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72
Surbiton, on the 2nd November ,
The residents may, if they wish, purchase the articles they make
at the cost of the materials involved,,
Coombe Oak - Eire Damage
On the 18th April 1967 a fire occurred at this home and severely
damaged a large area of the main roof and the vicinity of the lift shaft,
which was under construction. The heat of the fire caused extensive cracks
which necessitated partial rebuilding of the home, and the electrical wiring
and the telephone line on the first floor were considerably damaged.
The residents and staff were transferred to other homes for about
seven months whilst repairs and redecorations were carried out.
Voluntary Services in the Residential Homes
It is a pleasant duty to take this opportunity of recording appreciation
to those individuals and members of voluntary organisations who did much to
brighten the lives of residents by bringing some of the outside world to them
by way of entertainments, gifts, and in other ways.
Particular thanks are due to the members of the Women's Royal Voluntary
Servioe, who provided a trolley shop in several of the homes, and the local
Women's Institutes and Friends of Homes, who did so much to provide such
entertainment and enjoyment for the elderly residents.
Residential Accommodation in other Local Authorities Homes
Some 78 elderly people from the borough are accommodated by other local
authorities. Although many of these residents were already accommodated in
these homes when the new borough came into being, these authorities have on
several occasions also assisted with emergency vacancies when it has not been
possible to provide accommodation locally, and thanks are expressed for their
help.
There were 54. residents at the 31st December 1967 in the Council's
old people's homes who were the responsibility of other local authorities.
All residents in homes outside the borough for whom this authority has
accepted financial responsibility are visited by welfare officers from the
authority in whose area the home is situated, and a report submitted to the
Chief Welfare Officer.