(per National Assistance Board), distribution of furniture
from this department (and wheelchairs where necessary),handicrafts in the
clubs (with paid L.C.C. instructors), baths (on the premises of Moorfields
Club), chiropody (at the Council's former clinics, St.Leonard's Hospital
and at home), many free gifts such as coal, mattresses, etc. from various
sources, and of course the annual holidays at the Council's own home (at
10/- to 15/- a week, plus 10/- in the Council's own coach for the journey)have
all continued to expand.
The invaluable co-operation of St.Matthew's Hospital whenever
required, the L.C.C.'s. Home Help Service, the District Nursing Association
and many other bodies has been much appreciated.