Arlingham WI: Severn Freewheelers

OUR April meeting was opened by our President, Chrissie.

After a moment’s reflection on two local deaths, she informed us about the forthcoming events; these included a walk around Frampton, the county Picnic, a sugar craft workshop and a visit to Dyffryn House amongst others.

Our speaker for the evening was from Severn Freewheelers, an NHS support charity more informally known as ‘Blood bikes’ although they deliver all kinds of samples and medicines as well as blood to organisations across the country.

Having recently come to prominence following a Channel 5 programme, they have, in fact, been in existence since the early 60s.

With over thirty groups they provide nationwide out of hours assistance with 85 per cent of the country being covered.

Safety is paramount and all the riders are volunteers aged over 30 with less than six points on their licence and have passed the Advanced Motorists’ Test.

With this in mind, only three things are likely to stop them operating, namely bad weather, rider fatigue and breakdown/accident.

The organisation use police spec motorbikes and although it may seem appealing to be able to race along using the blue lights they are equipped with, the reality is very different.

Traffic exemptions are rarely used and there have been very few cases when blue lights have been needed since the majority of the work is at night or weekends.

Relying completely on volunteers with no premises or salaried staff, the charity relies on donations and fundraising.

Whilst at the moment they have enough riders, co-ordinators are more difficult to recruit.

Nigel gave us a fascinating insight into the organisation, which costs over £1,000 per week to run and saves the NHS a small fortune.

Jeanette gave the vote of thanks as we enjoyed sandwiches and cakes provided by Beryl and Kay.

The competition for an item beginning with the letter S was won by Val with a pair of beautiful heirloom shoes, second place went to Linda with a sea urchin and Bronwen won third place with a glass swan.

The flowers were given to Elena to congratulate her on her forthcoming wedding.

Our next meeting will be on May 12, and the competition will be something beginning with the letter T.

New members and visitors are always welcome.

We meet on the second Thursday of the month at the village hall at 7.30pm.