Latest Article from Debenham Parish Magazine
Transport Transfer Day has arrived
Who in rural Suffolk does not think that it can be really (maybe impossibly) difficult to get to where you want to be, when you want to be there, if you don’t have the privilege of being able to drive yourself? Often, we don’t have family close by, and we are reluctant to ask friends and neighbours to give up their time.
The Debenham Project Transport Service was specifically set up 10 years ago to help residents in Debenham and the surrounding area, to attend medically related appointments, e.g. hospital outpatient and admissions, health centres, outsourced clinics, dentists, etc. Not only to get them there, but also for them to be accompanied by a local volunteer driver as if a family member, friend, or neighbour – happy to “be there for them as long as it takes”.
Over the last year our 23 volunteer drivers have made it possible for more than 55 individual passengers to attend 242 appointments. Almost every journey involved at least half a day – out of County trips to Colchester, Chelmsford, Norwich, and Addenbrook’s took much longer. And, in one instance, following an afternoon GP appointment, a passenger had to urgently go Ipswich A&E. The driver immediately took them and stayed with them all through the night until they were able to return home at 7.00 am the next morning. I cannot praise them highly enough.
It has been my great privilege to have looked after this service from the beginning, but the time has now come for me to pass that responsibility on. To our Drivers and Passengers: “I know that I will miss every one of our phone conversations. You have been a delight to work with. Thank you”. From February 1st Lucy Robbins and Janice Romaniszyn will be managing the service and I know it will be in the very best of hands.
When you need a lift the number to call is 07724 049056.
As ever, I end my letter by thanking all those individuals and local organisations that have made it possible for The Debenham Project to continue to donate, completely unasked for, funds for our so needed support. Last month we received close to £1,500 in this way. My grateful thanks go to Clarke and Simpson, Websters Newsagents, David and Gillian, Fiona, Catherine, and an anonymous donor.
With my very best wishes, Lynden
Visit to The Hut, Felixstowe 2025
We – 38 Project friends – had a lovely day out again, this year – weather favourable, Prosecco and orange juice welcome drink enjoyed, fish and chips excellent , strawberries and ice cream, perfect! A game of ‘Hoy’ lead by Steve Robbins, singing led by Karen Walsh, and a trip along the prom for anyone who would like to go, until the shower came! – and then chocolate cake, to celebrate Audrey’s birthday! All made for a day full of fun and friendship.
Thank you to all volunteers, for driving, setting up the room, serving lunch and drinks, packing up at the end of the day – it isn’t possible without you. Thank you to all guests for joining in, some for the 8th year, some for the first time – I hope you’ll come along again next year!
Thank you to Debenham Co-op for support and to all whose donations contribute to the cost of our annual outing.
Joy Walton – The Debenham Project
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