Abingdon and District Volunteers recently recognised Judy, their dedicated secretary, for 20 years of outstanding service. Sue Stevens, the organisation’s longest-serving volunteer, presented the award.

Abingdon and District Volunteers provide a vital service to the community; transporting people to essential appointments like hospitals, doctors, surgeries, and day centres when using public transport or taxis is difficult.

Do you enjoy driving, helping people, and have some spare time? Abingdon and District Volunteers are seeking more volunteers to join their team. For more information, contact Malvin Drakley, email:malvin@ic24.net.

On the subject of the need for volunteers, Abingdon’s Darby & Joan Club needs YOU! This social club for retired people needs new volunteers to run the club as the current leader is standing down. They meet fortnightly at St Helen’s Church Hall and have a membership of 20-30 people. The club is due to close on 27th February without additional volunteers. The club has guest speakers, entertainment, and tea and coffee, and is a good way for members to get out and meet new people and friends. Please ring Rachel Poole at Age UK Oxfordshire on 0345 4501276 for more information.

After 56 years of providing a social space for adults with learning disabilities, the Abingdon Monday Club will close its doors due to a shortage of volunteers on 18th December 2023. The club’s organisers, Peter and Helen, who have been leading the club since 2003, expressed their gratitude to the dedicated volunteers and members who have supported the club over the years. They hope that someone in the community will come forward to establish a new organisation to fill the void left by Monday Club. I saw one member today, and he was very sad and said he would miss the club.

The organisers will give the members the club’s games, puzzles, and other items. They will also spend the club’s remaining funds on activities that benefit the members.

(The organisers were pictured at this year’s Clubs and Societies Day.)

The Abingdon & District Volunteer Centre (ADVC) celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. The organisation provides transport for elderly and frail clients to appointments at hospitals, medical surgeries, and dental centres in Abingdon and the surrounding area. The first phone call for assistance was received on 20th November 1973.

Volunteer drivers and booking volunteers gathered for a celebratory meal, joined by the Mayor of Abingdon-on-Thames, Councillor Gwyneth Lewis. The Mayor thanked them for their service, noting that her mother was one of the organisation’s earliest drivers and that she, as a doctor, understands the importance of their work.

Drivers said they enjoy meeting so many interesting people through their volunteer work.

Those interested in volunteering can contact ADVC at 01235 522438 (weekdays 10:00-12:30) or visit their Facebook page: Abingdon drivers. They are a friendly group and you would be made very welcome.

ADVC is a non-profit organisation, and its charges are significantly lower than taxi services. Drivers also wait for clients and bring them home again, providing a seamless and appreciated service.