Sutton Bridge man hails South Holland Voluntary Car Service and urges others to sign up as drivers
Driving for the South Holland Voluntary Car Service is a rewarding and sociable experience.
That is the belief of John Grimwood, who is backing the appeal for more volunteers, particularly in the Long Sutton and Sutton Bridge area.
The Voluntary Car Service - which helps the elderly and in need get to vital appointments at a minimal cost - is finding drivers in short supply at present.
Mr Grimwood, 75, and his wife Doreen have both driven for the service in the past - and are adding their support to the appeal.
“We want to let more people know about the service and what it does to help people,” said Mr Grimwood, who is also a former Sutton Bridge parish councillor.
“I want to get through to people that the service is there.
“I know younger people have jobs, but if there’s anyone looking for something to do, it’s worth looking at.”
Mrs Grimwood had to give up the voluntary driving following an arm injury but, despite her initial reservations, enjoyed volunteering.
“I volunteered my wife for it and at first she said she didn’t want to do it,” Mr Grimwood added.
“But she would come back and say she’d just given a lift to so and so, who she hadn’t seen for two years, and they’d enjoyed a nice chat.
“She used to enjoy it. It can be very sociable.
“I enjoyed doing it as well. People were very thankful for the service.
“I hope there will be some people interested in doing it.”
To find out more about the Voluntary Car Service and driving for them you can call 01775 630 144.
Voluntary car service offers vital lifeline
The South Holland Voluntary Car Service offers an invaluable lifeline to the elderly and in need in the area.
It helps users get to important appointments at an affordable price.
However, despite recently filling positions on its board at an EGM, it remains short on voluntary drivers - especially in the Long Sutton area.
Prior to Covid lockdowns, the Voluntary Car Service was covering 200,000 miles annually.