OXTED AND DISTRICT LINK ASSOCIATION

P.O. Box 4, Oxted, Surrey, RH8 0EF

Telephone: 01883 713333

Registered Charity No. 266988

LINK - the UNIQUE CHARITY!

Why unique?

Well, unusually, LINK does not actually need large inputs of cash by way of donations. (But it does help of course!).

What it needs however, are volunteers!

Most people who live in the Tandridge area have probably seen the LINK bus.

How many of those people will know that the drivers are all volunteers, giving up some of their spare time to help others who are in desperate need of transport to take them to hospital, or dentist, or for some other urgent need?

LINK is a registered Charity (No 266988) and was founded nearly thirty years ago with the express intention of providing a Community Service for those in need of help in the RH8 postal area. It helps the elderly the disabled, and those who, for whatever reason, cannot use public transport. It does not run by magic however.

However efficient it is in maintaining a list of volunteers to do all the jobs required it is now desperately short of volunteers to maintain its momentum.

LINK - What it is all about? A lot of people may have seen the new LINK bus driving around Oxted and perhaps wonder what the LINK Association does.

The following is a brief synopsis of its function. Anybody who wishes to become involved by offering their time for just a few hours a week or month should call 01883 713333.

TELEPHONE VOLUNTEERS

• There is a LINK telephone volunteer on duty on 01883-713333 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 365 days a year to take requests for help. Telephone volunteers operate from their home on a rota of one day every seven weeks. Telephone expenses may be claimed. To discuss what is involved, please phone Christine Lawrance on 01883- 722388.

DRIVING LINK

• has a team of volunteers who drive those residents of RH8 who, for whatever reason, cannot use public transport to Hospitals, the Health Centre, shops etc. Some drivers work to a rota of one morning or afternoon every two weeks and others are available for occasional driving. Running costs may be claimed.

COMMUNITY BUS SERVICE

• LINK operates regular runs from outlying villages into Oxted for shopping etc. If you can help with driving, please phone Peter Lockyer on 01883-712146.

MINIBUS HIRE

• A 12 seat minibus is available for private hire. The new bus has facilities for the disabled and is able to take up to three wheelchairs. Hire it for weddings, children's parties, outings, sporting events etc. Seat belts fitted, easy to drive and no special driving licence is required. Special rates available for charities. Phone 01883 - 712146.

Call 01883 713333

if you would like to help - please?

The Link Porter Trust

Link has formed a Trust Fund from legacies received and makes grants to the inhabitants of the parishes of Oxted, Hurst Green, Limpsfield, Limpsfield Chart and Tandridge i.e. in the RH8 postal district. Grants can only be made to relieve suffering or hardship arising from poverty, old age, physical handicap or ill health e.g. for the purchase of equipment or assistance in the settlement of debts.

Applications should be sent on the Trust Application Form - see attached - to Mrs Laila Turner, secretary to the Link Porter Trust, Wildshaw House, West Heath, Limpsfield RH8 0QS (telephone 01883 714753).

The trustees meet quarterly to consider applications, generally in January, April, July and October. For urgent cases to be considered between meetings please contact Laila Turner (714753) or John Clark (712997). The trustees prefer applications to be supported by an organisation or person aware of the applicant's circumstances, such as CAB, Social Services, a local Councillor or local Church. The application form should give as much detail as possible about the general and financial background of the applicant and his/her immediate family.

Grants are never paid directly to the grantee. They are paid either to the supplier of equipment or the creditor. In some circumstances payment can be made to the organisation supporting the application.

From time to time the trustees may suggest that an applicant should seek debt counselling from an organisation such as the CAB. Having received such counselling, if the CAB think that a one-off grant would assist the client to get back 'on track', the Trustees would be happy to reconsider such an application, even if they had previously declined to help.