Snippets

(Items not  covered  under other  headings).

 Comment  from  others

Whilst researching, many expressions of appreciation were heard from beneficiaries of CHAIN’s work. There were also some telling comments from two of the early participants,

Rev (now Canon) Richard Kingsbury on being shown the draft write up on the early days said “They were Heady days”.  Richard also paid tribute to Ron Tarry, Mayor of Hungerford in 1977, saying that Ron ensured CHAIN was for the Community, not just for the Church.

Beryl Kellow said “All those involved at the outset worked extremely hard and the chemistry between everyone was obvious”

 Newbury Weekly News  – Christmas parcels for the over 80s

Since the inception of this scheme set up by Newbury Weekly News, CHAIN and The Rotary Club of Hungerford have managed the distribution of the parcels in Hungerford and Kintbury.  Betty Grant was the main coordinator for many years up to 2008 when she handed the job over to David and Janet Long.  An army of volunteer drivers from CHAIN and Rotary delivered the parcels with Rotary, in the main, looking after Kintbury  Sylvia Breadmore was also involved, typing many ‘distribution sheets’.

Garden  Scheme

The Founders envisaged a scheme whereby volunteers would look after the gardens of those no longer able to do so themselves.  After just five years it was decided, mainly because of lack of volunteers to ‘give the scheme a miss’.  It has stayed that way.

Hydropool  Visits

Soon after the arrival of the first Handybus, Betty Grant organised regular trips to  the Hydro pool at Swindon for those disabled likely to benefit from swimming. In 2010 she was still organising the rota.

The Hungerford Tragedy

At the time of the Hungerford ‘Shooting Tragedy’ (1987) a small ‘ad hoc’ committee  dealt with matters arising in the aftermath.  CHAIN appointed a member of their management committee to liaise with that committee and gave whatever help was needed.

Croatian  Refugees

Housed for about six months in the early 90’s, in Hungerford Old Hospital,  Croatian refugees were welcomed and supported by volunteers from  Hungerford Red Cross and CHAIN.  Betty Grant and George Halliday visited them at the hospital for the  complete period of their stay.