An "important service" which gives disabled people greater independence and helps makes Watford more accessible has celebrated its 30th birthday.
Wheelchair jams were inevitable as around 60 people crowded into Shopmobility Watford on Monday to mark the milestone of a charity which has been providing mobility scooters, wheelchairs and a range of aids to those who need extra support for shopping, socialising and everyday living since 1993.
The service enables people to get out and about not only for health appointments but also to go shopping, meet up with friends, get a haircut, or just go for a coffee, without having to rely on others to help.
Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: “It was really good to join the volunteers, staff, users and friends of Watford Shopmobility to celebrate their 30-year anniversary. This is such an important service which Watford Council has supported for many years.
“I am very grateful to everyone at Shopmobility for helping to make Watford town centre a more accessible place. I hope that they continue to provide this fantastic service for many more years to come.”
During his visit the mayor presented volunteer Glenda Seal with a 20 years’ service award and gave flowers to Caroline Bagley and Marilyn Carvell.
Caroline, who retired two years ago, was the original manager who worked closely with the steering committee to set up Shopmobility. Caroline’s first volunteers were her late Mum and Dad.
Marilyn, the senior manager, has worked with Shopmobility for 28 years and there were cheers when she said she planned to work until she was 80 and live to 100.
Shopmobility’s chair John Horsfield said: “Shopmobility provides the means for people like me to achieve some independence. The benefits of maintaining independence are widely recognised as helping to prevent illnesses such as depression and anxiety, and even to slow down the onset of dementia.”.
Among the guests were several who had used the service for its whole 30 years and they took the opportunity to thank the charity’s volunteers.
John, who opened Shopmobility during his mayoral year and became its chair four years ago, added: “It is hard to find words to thank our army of dedicated volunteers who turn up in all weathers, even when they are not well, to keep Shopmobility running to make it the best one in the South East.
“It was a fabulous birthday party for an organisation that not only provides vital help for people with disabilities but also serves our town. With the support of Watford Council, we look forward carrying on our work”.
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