HASLEMERE'S mayor, Michael Barnes, joined some 40 members and visitors to Care in Haslemere at the Methodist church last Thursday, for a ploughman's lunch and annual general meeting.

Making his last visit to Care as its president was Tony McSheehy, a founder member of the group since it was first started more than 20 years ago.

Presenting Mr McSheehy with a framed testimonial the chairman of Care, Mary Holthouse, told the meeting that before becoming involved with Care in 1979, Mr McSheehy was on the steering committee.

Miss Holthouse paid tribute to the work he had undertaken as a helper, driver, duty officer, also as chairman for 11 years and for the past nine years, as president.

"He has made a tremendous contribution to the community through his years of service and his compassionate example, and it is impossible to thank him adequately," said Miss Holthouse.

In her annual report, Miss Holthouse said it had been a busy year, chiefly because Care is now undertaking much of the driving formerly done by the hospital car service.

Trips to the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford and to other district hospitals, including a few to London, said Miss Holthouse, had increased by 75 per cent.

She paid tribute to the volunteer drivers who had undertaken this work, which often involved very early starts and waiting about at hospitals.

Presenting the annual accounts, treasurer Margaret Howard commented on some generous donations received by the charity.

Cash paid to drivers for petrol reimbursement was £2,765 more than last year which had reflected the increased workload.

The financial state, however, said Mrs Howard was satisfactory.

Mrs Howard, who is retiring from the treasurer's post after five years, was warmly thanked for managing the finances so well, and for working hard in preparing applications for grants from the town council and West Surrey Health Authority. Sue Podmore was elected to take her place.

The minibus, the meeting was told, had been used for 70 regular shopping trips and on 90 occasions by affiliated groups. Although there were also 24 day outings, the meeting was told that the minibus was not being used to its full capacity.

The office organiser reported that 1,881 requests had been fulfilled this year and only on nine occasions had it not been possible to meet a client's request, partly due to a drop in the number of helpers from 67 last year to 55 this year.

The meeting was told that in some cases clients were referred to the DoRiS bus service, which is now being used more by the general public. But the audience heard that it is not always suitable for medical appointments where the time of the return journey could not be guaranteed.

Mr Barnes thanked all those working for Care for their service to the local community. He said he was raising funds for a new minor operations department at Haslemere Hospital which he hope would save some patients' journeys to Guildford.

For more information about Care call into the Care in Haslemere office at the Methodist church Monday to Friday 10 am to 4 pm or phone 01428 652505.