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143
extent by the W.R.V.S. and in the Wanstead and Woodford part
of the Borough wholly by the W.R.V.S. continues to expand
and there are now 196 persons receiving meals. In Ilford alone
during the year we introduced the delivery of meals in disposable
tinfoil containers and these have proved to be most popular
since the meal is received in a more palatable condition and
can be eaten straight from the container if the recipient so
wishes apart from the fact that the additional cost was absolved
by reductions in staff. Meals are supplied in the Ilford area
from the Town Hall kitchen and co-operation with the Borough
Treasurer and his staff is much appreciated.
As in previous years the Christmas meal was prepared in
the Town Hall kitchen and the Good Companions of North
Ilford paid for the cost of the meal provided to recipients in the
Ilford area. At Christmas a survey was carried out to ensure
that all the meals recipients would be having a meal over the
holiday and it was found that with only a few exceptions
the necessary arrangements had been made by relatives, neighbours
and friends. I am grateful to the office staff who turned
out during the holiday to deliver meals to those persons who
could otherwise not have had them. In the Borough an average
of over 800 meals are delivered each week and to the year end
31st December, 1967 almost 37,000 meals were delivered.
Voluntary
Organisations
We have continued our close working relationship with the
many voluntary organisations in the Borough concerned with
the welfare of the community and the Welfare Committee has
made grants to a large number of them. The Council is also
affiliated to a number of regional and national associations
and contact has been maintained with these associations to
ensure that the best service is provided locally. It is worth a
mention that membership of the Ilford and District Geriatric
Liaison Committee has developed a closer understanding and
co-operation between General Practitioner and hospital medical
staff and I look forward to a continued development of this
association which can only benefit the Borough.
In common with all local authority departments, there was a
steady demand during the year for officers to talk to various
organisations concerning the work of the departments and some
63 talks were In fact given. In addition we had a number of
students visiting departments, some just briefly for an hour or
two and some being with us for almost 6 months. The presence
of students in the department creates a good deal of additional
work but they are very welcome since it not only enables us to
give an accurate picture of the welfare service but also helps
us In recruitment and the students themselves are often