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89
CLUBS: We report 19 Clubs now affiliated to the Association. Over
7,000 Old Folk are reported in membership of these Clubs Once more we
must pay tribute and gratitude to the Club Leaders and Helpers for their
devoted continuance of this great work, The Association made a grant of £5
to each Club in affiliation at Christmas, 1955, and continue to provide,
free of charge, subscription cards, games, etc.
MEALS ON WHEELS: Extended facilities came into operation on 10th February,
1956, from which date some 50 meals per day have been served on four days
a week (Tuesday to Friday), Total number served during the year was 6.920,
On the same date Mrs. Woodward was appointed on a permanent part time basis
for the daily distribution of the meals, making for much smoother working of
the service. The association is deeply indebted to the voluntary helpers
who helped to maintain this service prior to the appointment of Mrs
Woodward. Sincere gratitude is also due to the van drivers, especially
Mr. Jesson and the Rev. F. J, Morris, who, together with helpers, have
turned out without fail in the foulest of weather to keep this service going
Warm appreciation must also be expressed for the splendid co-operation of
the Committee of the Stoke Newington Borough Council Staff Canteen and
their Kitchen Staff for the provision of the meals. This service is
becoming more costly to run each year because of (a) increased cost of meals
which the Association bears, (b) the greater number of meals now being
served: but it is felt that this part of the work of the Association is one
in which we must be prepared for still more extension. (The cost of a meal
is Is, 9d, towards which sum the recipient pays tenpence, threepence is
paid by the Association, and the balance by the London County Council),
HOLIDAYS: Three hundred and twenty week's holidays were arranged by the
Association during the summer, the majority of which were taken at Herne Bay
Holiday Home of Clapton Methodist Mission and at the Eventide Home at
Westcliff. The cost to the pensioner was 15s, per week plus fare, the
average cost per week to the Association being 25s per pensioner
CHIROPODY: Total of 183 home visits were made during the year to 62
patients, all of them housebound
CASE WORK: Three hundred and thirty five cases were visited throughout
the year, typical cases from our files follow
(1) A pensioner of 73 whose case had been notified to the Association by
the Town Hall was in dire need she was not in receipt of an Old Age
Pension and she was ignorant of the procedure necessary in acquiring one
An immediate domiciliary visit was made and it was found that the old
lady was living in a house which she owned, but had no savings The
rents of the rooms that were let only just covered the outgoings. As
she had no other income contact was made with the National Assistance
Board, who visited and made an immediate allowance. In the meantime I
notified the Ministry of Pensions and claimed on her behalf a main
pension which was in time received by her, back dated six months. The
pensioner, in good health, is now visited at regular intervals and is
managing quite well on her pension
(2) Notification was received from a neighbour of an old lady aged 88
who was unable to care for herself. A visit was made and it was found
the old lady had for a long time been unable to clean her room, or even
her person Arrangements were made to have her room fumigated and the
old lady was able to buy new bedding and clothing as there was no urgent
need for money in this case She was bathed and it was found that
through neglect, gangrene had attacked one of her toes and it was neces
sary for her to enter hospital She is now out of hospital and is having
regular visits and meals from the Association.