DOWNLAND VOLUNTEER GROUP

Address: The Surgery, High Street, Compton, Newbury, Berkshire RG20 6NJ

Office Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 10.00 - 12.00 Noon

Telephone No: (01635) 578394

Handybus Organiser Telephone No: (01635) 202519

Web Site: www.downlandvolgroup.org        e-mail address:    info@downlandvolgroup.org

Handybus

There is a Handybus currently available that seats 12 people including the driver. The bus is used mornings by the local Doctors’ surgeries, but is usually available afternoons and other times, depending on the availability of drivers. It is hoped in early 2010 to use a new bus able to seat 16  passengers. At present it is mostly used for shopping trips to various local towns. However, the new bus will be ideal for anyone wanting to organise theatre trips, or outings etc. 

Drivers

Although we have over a dozen regular drivers, we are always interested in anyone else who would like to drive.

Where am I required to drive?

We drive mostly to local towns on shopping trips. However there is no reason for the Handybus to be used for theatre trips etc.

How much time must I give?

There are regular weekly trips that some drivers do, but there are always occasions when they may not be available, such as holidays for example.

Who pays for my petrol?

A mileage allowance is paid for your journey from home to the pick up point for the bus and back to home. Each driver submits an expense claim, usually on a quarterly basis, detailing his/her journeys and mileage claimed.

What about my insurance?

Your insurance company should be notified that you are volunteer driving, but not for gain or reward. In nearly all cases they will not charge any additional premium for voluntary work.

How can I become a driver?

If you are aged 25 or over and have a clean driving license, we should be delighted to hear from you. You can drive the bus on a normal license, although a qualified instructor will give you a short test, to confirm your suitability to drive. Just call the Handybus number at the top of this page for more details.

Conclusion

Although you will not receive a payment for your services, we can guarantee that you will meet a lot of interesting people. You will also, we hope, feel the benefit of doing something worthwhile that will help and be appreciated by others. You can also do your own shopping if you wish at the same time.

 Registered Charity No: 1112181             Company Limited By Guarantee No: 5572984