CARE Farnham, the network of volunteers helping those who cannot get out and about on their own, celebrated 30 years in business earlier this month with a finger buffet lunch.

The service, which was established in 1986, provides voluntary transport to assist people with getting to doctor, dentist, hospital, optician, physiotherapy and chiropody appointments, as well as assistance to the barbershop and supermarket.

It is available to anyone unable to use public transport, or whose relatives or friends are unable to assist them.

Anyone living within the Farnham town boundary is free to use the service, this includes Wrecclesham, Upper Hale, Runfold, The Bourne, Badshot Lea, Weybourne, Rowledge, Heath End and the Crondall Lane area.

“It’s always about helping the community where they need it. Whenever you have someone in the car they just want to chat, which is lovely,” said publicity officer Liz Ledger.

“For the drivers there’s no commitment, so if you go on holiday for two weeks, you can’t do it for two weeks, but then the following week you’re free for three days you can volunteer then. It’s a really good service.

“I love volunteering and it’s not just for the elderly, it’s anyone who needs us. What they want we do, they feel safe and they know that whatever they need we will be there, if they need a wheelchair we will get one and wheel them in.”

Members celebrated the group’s 30th birthday at their annual general meeting where retiring chairman Peter Seager, went over the year’s successes, including the current financial position which remains very strong with a total income of £27,636 (£23,532 last year) and total running expenses of £20,698 (£18,239 last year).

One client, William Purdie, spoke very fondly of the team at CARE Farnham and can’t thank them enough for what they have done:

“I stopped driving around six to seven years ago and my wife was the main driver, but she stopped driving as well due to her health. It occurred to me several months ago that CARE Farnham could help take us to Frimley Park Hospital.

“I live in The Bourne and one day a week I need to go into town to Sainsbury’s, the bank and so forth, so every Tuesday morning a very kind elderly man comes and picks me up and either waits for me or helps me with my shopping.

“I feel guilty, I feel like I should be giving something back, it’s not their job they don’t have to take us but it’s much more pleasant to have their company rather then a taxi.

“They are absolutely marvellous, strength to them. They very incredibly patient, thank you very much for your help.”

Due to the generosity of clients and volunteers CARE Farnham is proud to have been able to make donations totalling £3,600 to other good causes, including the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, Frensham Ponds Sailability, the Ridgeway Community School in Farnham, and Frimley Park Hospital.

Retiring chairman Peter Seager said: “We are in great need for volunteer drivers - it is hard work getting volunteers due to busy life-styles.

“But your commitment starts only when you say ‘yes’ to the duty officer. People should become volunteers because they want to give something back to the community, it’s not easy to get to Frimley Park Hospital by transport and it’s even more difficult to get to Royal Surrey Hospital and even Farnham Hospital.”

For more information or to get involved call the team on 01252 716655, seven days a week from 9.30am to 3pm. Alternatively email the volunteer secretary at [email protected].