Car Aid Rhynie

CAR has been up and running since 29th June 2009 thanks to the generosity of Rhynie Charitable Trust and the local people,and a £1000 grant from Marr Area Partnership.

Supported by Rhynie Charitable Trust

News Update

Over the past two years patients of Rhynie Medical Practice have used CAR to attend a variety of appointments in Alford, Aberdeen, Elgin, Huntly, Insch and Inverurie as well as transport to clinics at the local surgery. Over the months we have averaged twelve journeys per month some months being busier than others.

The cost of providing this service over the past year has been approximately £2550, this includes liability insurance, telephone expenses, stationery and mileage payments to our volunteer drivers. To sustain this service we have held various fund raising events.  A special thank you for  donations from members of the public who have given so generously Our thanks also goes to all users who have given donations towards the cost of their travel and to the drivers for their help and support to maintain this transport.

Anyone who would like to volunteer as a driver should contact Kate Hunter on 01464 861413 for more details. 

The AGM was held on Wednesday 10th November

Dr Margaret Hamilton welcomed all present and the Treasurer and Organiser gave their annual reports followed by a discussion with the volunteer drivers.

It was decided to update and distribute the information leaflet and to print small cards with the relevant phone number and information for the patients.

   The committee was re-elected  with the addition of Brian Stewart.

Minutes of AGM meeting: 16th November 2011

Those present: Margaret Hamilton, Kate Hunter, Elizabeth Moss,
Paul Manning, Mary Duncan, Averil Stewart, Brian Stewart, Bill Robson, Hilary Ridge, Eileen Burton, Elma Yeats
Nick Bryant sends his apologies.

1. Margaret Hamilton opened the meeting and thanked Car Aid on behalf of the practice.
2. Averil Stewart informed the meeting of the financial situation to date. The charity is sitting reasonably well at present with a balance of £6051.49 in the account. This was taken to end Oct to tie in with the Rhynie Charitable Trust finacial year. Going forward this will be the year end for Car Iad too.
There was an average output of £171 and average donations of £91.
3. a) Kate informed the group that there has been increased use from Lumsden due to the bus change of timetable.
b)We have refused one person the use of the service due to abusive   behaviour. Eileen asked if we could be informed prior to journey if there was a possibility of passenger problems. Generally the situation has been ok but drivers have the right to remove passengers from the car if there is any abuse.
c) Drivers are not allowed to push chairs etc. It is up to the passenger to make arrangements for this.
d) It was agreed that we would take passengers on one way journeys if bus timetables allowed and we are taking more passengers for dental and optician appointments.
d) We have a new driver on the team – Mr Mumford.
e) At present we pay 35p per mile but this will be increased to 40p from December. Kate will also check what the top figure (45p?) is before drivers are liable to pay tax.
f)Kate thanked Brian and Elizabeth for minding the phones while she was away.
g) Kate needs everyone’s mobile phone no.
4. Drivers comments:-
a) Brian questioned what was the situation? if a passenger could not use a seat belt. There needs to be a letter of exemption and Margaret will look into this.
b) Should drivers receive parking tickets due to non availability of parking spaces then Car Aid will take up with the appropriate authority.

c) The meal for the drivers has been set for Friday December 16th. Averil and Brian will organise this. It is to be held at 14 the Square Rhynie. All drivers +1 are invited along with members of the committee. Car Aid will provide the food but drivers need to bring their own drinks.
5. The constitution states that all members of the committee must stand down at year end and Paul raised the motion for all office bearers to remain the same with Brian seconding the motion. Therefore the following were then elected for this coming year:-
Margaret Hamilton – Chair person
Kate Hunter             - Organiser
Averil Stewart          - Treasurer
Elizabeth Moss         - Secretary
Paul Manning )
Mary Duncan )        - Committee members
Brian Stewart  )
6. Fundraising will be dealt with by the committee as needed.

A Get Together of volunteers and partners was held in Fourteen on Friday 16th December 2011

A lovely buffet meal was provided by Averil and Brian Stewart and everyone enjoyed the chance to relax and have a chat.