The story of CHAIN 1977 -2012
by Ron Rowlands
HISTORY OF CHAIN
Introduction
Background
Public meeting
Steering Committee
Neighbourhood Scheme (Links)
The Office
Constitution
Finance
The Fry Bequest
Cars
Handybus
Chairman vehicle
Chain Mail
Town (Events) diary
Survey of over 60s – 1983
Lunches
Social Activities
Befriending scheme
Other ‘snippets’ of information.
QUEEN’S GOLDEN JUBILEE AWARD
APPENDIX
Early Details
Chain’s Officers
Office & Links
Reflections
2021 Some Updates
The ‘Chairman’ Vehicle
It was in 2002 when CHAIN was given a rather elderly vehicle that would take a wheelchair. This was readily accepted and a pool of drivers was set up. It was difficult to use but nevertheless proved invaluable in giving wheelchair users access to car transport. CHAIN made it available to family members of the disabled to drive, subject to various checks, and this proved useful for those wanting to involve the wheelchair bound person in family outings etc.
In 2003, Mrs Crook, having used a more up to date Chairman vehicle than CHAIN’s to transport her wheelchair bound husband, offered it on his death, to CHAIN at roughly half its value. CHAIN was pleased to accept it and it was still in good use in 2012.
Dennis Simmonds oversaw the general management of the Chairman vehicle and various people have looked after the bookings. i.e.:-
Brice Moore
Rachel Martin
Norma Thompson
David Piper
David Thorpe
The Chairman 2016
Updates from 2021