What a grand start for Chippenham (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

What a grand start for Chippenham

7:00am Monday 9th May 2011 in Chippenham By Alex Winter

Chippenham town councillor Maureen Lloyd is hoping to raise £28,000 to buy a new vehicle for Chippenham District Transport for the Disabled.

The Lions Club has already given Coun Lloyd, who is an honourary member, £1,000 towards the vehicle.

The Lacock branch of Royal Order of Buffaloes has also donated £1,000.

Coun Lloyd, 77, said: “This is all about providing a service for people who are less fortunate then ourselves.

“We run trips all over the place, from taking people shopping or to day centres or on trips. We have five buses, but two aren’t appropriate for the very frail and are looking very run-down.”

The councillor is also looking for people to volunteer as a driver or a trustee for the charity.

Coun Lloyd said: “We need all the help we can get.

“If anyone can think of ways to get involved, from fund-raising to driving or by acting as a trustee, their time would be much appreciated. We need a fully accessible mini-van with low mileage.”

The former mayor received an award from the Lions for 50 years of charity work earlier this year – despite not being a Lion.

It signalled the first time the group has given its highest form of recognition – a Melvin-Jones Fellowship Award – to a non-member.

Edwina Hutchinson, who is joint president of the Lions with Tracey Gwinnell, said: “We have links with Transport for the Disabled because we used to run it before Maureen and others took over.

“This was one of the reasons we made the decision to donate the money. The buses are quite run-down and it would be terrible to lose such a dedicated service.”

Contact Coun Lloyd on (01249) 654625 or email lloydm3@sky.com