to our Jumbulance Autumn 2012

‘JUMBULANCE’ NEWS
‘Jumbulance’ is a registered Trade Mark belonging to the Jumbulance Trust
THE JUMBULANCE TRUST
Issue 15
November
2012
Charity No 1090731
Making Travel Possible for those with disabilities or severe illnesses
AS WE COME TO THE END OF ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL AND REWARDING YEAR WITH OUR TWO NEW
JUMBULANCES, WE WISH ALL THOSE WHO TRAVEL WITH US A HAPPY AND BLESSED CHRISTMAS AND
LOOK FORWARD TO THE CHALLENGES AND EXCITEMENTS OF 2013.
This year we were fortunate to have a prime parking and viewing
spot reserved for us in Queen Victoria Street for the Lord Mayor’s
Procession on Saturday, 10 November. We had several families
and their children from Great Ormond Street who were able to
watch the procession from the warmth and comfort of the Jumbulance and all had a great time. Already we have been offered this
same spot for the show next year on Saturday, 9 November 2013.
All around us the world is moving ever faster, the more so IT and the Trustees have recently approved reappraisal of
our website to appeal to current expectations and attract new custom. Do look at it
www.jumbulance.org.uk
and promote it widely as well as feeding the office with information, reports and photographs. Staying the same is
not an option, we must move on and we need your support.

Aylett Nurseries in St Albans have this year adopted the Jumbulance Trust as
their nominated charity for their Christmas display and on Saturday, 9 November the
Jumbulance was parked outside the garden centre for the day for staff and customers to
view. On that day alone they raised £562 in the coffee
shop so we look forward to hearing the total amount
raised after Christmas.

St Albans High School for Girls who recently raised £383 from
charity events such as book swaps and themed stalls, thank you once
again.

Linda & Tony Coley and friends who continue to support us with regular ‘curry nights’ in Hemel
Hempstead. In October they held a Halloween themed version of Deal or no Deal!

Bubbles hairdressers in Harpenden who continue to raise money for the
Trust through coffee mornings, cake and card sales and collecting boxes, thank you to Pauline Baynham
and her staff and customers.

Pan Autos once again supported our Trust at their annual Golf Day and raised a staggering £2,131. This
money has been used to purchase 2 much needed oxygen concentrators for J1 and J2.
www.jumbulance.org.uk
Page 2
“WHAT THE JUMBULANCE MEANS TO ME”
Cynthia Huby, Group Leader, Scunthorpe Group
“I have been involved with the Jumbulance since 1976. My first holiday
was in 1979 and I remember it as if it was the one I did last week which is
really funny because the first lady I looked after on this trip went on this
one 34yrs later.
I have travelled as a nurse and have organised and lead many groups
enjoying every minute of them both on holidays or pilgrimages. Many
times I have been called crackers for going on holiday to work! My family
also travel or have travelled in the past, nobody knows the feelings one
has when you return from a Jumbulance trip. Seeing the full group in
tears because they have had such a great time and now having to split up
and go home always brings a lump to my throat. It’s a great feeling of satisfaction knowing that these people have
got so much out of this. Maybe this was their first holiday or it could be their last, (often this does happen) and of
course some will go every year if they can. When the Across finished it was sad news for a lot of us but then came
the good news that Kathryn came up with the idea to start the new Jumbulance trust, good news for me as our
local group decided to take part so still do something I really loved
doing.
I personally enjoy every minute of the trips and have got so many happy and sad memories and lots of laughs.
But most of all the satisfaction knowing that a lot of pleasure has been had by so many people, and I am still in
contact with lots of them. And I still have those that always want to travel with me - a friend that went as a VIP
and said one day he would give something back as a helper and he does by taking me to meetings etc and another
one went as a helper with me for many years, and now goes with me as a VIP even though he lives in London. I
am told I live for the Jumbulance and will do anything that wants doing if needed i.e. with goodwill etc.
SO HERE’S HOPING THE JUMBULANCE CONTINUES FOR MANY YEARS,AND PEOPLE GET AS MUCH OUT OF IT AS I
HAVE. I have always said I could write a book about all the trips I have done”
SOME TRAVELLER COMMENTS:

Excellent viewing, good leg room, great drivers, very helpful and kind

We had two very good evenings when Angela Kennedy made our group gel by getting us to do a sing-a-long and the
volunteers dressed up and hats were also provided, I thoroughly enjoyed these evenings

The volunteers were a great group of people who all worked hard, who were always happy, cheerful and above all
willing to assist, bless them all.

Wasn’t expecting to have as much fun as I did, I had a great time!! Loved the hotel and thought the general atmosphere
was lovely—carers are such nice people, as are the VIPs!

Enjoyed visit to seaside, sea life and loved the fish & chips

Laughed a lot and had a very good time

A most rewarding experience—hard work but it feels more like a privilege than a chore—wonderful to witness the
VIPs benefitting.

I gained a lot more confidence in myself !!!

Graham & Steve were really brilliant. They were efficient, effective and timely and managed to do all this without
ever hassling the passengers. They were calm and unflappable at all times, cheerful and good humoured always and
went that extra mile to ensure everyone was not only safe but happy and amused too.

The night time candle light grotto visit gave me a peaceful calm feeling of warmth and my husband thoroughly enjoyed
every moment.

I cannot begin to say how amazing Chris Chisholm is, she is kind, gives everyone a hug, cheerful always and puts in
so much work to make sure everything is taken care of—she deserves a medal!!

Snowdon mountain was a highlight—a once in a lifetime experience so to do so with a disabled group is truly amazing!

This pilgrimage is a very important experience and a lesson of humility in my life.

Laughed a lot!!!!

Angela is to be lauded and applauded as a superb organiser, her attention to detail and skills of organisation are
meticulous
“WHAT THE JUMBULANCE MEANS TO ME”
Page 3
Matt Gatlish, VIP with the Berkshire/Hampshire Jumbulance Group
“I first became aware of Jumbulance while I was in Oswestry Orthropaedic Hospital
having operations on my bones and muscles to improve my prospects. Its a long
time ago but I think my parents found about a local group that was travelling to
Lourdes in between my two operations. My consultant had heard about
Jumbulance through a colleague at Oswestry so when I mentioned going he was
more than happy for me to go as he know I’d be supported by a experienced medical
team and helpers. On this Jumbulance holiday I travelled on a bed.
Some 22 years later I’m still enjoying Jumbulance holidays having had some fantastic
holidays in Europe and UK – also met wonderful people and make life long friends.
As I still live with my parents – these holidays give my folks so well earned respite. I always try and raise the
profile of Jumbulance whenever I can as I believe its helps people enjoy their lives and the holidays are always lots
of fun and full of positivity !”
Chris Chisholm, Group Leader, Hampshire & Berkshire Jumbulance Group
“I became involved as a volunteer nurse for the Jumbulances in the 1980’s and from
my first pilgrimage to Lourdes I knew this was something special. I have travelled
every year since, sometimes doing multiple trips each year and have never lost that
enthusiasm and admiration for the high level of care given by all the volunteers. We
open the doors again for sick and disabled people who feel there are no more
options for them and this can be liberating for them and their families who need
respite from caring almost as much as the VIPs need a real holiday. It really does
make such a difference.
I’ve seen people who have never been abroad, never stayed in a hotel, never swam in the sea and suddenly they
are transported out of the confines of their four walls and into a new world with new friendships and rekindling of
their interest in life. The wonderful 24/7 care they receive from our volunteer helpers and nurses is impressive.
Where needed there will also be a doctor so we can cater for people with quite complex needs. It is not about
being altruistic it is about having fun and meeting people. At the end of every trip I know why I will return again –
exhausted yes but also humbled and my life back in perspective. They are some of the happiest weeks of my life
and the most meaningful. Don’t just think about it, come and join us!!!!!”
Dr Tymandra Blewett-Silcock, POPSY Charity Director (and Poppy’s Mum)
“I first saw a ‘Jumbulance’ at a Motability Show about 5 years ago – at last I had found what I was looking for !
Our POPSY Charity helps blind, disabled and life-limited Youngsters in South Wales and I organise wheelchair
accessible Trips for our families. As our Youngsters grow it is more and more difficult to travel with all the medical
equipment we need with us. As train and air travel becomes more of a challenge the Jumbulance Trust is the
perfect solution for our kind of family. No more stressful transfers or being told we cannot travel in a Group with up
to 6 wheelchairs ! Every Trip on a ‘Jumbulance’ amazes me – the professional admin on the run-up to the Trip;
Driver planning and interaction with their passengers / VIPs
and the thoughtful touches like real mugs in the kitchen … no
more being told where we can’t go and what we can’t do …
only ideas and inspiration for what wonderful adventures we
can have in the future !
The Jumbulance Trust have empowered our
families ! We can now go on holiday just like anyone else - this
is Inclusion at its very best – THANK YOU !”
Page 4
POPSY TRIP TO EURODISNEY SEPTEMBER 2012
This year we had 7 youngsters with special needs, 3 of their
siblings and 12 Parents in our POPSY Group. We had 4 wheelchairs and a central changing bed configuration on the J1. We
made very good time with 2 drivers and this cut our journey
time by 2hrs which was amazing! Our Group had plenty of time
to make new friends with the usual quizzes, bingo and prizes.
During the Eurotunnel crossing we were able to watch the DVD
of the disabled skiing and look forward to hearing about the
January trip to see if its something POPSY could try in a few
years.
Our Trip this year was in memory of James ‘Buzz’ Crowley and we placed a flower on the Disney Lake and thought of this lovely
boy (always full of fun) who had been on a POPSY Disney Trip a few years ago. The Disney Park
Parade this year had some new ‘floats’ and a 20th Anniversary special addition. In the evening our group of 24 gathered in
Café Mickey and collected lots of character’s autographs and had photos with them – this is an e
xpensive meal but if you want a guaranteed audience with the main characters it’s a must and the children loved it! They aim
for the children in wheelchairs first during their time in the restaurant so great for us! In the evening we went to the Disneyland Park ‘Dreams’ Show – light projection onto the Disney castle and firework show in celebration of the Park’s 20th Anniversary which was well worth seeing. We departed Sequoia Lodge Hotel at 10am with no long stops and made very good time
again and were able to get our children into bed at a reasonable time – although Poppy was still on Disney magic time!?
A HUGE THANK YOU to the Jumbulance Trust and to our Drivers Brendan and Vernen who make this type of holiday possible
for our families!!! Every year it makes me smile as I see how much easier a Jumbulance makes foreign travel for families that
have children with all types of disabilities and huge amounts of luggage/equipment.
We very much appreciate all your hard work fund raising to run and subsidise these amazing vehicles for all our families!! The
concept is empowering for us all! Dr Tymandra Blewett-Silcock, Director, POPSY.
www.popsy.org.uk
WOODLEY GROUP TO HOLLAND, AUGUST 2012
The hotel is very well suited for disabled travellers with all rooms available for people in wheelchairs. Most rooms were
equipped with an electric hospital bed as well as twin beds. Shower rooms were wet rooms with plenty hot water shower chair
and grab rails. As all the rooms were on the ground floor there were patio doors out to wooden walkways close to the canals.
The hotel is really quirky in that it is used to display the owners vast collection of
antiques.
We had bed, breakfast and evening meal although a packed lunch is available for a charge off 4.50. The food was very good
and plentiful with vegetarian diet catered for. We travelled with Brendan and Vernon and all on the trip were very appreciative
of the help and caring attitude of both. The Jumbulance was always clean and tidy and the driving was excellent. We left
Woodley at 9am travelling outward on the train and arrived at our hotel at 7.30pm.
We visited the local clog and cheese establishment owned by the hotel, a very enjoyable visit seeing how clogs are made and
how cheese is prepared. The shop did a roaring trade as this was the first opportunity to spend our Euros. A whole day outing
to Harlingen across the dam with a picture stop on the way, The pleasant town has places to eat and shop and the area around
the inner and outer harbour is interesting. We spent the day in Amsterdam with a trip on the canals, booked through the hotel
we think we got a good deal, the down side is the park for the Jumbulance was £70. A short day visit to Volendam was loved
by all, lots of little shops and plenty of places to eat. Our last day out was
to Hoom. There was a street market with street music and a good selection
of shops and eating places. Some of us got caught out in a sudden
downpour which only lasted ten minutes and was followed by sunshine.
All our VIP's said they enjoyed the holiday. This was our first visit to
Holland and I would recommend it to other groups. The accommodation is
good, food is good and plentiful, visits are not too far away, and the
journey time from Calais is only five hours.
Hotel De Rijper Eilander, Zuiddijk 2A, 1483 MA De Rijp
Tel 0031 29975656
John Gill, Woodley Group
ACORN’S CHILDREN’S HOSPICE OUTINGS
Page 5
In June we took 4 young people away from the Black
Country hospice to Surrey for the weekend, where they
built confidence and made new friends. Our first stop was
to the Maclaren Development Centre, where we had a tour
round the display areas – viewing old and new Formula
One racing cars. This was a very special experience for the budding Lewis Hamiltons, and
we all wished we could get in and have a drive! Travelling by the Jumbulance made our
journey really comfortable – it was spacious and allowed us to move around the bus so
we had room to give the care that young travellers needed.
We stayed overnight at an accessible lodge and then participated in team building activities the following morning. One young
person, aged 16 who was on the trip, texted his Mom on the way home to say, “This has been the best weekend of my life,
even better than visiting Old Trafford!”
A second trip from the Birmingham hospice was made in July to the ‘big
smoke’ in London. The group were treated to a visit to the
Natural History Museum where they took part in an interactive tour –
smelling feeling, hearing and seeing different objects; and we able to do a
tour of London’s main sights in the Jumbulance driven by our friendly
driver Brendan, in an accessible vehicle where they could see around them
better. All this was followed by a slap up tea on the way home!
Jo Saunders, Adolescent Lead, Acorns Childrens Hospice
www.acorns.org.uk
WEST YORKSHIRE JUMBULANCE GROUP—AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2012
This year the group made a return visit to Niederau in the Austrian
Tyrol. We now depart from Wakefield mid afternoon travelling to
Hull for the overnight crossing to Rotterdam. Once docked, we still
have a lengthy journey before arriving at the Hotel Sonnschein
around nine o’clock in the evening. We receive a royal welcome
from Gill, Herbert, Emily and staff. Although Gill is always busy she
goes out of her way to make sure everything is satisfactory for the
entire group.
We were fortunate in having wall to wall sunshine. We visited
Saltzburg, Rattenburg and Vipiteno across the border into Italy.
Brendan took us to an Italian restaurant outside Vipiteno where we
had authentic Italian pizzas. Well worth a visit for other groups planning to go to Niederau in 2013. The hotel has indoor heated or outside solar heated swimming pool. There is also a
sauna, an aroma steam bath. Sun beds and fresh water heated whirlpool. For the more energetic they have a tennis
court, mini golf, table tennis and giant garden chess.
We departed Niederau after evening dinner, travelling overnight in order to spend the day at the coastal resort of
Scheveningen in the Hague. We spent a pleasant day at the seaside before boarding the ship for our return journey to
Hull.
In 2013 we plan a shorter Spring break to Holland. Our visit will encompass a
day at the famous Keukenhof gardens. I am pleased to say three other Jumbulance groups are planning to visit Niederau in 2013. The first visit in January is to be during the Skiing season, I look forward to hearing all about their
visit.
Angela Kennedy
Group Organiser for the West Yorkshire Jumbulance Group
E-mail [email protected]
www.wyjumbulance.org.uk
Page 6
CP SPORT IRISH NATIONAL ATHLETIC CHAMPIONSHIPS, DUBLIN 2012
As always I value the support of my colleagues and our dedicated parents and volunteers in contributing
to what I believe is an important competitive athletic opportunity for all athletes, for some athletes a
stepping stone towards a higher plane , but for others a social environment where they meet with
friends on a competitive international basis.
The journey was made once again with the excellent Jumbulance Trust which was expertly driven by
Brendan Kelly, departing from Nottingham with a mixture of experienced and emerging athletes, three
athletes were travelling to compete for the very first time. The ferry crossing from Holyhead to Dublin
was choppy to say the least but midway through sailing the crossing eased tremendously, I thought the
captain had someone waterskiing at the stern as we left Holyhead but wanted a rest half way!
On arrival in Dublin we travelled to the very comfortable Metro Hotel and as with last year we were
made to feel very welcome indeed. On the morning of the competition, Brendan on hand ready to load
the athletes. The competition attracted a large number of CP athletes, the rewarding outcome by CP
Sport members was invaluable with many athletes achieving personal best performances as well as Irish
Gold, Silver & Bronze Medals. Some comments we received below:
“Once again a professional trip from start to finish, will be coming again next year”
“Very helpful staff”, “very enjoyable trip where everyone bonded”
“I had never been to Ireland before, I enjoyed competing. Good to be with my mates”
“This is the second time I have taken part in the GP Sport trip so that my son can compete, very
well organised and looking forward to next year”
“We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves on this trip, we had an excellent time. The organisation was
great and we had no problems at all”
I would like to add a thank you to Brendan Kelly who throughout the trip was courteous and attentive
to all the passengers.
Phil Peat, CP Sport National Athletic Development Officer
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND THANKS
Since the last newsletter we have continued to receive most generous support from many individuals and
Trusts including : The Steel Charitable Trust, Young’s & Co Brewery, Ardwick Trust, Freemasons Grand Charity,
The Hospital Saturday Fund, Fitton Trust, Misses Barrie Charitable Trust, Souter
Charitable Trust, Roger Vere Foundation, SMB Charitable Trust, Michael & Anna Wix Charitable Trust, R
Brownless Charitable Trust, Kobler Trust, Rothschild Foundation, Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust, Bruce Wake
Charity, The Coutts Charitable Trust, Worshipful Company of Carmen, The Lynn
Foundation, The Frank Lichfield General Charitable Trust, Hyams Trust, Chapman Charitable Trust, Joseph &
Lena Randall Charitable Trust.
With thanks for regular monthly support from Peter Kelly, Mr Holland and Marek Kowalewski
Our sincere thanks are extended to all who have so generously supported us.
DAY OUTINGS
Page 7
We write this letter to thank you for the excellent service provided during our trip to Hunstanton.
The facilities on board were great and our residents thoroughly enjoyed travelling with the
Jumbulance. We would also like to thank the driver Graham who was accommodating and helpful
throughout the trip.
Day Centre Co-ordinator, The Crescent Nursing Home, Bedford
On behalf of the residents and staff at Hadley
Lawns I want to say a big thank you for making
our trip to Southend a very enjoyable one.
Everyone was impressed with the fully equipped
coach and a big thank you to Brendan, the driver,
who was so caring and
considerate.
Activities Co-ordinator, Hadley Lawns
We would like to thank you all for making
the day trip to Towcester Races such a
memorable one. The residents had such a
great day out that they were talking about it
for the rest of the month! Without a service
like yours it would make life very difficult for
us to take out some of our less able residents. You do a really good job and we can’t
thank you enough, keep up the good work!!
Home Manager, Taymer Nursing Home
We enjoyed a lovely fish and chip lunch
Afterwards we went outside to see the birds
Bill was fascinated by the ducks that kept following
us, we were very lucky
The girls brought the cockatoos and parrots right up
close to us and gave a talk about them., really beautiful and clever.
All very tired but everybody had thoroughly enjoyed
themselves.
Residents, Coplands Care Home
(above)
I had to write to say on behalf of my residents
what a fantastic day we had! We haven’t stopped
talking about our trip to Woburn Safari Park. My
residents are in the advanced stages of dementia
and although we try to go out as much as possible
from the home there are some that miss out so
having the Jumbulance was a dream come true!
The impact on their well being is heart warming.
Activities co-ordinator, Lady Sarah-Cohen House
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Page 8
Option 1
Standing Order (below)
Option 2
Cheques payable to Jumbulance Trust
Name of Charity : Jumbulance Trust
Please treat the enclosed gift of £ ………………………………………… as a Gift Aid Donation
Your details:
Title : …………….. First Name : ………………...………………………………. Surname : ………………………………………………..……………………………………………….
Home address : ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………..Postcode : …………………………………………….……………………….…..….….
Signature ……………………………………………………………………………………...…………..Date : ………………………..…………………..…………………………….………….
STANDING ORDER MANDATE
Your Bank : …………………………………………………………………………………..Address : ……………………………………….…………………………………………..………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...…….…..Post Code : …………………………………………………..
Please pay: Lloyds TSB, Harpenden Sort Code : 30-93-90 , For the credit of Jumbulance Trust Account No:
0778083
The sum of £ …………………………………………………
(Amount in Figures)
……………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………….
(Amount in words)
Now and thereafter every month/year (delete as applicable) until you receive notice from me in writing and debit my account:
(please delete)
Account Name: …………………………………………………Account No: …………………………….……………………. Sort Code : ……………………..………………...
Signature : ………………………………………………,…………………………………………..…... Date : ……………………………………………………...………………………..
GIFT AID DECLARATION
As a UK taxpayer, I wish The Jumbulance Trust to treat the above donation as a Gift Aid Donation
Signature ………………………………………………………………………….. Date ……………………………………………………………………………
Thank you for your support
Jumbulance Trust
Delaport Coach House, Lamer Lane, Wheathampstead, St Albans, Herts, AL4 8RQ
Tel: 01582831444 email: [email protected] www.jumbulance.org.uk