I paid a visit to the Volunteer Centre West Berkshire, in Bolton Place, just off Northbrook Street. Carol and I were shown around by the Centre's director, Garry Poulson. The Chair of West Berkshire Council, Brian Bedwell, was also there looking around.
Garry introduced us to the volunteer staff, many of whom have worked there for ten or more years. We also looked at volunteering statistics for the last full year - surprisingly there were many more 15 to 18 year olds volunteering than any other age group.
Finally we went out to the Pembroke Road multi-storey car park, which is situated adjacent to the Volunteer Centre to see the Shopmobility headquarters. Shopmobility is the name for the hire of electric scooters and wheelchairs. There are 23 scooters for hire of various shapes and sizes, and some electric and manual wheelchairs. The service is free to those who register, and it is very well used. Graham, who runs the shopmobility service, allowed Brian and I to have a go on a scooter and an electric wheelchair - you can see from the photo that I had fun spinning it round corners!
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