A LEADING light of ‘neighbourly care’ enjoyed a 90th birthday celebration at the end of last month

A special presentation was made to Mary Holthouse at this year’s Care in Haslemere annual general meeting.

She helped found the charity in 1978 for the benefit of residents in need living in the town and surrounding villages.

Volunteers use their own cars to ensure people can get to essential appointments with their doctors and dentists, or to the hospital.

They will even go further afield, including London, in times of need.

The group’s 60 drivers give their time for nothing and the charity pays them a mileage allowance of 45 pence per mile.

There is no actual charge to clients, but they are asked to make a donation, the amount depending on the length of the trip made.

Volunteers also help with shopping, collecting prescriptions or other errands, and occasionally provide practical help in the house and garden, including small repairs, as well as visiting those who are lonely or feel isolated.

The charity operates from Haslemere Methodist Church, in Lion Green, and is open for visits and calls from 10am-4pm on Monday and Friday – and from 10am-1pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Chairman Dr Grahame Randall said. “Our meeting was attended by Sahran Abeysundara, our new Mayor of Haslemere and 27 members.

“I reported that over the last year it had been business as usual, with the demand just as high and the charity providing over 1,200 drives for people in Haslemere and surrounding villages, to appointments at hospitals, surgeries and clinics.

“Most requests for drives were met, but there remained a continuing need to recruit new drivers and duty officers, and new volunteers would be warmly welcomed.

“People who enjoy driving and have the time to spare are very welcome to join us.

“They would be unlikely to be asked to do more than one trip per week.”

• Anyone interested in joining Care in Haslemere should call (01428 ) 652605.