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The Mayor of Woodley, Coling Lawley, giving resident Jackie Phillips a lift to the doctor to raise awareness of the work of the Woodley Volunteer Centre
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Could you drive to help people get about?

By Jon Nurse
May 18, 2012

The departing town mayor became a driver for the day as he highlighted a support centre’s need for volunteers.

Woodley Volunteer Centre (WVC) has been running for 30 years, working as a voluntary taxi service taking people to surgeries and hospitals as well as day centres and shopping.

Councillor Coling Lawley found time on Friday, May 4, to give resident Jackie Phillips a lift to the doctor.

Cllr Lawley, who was Woodley town mayor for two years until last week, said: “The demand for this service steadily rises each year and new volunteer drivers continue to be in demand to top up their team of drivers.

“Without new volunteers then a waiting list would need to be introduced.

“I’m sure that there are many residents who would find this a very satisfactory way to volunteer some of their spare time. I know they will meet with users who are very appreciative and satisfied with this service. If you can spare the time to volunteer for a couple of hours, WVC would be pleased to hear from you.”

The service is free for residents with a bus pass, supplementing the ReadiBus and Keep Mobile schemes in offering essential transport to all Woodley’s residents.

WVC chairman John Cook said: “We do have about 30 drivers to call on but there is a great and increasing demand for our services and we are always in need of more volunteers. Our volunteer drivers do receive a mileage allowance.”

Call the centre on (0118) 969 8849 on Monday to Friday from 10am to midday.

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Most recent user comments 2 of 2

The mayor of Woodley was using his own car.

Woodley Town Council does not have a mayoral car or a chauffeur (or even a special parking spot) - the council is too careful with residents money to contemplate wasting money on such ceremony.

Phil Challis, woodley
18/05/2012 at 21:13

The mayor should be provided with a mobility scooter for journeys around town and the car (and chauffer) permanently dedicated to providing transport for those who really need it.