CHRISTMAS Cheer was spread around last Monday when around seventy volunteer clinic bus drivers and their partners together with the clinic bus sponsors and their partners met at the Hawks Nest Golf for their Christmas Party and also to celebrate the purchase of a new clinic bus.

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As Monday was such a windy and dusty day, instead of the guests having their lunch in the outdoor area of the Golf Club, they were invited to use the dining room in the Golf Club to enjoy their party out of the unsavoury weather conditions.

Party guests enjoyed sumptuous food which had been prepared by Jan Peters, Annie Fowler and Veronica Conaghan and could accompany their meal with refreshments provided on an open tab at the bar.

Some months ago, News of the Area ran a story on the availability of the clinic bus to transport clients to their medical appointments in Newcastle, Charlestown and Maitland collecting clients at their front door and returning them home after the appointment.

Since creating this awareness for such a wonderful service, there has been an increase in volunteer drivers for the bus and to date twenty eight people work on a roster system in assisting with the transport of the clients.

Not only has there been an increase in volunteer drivers, there has also been a significant increase in the number of clients who use the facility.

Ray Peters, President of the Clinic Bus Committee, told News of the Area, “For the past five years, we have transported between 150 and 160 clients to their medical appointments and now we have transported 302 passengers to date this year.

“The highlight of the Christmas Party was when $2000.00 was donated from the Anglican Church together with a further $250.00 donated from the Tea Gardens Country Club Ladies Bowling Team.”

The Clinic Bus Committee is always looking for volunteer drivers so if you would like to know more about this rewarding community service, please contact Ray Peters on 0418 203 537 or Annie Fowler on 0403 657 195.

By Ann SCULLY