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In view of the further increased demand, the Old People's
Welfare Committee decided at the end of the year that two
additional mobile meals vehicles should be purchased.
RECREATION AND HOLIDAYS
(a) Transport-Delivery was taken early in the year of the
new Minibus specially designed to transport handicapped and less
mobile old people. It is being used daily to convey handicapped
and homebound old people to luncheon and other clubs, as well as
to concerts, on regular afternoon outings during the summer months,
and to special functions arranged by voluntary organisations.
In view of the success of this work for the handicapped and
homebound, and the need for more transport, the Old People's
Welfare Committee are hoping to purchase a larger specially
equipped vehicle.
(b) Holiday Scheme-Under the Council's holiday scheme for
old people 200 persons enjoyed a week's holiday at Westgate during
the Spring or Autumn.
Preference was again given to those who had not recently had
a holiday and who could not otherwise afford a holiday. The great
majority of applicants were either in receipt of National Assistance
or would have been eligible for National Assistance if they made
application.
The cost of the holiday to the applicant, including full
board and fare, was 40/-d., with a reduction in cases of hardship.
Payment by the old people was often received by instalments.
Voluntary escorts again assisted in this scheme. Many letters
of thanks were received from the old people.
(c) Special Services for Homebound-Following a most
successful Christmas concert held at the Town Hall, which was
attended by some 200 handicapped and elderly old people, the
Old People's Welfare Committee, with the co-operation of the
Amenities and Catering Committee, arranged two further concerts
for handicapped and homebound old people.
During the year the Old People's Welfare Committee
considered the possible further use of community centres by
lonely and less active old people for recreational activities,
including the provision of luncheon clubs, and referred this
question to a special Sub-Committee of the General Purposes
Committee, which is considering the future provision of community
centres.
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