Syston volunteer centre welcomes new recruits

On the board of trustees, Paul Lomas will assume responsibility for overseeing fundraising and related business development activities, while David Hathaway has accepted responsibility for supervising all matters relating to buildings and premises.

Chairman of the SADVC board of trustees, Derek Burdon, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Paul and David to the board where their knowledge, experience and talents will greatly enhance our organisational development plans.”

The trustees are actively developing a viable five-year strategic plan in anticipation of ever-reducing financial support from local and a central government.

Derek added: “Our latest volunteer car driver recruits, Alan Wheat and John Beare, are especially welcome since they join us at a time of great pressure on our existing panel of drivers. Demand for our personal social car service is steadily increasing and placing strain on existing volunteers.

“We’re also pleased to welcome Gwen Gordon who also joins us as a minibus driver.  New drivers are always welcome no matter how little time they can offer on a regular basis. We offer full MIDAS training for those willing to drive minibuses and generous mileage rates for those offering to use their own cars.”

As a continuing commitment to provide the best possible service to clients, the SADVC has just exchanged one of its small wheelchair accessible vehicles for one less than a year old. The centre will also be receiving a specially adapted 12 seater minibus, courtesy of grant aid from the Department of Transport. This vehicle will be under 3.5tonnes to allow volunteers who do not have a D1 on their license to drive it.

In addition to individual and group transport, the SADVC offers a range of disability hire aids, a monthly community lunch and regular programmes of excursions to places of local interest.

Anyone interested in volunteering their services should call centre manager Mark Smith for details on 0116 2607 888 or visit www.syston-vc.org