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

NEWS

June 2009

The Annual General Meeting for 2009, was held on Wednesday 3rd June at Curridge Village Hall, and was very well attended. The outgoing Chairman said that it had been another successful year, highlighted by the fact  that we had  managed to recruit more drivers. Both the Chairman, Susan Leman, and another long serving  member, Peggy Potts, retired from the committee. They were both thanked for their sterling work undertaken over the last few years.

The matter of travel tokens was discussed at great length. These had been withdrawn by West Berkshire Council (WBC) as an automatic entitlement for people of retirement age. They were to be replaced by a Bus Pass, which would not be valid for use on car journeys. It would however be acceptable for Handybus journeys. As a compromise, WBC have given us a grant to help compensate us for the loss of the travel tokens. As a result, the committee have decided to reduce the amount of suggested contributions towards clients car journeys, with effect from 1st August. Details of the new suggested contributions can be obtained from the office.

June 2008

The Annual General Meeting for 2008 was held on Thursday 5th June at Curridge Village Hall. Due to the change in the colour of bus tokens during the year, we received a large number from our clients, who were unable to use them by the required date. We therefore decided to utilise these, by making two donations, which we felt would benefit the whole community.

1. Chieveley  Practice to update the waiting room at Compton Surgery.

2. West Berkshire Community Hospital for much needed Specialist Dental Equipment.

The chairman reported that during the year we had managed to attract a few more volunteers.  it was also nice to welcome a few new faces onto the committee. Details of journeys are as below:

June 2007

The Annual General Meeting for 2007 was held on Wednesday 13th June at Curridge Village Hall. It was well attended by members, who after business proceedings, enjoyed wine and light refreshments. Our financial year runs from April to March. The Chairman reported that it had been another successful year with the number of journeys being as follows:

October 2005

Although the DVG was a registered charity, it was decided to reform it as a new charity, linked to a company limited by guarantee.