Health & Beauty Matters
Mrs June Martin MBE, retired this week from her post as Chairwoman of the Ascot Volunteer Bureau (AVB) after 29 years service.
She was presented with a beautiful, engraved crystal vase at the AGM, held on May 13 at the Ascot Day Centre. She will remain on the committee. Mrs Martin established the AVB to help local people, usually the elderly, with transport to medical appointments and similar journeys. The Bureau provides a vital link for those who cannot travel by ambulance or public transport. Its co-ordinators match volunteer drivers with people in need.
In her retirement speech, Mrs Martin, who does a vast amount of work to support the Ascot area elderly ( notably for the Ascot Day Centre) thanked her 'wonderful committee' for 'putting up with' her. She also expressed the hope that the AVB would continue to offer the Lifeline alarm service (for which funding is received) whichhelps the frail to stay in their own homes. She also thanked the Ascot Firebrigade Trust for financial assistance. Mrs Janet King was elected as the new Chairwoman. The rest of the Committee, including Secretary, Mrs ELizabeth Horrocks and co- ordinator, Margot Carpenter, was re-elected unopposed.
New treasurer, Mr. Brian King, reported that the finances are healthy for the next 20 months, but he and Mrs Martin warned that there may be tough financial times ahead.
Co- ordinator, Margot Carpenter, reported that the AVB had provided well over 500 journeys over the last year and had met nearly 100% of requests. This was quite an achievement, as the office had to be clsoed on Wednesdays due to staff shortages. (Thanks to two new volunteers, the office is open 10am - 12 noon, Monday to Friday). the The journeys were to many different places, including Bracknell,Reading, local surgeries, Windsor and London hospitals.
More volunteer drivers are always required. There is no regular commitment and you can offer your services as little or as often as you like. Expenses are paid at the rate of £3 for local journeys and 40p per mile outwith the Ascot area. Volunteers are CRB checked. If you can help please call 01344 625520.