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More voluntary work than ever is being undertaken by organisations
in the Borough to cater for the need# of the elderly.
Mobile Meals Service
At the end of the year, on the recommendation of the Old People's
Welfare Committee, the Council decided to support the operation of a
second mobile meals van. Arrangements were made through the City
Parochial Foundation, who had provided the first van in 1955, for the
presentation to the Borough of a second van to be operated by the
W.V.S. in conjunction with the Council of Social Service, under the
same arrangements as in the case of the existing van. The new van is
being centred in the Eltham area.
Lunch Clubs
The Eltham Lunch Club meets on five days a week at the Progress
Hallo Owing to the closure of the Plumstead Central Hall at the
end of March, arrangements were made by the Council of Social Service
with the Borough Council for this Club to meet in future at the
Plumstead Baths in a room formerly used for slipper baths which had
been suitably adapted. The food supplied to the Club is already
prepared by the Borough Council's Catering Department at Plumstead
Baths, therefore no question of transport of meals now arises. The Council of Social Service have expressed grateful thanks for the
Borough Council's assistance in providing this most satisfactory
accommodation. Substantial financial contributions towards these
two Lunch Clubs were again made by the Borough Council.
Holidays for the Elderly
During 1958, 94 elderly folk had a holiday under the Holiday
Scheme arranged by the Council of Social Service. Altogether, 48
residents of the Borough took their holiday at Westgate in the
Spring, and 42 in the Autumn, and four others went separately to
boarding houses. Nearly all those participating were in receipt of
National Assistace. Unfortunately, owing to the demand for this
service, several applicants had to be refused. Appreciative letters
have been received from those taking part.
The intention for future years is that, with a few exceptions
in cases of age or infirmity, the scheme should normally be confined
to persons in receipt of National Assistance.
At the end of the year, in view of the above report, the Borough
Council decided to increase the grant of money made available for the
holiday scheme for the year 1959 from £300 to £345°
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