
AFTER 16 years with Melksham & District Link scheme, long-serving volunteer Doreen Drew has retired from her role as secretary.
Doreen, who is 85 years-old, was presented with a rose plant named “Doreen” at the Melksham Link Annual General Meeting last week and was thanked by John Crook, chairman of Melksham Link.
Doreen was also recently presented with The Arthur Laflin Volunteer Award at the Community First awards for her work in the community.
Doreen said, “I was honoured to win the award and found it very emotional to have been put forward. It was lovely to meet all the wonderful people who work in their community, especially the young ones.”
John Crook said, “Whenever Doreen is mentioned, the Link service and tandem riding are the first things that come to mind!
“When Doreen first approached me with the late John Nunney and asked me to act as a stand in chairman, little did I realise what turmoil Melksham Link was to be in within the next month following John’s death.
“I have said before that in my opinion, without Doreen’s dedication and determination at that time, Melksham Link might have gone under.
“She has filled the role of secretary in an outstanding manner and on many, many occasions has gone the extra mile acting almost as Melksham Link’s welfare officer/ social worker.
“We are certainly going to miss her but the good news is that she intends to continue on Tuesday mornings at Open House which means we will still be able to tap into the extensive knowledge and experience she has.”
Doreen said, “I will miss my time spent at Melksham Link greatly but I’m looking forward to doing other things. It is such a wonderful organisation and is vital in the community. The service the volunteers provide is invaluable. For some, we are the only people they see all week. There are 37 volunteers, 25 of whom are drivers. The volunteers are fantastic and give of their time so generously. I’ve made a lot of friends and will miss everyone very much.”