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 2024
Sunday afternoon at the seaside ,sunshine, fish and chips, strawberries and ice cream, beverages galore! What more could you ask for ?
Oh, yes, a rickshaw ride along the prom with Ian of Suffolk Rickshaws ,and new this year ,sharing songs together from the songbook ,lead by our very own ,Karen ,who also arranged our flowers.
Debenham Project lunch club and friends travelled to Felixstowe on Sunday 18th August , and we had a fabulous day!
A very big thank you to everyone who volunteered their time and company, everyone who joined us and enjoyed the day and to everyone who has kindly made a donation to the Debenham Project .
Joy Walton, Food and Friends Lunch Club, Debenham Project
