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Peter Adolphus Driver I have been volunteering as a driver for Dartmouth Caring for six months. I did a similar thing when I lived in Guildford so was used to the process. It’s a much-needed service here in Dartmouth. I take people of all ages to medical appointments, mainly at Torbay, Totnes and
sometimes Newton Abbot Hospital. It’s often people who’re too old to drive or who don’t have a car and mobility issues stop them from catching a bus. Many just can’t afford the £70 or so it costs to get a return taxi. Each week an email goes out listing the upcoming jobs and the drivers say which ones they can do. There can be 12 or more listed and I usually choose one or two. Some people volunteer everyday. I think people like it because it’s a great chance to meet people, have a chat in the car and help out a great charity. I have some regulars who I’ve got to know very well. Some of these people don’t see anyone for days - so love to have a natter! Sometimes I wait for them, if it’s just an hour appointment - there’s a good café at Torbay Hospital now! Or I might go off around B&Q or Waitrose. After the appoint- ment if someone needs some shopping, and there is time, we pop into M&S or Sainsbury’s. I was a chartered accountant in my past life and ran a building company in London – it was all very busy so being in Dartmouth and taking it easy is perfect.
Karen Blake Lunch Club Co-ordinator Our main lunch club is every Wednesday. We usually get around 30 hungry visitors who, for £5, get a two-course meal with orange juice. Once a month we splash out and have a spar- kling cider! It’s usually a roast – lamb goes down very well. We also do things like sausages and
cottage pie. We keep it all quite traditional with rice pud- ding and crumbles. Everyone seems to enjoy themselves. Many have their set seats where they like to sit with their little group of friends and catch up on the week’s news. Everyone gets to see the menu a long time in advance and sign up for the lunches they fancy. If someone has signed up and doesn’t appear we ring them afterwards to check they’re okay. We try to learn everyone’s name and welcome new faces. It really is a lovely social event and everyone goes home with a good home cooked meal in their tummies. We have a smaller quieter lunch club on a Thursday, as not everyone likes the hustle and bustle of the Wednesday event. This is one of the first clubs that Dartmouth Caring set up so it has been going for nearly 30 years and is still just as popular. It wouldn’t work without the fantastic team of volunteers. There are about 15 ladies who work so hard to look after the visitors, serve the food and tidy up afterwards.
Sue - Service user I would be lost without Dartmouth Caring. I live on my own
and really look forward to the events. I go to the Visually Impaired Reading Group each month at the Community Café where you can borrow large print books and audio books. After reading them we have a discussion and enjoy tea and biscuits! I also use the driving service as I often visit the eye clinic at Torbay. They take you door to door. I love having a chat with the drivers on the way who start as strangers and become friends. I also come to the Wednesday lunch club – that’s the highlight of my week! It’s lamb today – which I love and I also like liver so am pleased when that’s on the menu. I am rather partial to the sponges and meringues as well! The people at Dartmouth Caring are so friendly and efficient. It’s such a great charity – if I were more able I would volunteer to help out - but as it is I just enjoy the great services they provide.
“Wednesday lunch club - that’s the highlight of my week!”
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