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through the town in a Stage Coach. During the Festival week
prominent buildings in the Borough were floodlit} two Gift
Shops were manned by voluntary helpers; street collections and
collections at local public houses were made during the week; carol
services were held; and several voluntary organisations arranged
functions to raise money for the Appeal. A large number of local
organisations took part in the Festival, not the least contribution
being made by local schoolchildren. A total of over £2,250 was
raised directly by the Mayor's Appeal, and gifts were sent to over
2,000 old people in the Borough, voluntary helpers making the
distribution.
In addition, several factory and Church groups, schools, and
voluntary organisations sent their own gifts, and requested the
names of suitable recipients; a further 1,000 names were submitted
to these groups, so that in all, over 3,000 needy and deserving old
people in the Borough were able to receive a Christmas gift.
The Mayor was extremely gratified to receive scores of letters
of thanks from those who benefited from her most successful Appeal.
BULB GROWING COMPETITION
This annual competition for homebound elderly persons is a
piece of work transferred from the Woolwich Council of Social Service.
50 old folk entered the competition this year, each receiving a daffodil
bulb, pot and fibre. A W.V.S. voluntary worker again acted as Judge.
HOUSING
REPAIRS
The number of occupied dwellinghouses in the Borough at the end
of the year was estimated to be 45,460, being 516 more than the previous
year.
Premises inspected for defects during the year under the Public
Health (London) Act, and the Housing Act, totalled 2,195. Of
total number inspected, 8l4 houses were found to be not in all respects
reasonably fit for habitation.
A total of 599 houses were rendered fit by Informal action, which
included the service of 570 Intimation Notices.
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