General News Items

New Jumbulance

The Trustees have now placed an order with Van Hool of Belgium for a new specially designed and equipped vehicle for delivery in January 2009.

We still need funds for some specialist fittings, in particular:

 Oxygen

 Heart Start Machine (Defibrillator)                     

 Resuscitator                         

 Suction Unit                                                             

 Ambu Chair                                                          

 Mobile Hoist                                                           

 Adjustable Stretcher Beds x 5                                  

Dedication of a stretcher bed for £7,000 in memory of a relative or friend would be welcomed by the Trustees and permanently recorded on the particular item.  Please contact the office if this is of interest.

Recent Trips

Border Holiday Group - Austria, report from Gordon Jackson

"Over the ten years or more I have been associated with the Jumbulances, never before had I seen the vehicle is such immaculate condition both inside and out, everything spotless and gleaming, obviously the handiwork of someone who takes great pride in his vehicle. We were so fortunate to have Geoff and Zoe as our drivers, they joined in and enjoyed all the camaraderie of the trip not forgetting their valuable help pushing chairs etc; they were both a joy to be with and made many new friends from north of the Border. They are truly great ambassadors for the Trust and totally committed to the task in hand.

Some of the travellers with this group made the following comments:

"A wonderful time was had by all, roll on 2009"

"Enjoying every moment in Austria, so gald I was invited on the trip"

"Overnight ferry was very good, new experience"

"Can this trip get any better - NEVER!"

"I cannot fault anything, and everyone is so helpful"

"This has been a memorable trip for me and my husband, the scenery has been staggering, the comradeship helping each other unforgettable"

Scunthorpe Group - Austria, report from Cynthia Huby

"Once again we had a great week, even the weather was good. From leaving Scunthorpe on 6th September to returning on the 16th, everything was first class. The drivers were a credit to the Trust, smart and immaculate at all times and nothing was too much trouble and they gave their help when needed, without their experience and knowledge of the area we would not have seen so many nice places. Once again, a great holiday enjoyed by everybody.

HHAPY Group - Lourdes, report from Sarah Cahill

We had a great week in Lourdes with our first double group. Les and Brendan were, as always, fantastic and a great support. This year was the first year we have visited Nevers and we found it to be a perfect end to our pilgrimage in Lourdes.

Recent Improvements New portable hoists and ambuchairs making for more comfortable and easy transfer within the vehicles are now on each Standard Jumbulance. Medical equipment has been updated with the addition of new defibrillators, resucitation equipment and suction units. For the Midi we have a large trailer which allows more flexibility when there are many wheelchairs or luggage to transport. Midi The Midi is based in Hertfordshire which makes it more accessible for day outings throughout the Home Counties and South of England. BUPA Care Homes have had some splendid days out.  With Summer here already there are endless opportunities and places of interest in the UK, all of which are accessible by Jumbulance. Do contact Nicola in the office should you be thinking of making a booking 01582 831444. We are pleased to acknowledge that the Jarvis Group of Harpenden have agreed to sponsor the Midi for 2008 and 2009.  The Trustees extend their grateful thanks for this support. Here are just some of the lovely comments we have received after trips out in the Midi: "I am writing to give you a BIG thank you for all your help and support on our seaside trip. The residents have not stopped talking about it!" Maggie Collins, Taymer Nursing Home "I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to the Trust for a super day out on Friday at Woburn. The weather was kind to us and everyone had a super time. Please say thank you to Geoff Gale who was very supportive on the day " - Karen Stafford, Harpenden Mencap . Sport for the Disabled Last summer we had the privilege of taking the World Handcycling team to Hyde Park for the Tour de France which was a 2 day event and went extremely well. Earlier this year we transported a team of wheelchair dancers to Holland to compete in an international event, in which they came away with 1 gold and several other medals.