After months of fundraising, Shaftesbury Car Link is the proud owner of a seven-seater wheelchair-accessible vehicle

Now scheme organisers Martin and June Hull have thanked those who supported the project.

Farnfields Solicitors held a charity golf day at Rushmore Golf Club in April, 23 teams taking part. FJ Chalke arranged a hole-in-one car – which unfortunately was not won;– there were banner and hole sponsors, businesses gave raffle and blind auction prizes, and mini-competitions were held. Some £2,500 was raised and presented to Martin and June.
Hardy Lodge in Shaftesbury held a coffee and cake morning and £350 was raised by residents, many of whom use the car link scheme to get them to hospital trips.

Thanks are also owed to Shaftesbury Charitable Trust, Williams & Williams, Shaftesbury Town Council, Trinity Trust, Tesco, Rotary Club of Shaftesbury, John Foyle Trust and the community and residents of Shaftesbury.
The scheme has been selected as one of the beneficiaries of this year’s Shaftesbury Carnival, being held after a two-year gap in carnival proceedings.

An unexpected phone call in February from the Lord Lieutenant’s office in Dorchester led to Martin and June Hull being invited to a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May. They spoke with HRH Prince Edward – whom they also spoke to online during the pandemic – and Sophie, Countess of Wessex. Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, and Princess Alexandra – cousin to Her Majesty, the Queen – also attended.

Drivers and representatives of various charities, and Mayor of Shaftesbury Piers Browne, recently enjoyed a ‘thank you’ tea. Dike & Son in Stalbridge gave £200 towards the food and refreshments.

As the hospitals, dentists and other medical practices ‘ramp up’, more than 400 trips a month are being run, and the scheme, with 21 registered volunteer drivers and now a volunteer assisting with administration/co-ordinating, continues to grow.

More volunteer drivers would be welcomed as the support area has increased in the last 12 months with fewer volunteer schemes being available than pre-pandemic. A volunteer is also required to set up and run social media and keep the web page up to date.
The organisers are always being asked when they are going to put up the 50p a mile donation request as vehicle running costs continue to be high. Due to HMRC regulations

drivers are unable to claim more than the Government-recommended rate for travel expenses. Costs in general are rising, so any donations to the scheme to enable it to continue to operate are welcome.
To enquire about the service, volunteering opportunities or giving to the scheme, contact Martin or June Hull on 07763 426664 or by email to shaftesburycarlink@gmail.com.