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58
people become aware of the Committee's work there is a corresponding increase
in the demand for help and advice
(a) Handicraft Exhibition
A very successful exhibition of Old People s Handicraft was held at the
Bruce Castle Museum in June, Over 200 entries were received from men and
women over 60 whose entries displayed a fine delicate and artistic touch. In
spite of failing eyesight, hands often crippled with rheumatism, they were able
to show that they had still the mastery of their crafts The Exhibition,
which was a tribute to their skill, aroused a widespread interest in the
Borough and more than 3,500 members of the public visited Bruce Castle to
admire the entries, but more important was the interest of the old people them
selves. During the weeks of preparation the steps of the old people seemed
lighter, heads were held higher, and eyes shone with a fully justified pride of
achievement. £200 in prizes was awarded.
(b) Cbronation Events
The organisation of a Coronation Dinner for 8 000 aged residents of the
Borough at the Royal Theatre of Dancing was undertaken by the Committee with
the help and co operation of the managements Many crippled and housebound
were conveyed to and from the function by cars provided by voluntary workers
The Tottenham Corporation made a special donation of £500 towards the cost as a
part of the Borough Coronation celebrations
Many old folk were able to view the Coronation on television because of
the co operation and kindness shown by a local firm who installed without cost
two large sets in each of the old people s clubs for three days during that
week The Clubs were open to any old people who wanted to come along
(c) Outings
A number of outings to the coast or country were arranged during the
sunnier months There was als6 a visit to a B. B. C "Music Hall" broadcast and
500 old people were given free tickets to the Harringay Circus
(d) Christmas Parcels
Over 650 Christmas Parcels were packed and delivered into the homes of the
sick and housebound aged with the ready help of the voluntary workers who
undertook the delivery of the parcels in their cars The flood of letters
received from the old people proved how deeply the gifts were appreciated
(e) Chiropody Service
The Chiropody service is one of the most popular of the welfare services
and in 1953/4 1,660 patients received treatment Three sessions are fully
utilised each week but in spite of this there is a long waiting list and the
clinic is fully booked for 5 weeks ahead The charge to the old people is one
shilling per foot