Open House:
The Open House group goes on from strength to strength and numbers are gently increasing. The volunteer team are delighted and are putting in very generous efforts to make the group supportive and fun, It has been a successful year with enjoyable sessions at The Centre and fun outings ranging from Kew Gardens to a trip to Cherry Lane for Christmas shopping and some social time. The most heart-warming thing is to see new friendships made within the group which has helped break down some of the problems of isolation and loneliness.
We have enjoyed great support from within the community. Local businesses have given very generously of their time to visit and give informative talks and there has been some fun sampling of goodies from Clays, The Florists and The Wine Shop. This has also helped us to let people in the wider community know what we are offering to former carers and those living alone.
The support we have received from The Centre and Judith Wigley, the manager, has been key in the success of the group in 2022; the welcome offered and flexibility has given Open House the ability to work effectively. Our thanks go to the Church and Centre Management.
YC2:
YC2 paused its December club nights and ran three separate Christmas parties instead which were very successful and well attended. In addition to this, many small group outings were organised to support young carers with restaurant and park trips and 140 tickets were issued for first week of the Charter Fair kindly supplied by the Fair operator and Buckingham Town Council. During October half term, YC2 took 10 children to Caldecott adventure centre for climbing and caving at half term.
We are pleased to report that Buckingham and Stowe Running Club have chosen YC2 as one of two charities for 2023 and to also have our usual slot with the Rotary Santa float on 19th December.
Hospital Car Service:
The number of trips has been fairly constant over the last few months at around 70. We currently have 21 drivers available with three joining us since the last meeting. This included two ladies – our first new lady drivers since before Covid. We were also pleased to have our usual slot with the Rotary Santa float on 15th December.
