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MEALS
ON WHEELS
- OVER
60 AND
STILL
GOING
STRONG
The Meals on Wheels Service was launched in 1947 and in those early days of post war austerity
the Womens' Voluntary Service sometimes delivered meals by wheelbarrow bedded in straw.
The name was changed to Womens' Royal Voluntary Service after acquiring a royal patron and
for many years has also been open to men. In Elstead the meals were for a time cooked at the
Weyburn Engineering factory canteen (now Federal Mogul) and the meals were served directly from
hot containers taken round in a van.
Today chilled meals are prepacked, cooked at WRVS Farnham and delivered by volunteers via Milford
Day Centre in thermal hot-boxes, arriving piping hot at the client's home.
Meals on Wheels are available for adults of any age who have difficulties in shopping or cooking
for themselves. In Waverley today the service is still provided by the WRVS, delivering around
700 meals each week. It delivers a hot main course with a hot or cold pudding, Monday to Friday
with frozen meals offered for heating up over weekends and at Bank Holidays - all for £3.10
per person per day. There is a choice from two dishes for each course with further alternatives
for vegetarians, diabetics and special dietary requirements. For some people largely restricted
to their own homes with few if any visitors, the arrival of their lunch can be the high spot
of their day, allowing the opportunity of a few minutes conversation and friendly human contact.
If you feel that you or someone you know would benefit from this service contact the WRVS Farnham
Office on 01252 727280 (9.00 to 1.30 Mon to Friday).
The meals are delivered by volunteer drivers and "mates" both women and men, usually
taking up to 1½ hours. In Elstead our volunteers each deliver meals once every two/three weeks.
A mileage allowance is provided to cover the total journey distance.
Volunteers are needed now, so if you can help
with this vital service please contact Denis and Susan Holmes the Elstead/Thursley WRVS organisers
on 01252 702285
Dennis Holmes
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