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For their March meeting Okehampton U3A members were treated to a presentation by Devon Freewheelers. The talk was given by Sandy Saunders who arrived on the custom Kawasaki motorcycle which is fully equipped with sirens and blue lights to ensure that medical supplies which they carry are kept in perfect condition and can be delivered in the shortest possible tome.
Devon Freewheelers Emergency Voluntary Service are a team of volunteer Riders, Drivers, Call Handlers and Fundraisers who are dedicated to providing a 24hrs a day 7 days a week service, supporting the NHS in delivering essential whole blood, blood & other medical samples, medication, patient notes, medical equipment, tissue samples and donor breast milk to hospitals, other NHS establishments and patients throughout Devon.
Sandy explained that the reason that the general public may not have seen the Freewheelers on the road is that during normal working hours NHS staff undertake the deliveries but many of the Freewheelers assignments are undertaken through the night when NHS staff are not available.
The Freewheelers have a fleet of motorcycles and cars which are maintained to full police vehicle standards. The riders and drivers are all qualified to Advanced Motoring or RoSPA standards and give their time freely being reimbursed for expenses.
In addition to covering the county of Devon they may be called along to deliver items further afield this may involve a relay operation with riders from adjacent Freewheeler groups,or if this is not possible the Devon Freewheeler rider may be called upon to undertake a long overnight ride to facilities such as hospitals or airports further afield.
We were fortunate that it was a beautiful afternoon and Sandy was able to park his machine in the garden of the Ockment Centre and U3A members had the opportunity to examine the bike in detail and even sit on it and pose for a selfie. A cheque for fifty pounds was presented to Sandy as a contribution to Devon Freewheelers funds.
- U3A on the last Thursday of the month in the Ockment Centre North Street at 2.39PM we welcomes new or prospective members, who will receive a warm welcome. The only requirement is that members are not in full time employment. More information can be found at www.u3asites.org.uk/okehampton.