Tuesday the 12th July was a hot, airless, muggy night but our speaker turned up in full motorcyclist gear topped by a very high vis jacket. Tony, from the Midland Freewheelers then proceeded to take it all off (well not all) in order to point out to us the high tech equipment which was built in to each layer.
This essential equipment is vital to enable them to do their job and to give them the best protection possible in any high risk situation. The Midland Freewheelers are an entirely voluntary group who deliver vital supplies between hospitals all over the region. These include blood, breast milk, plasma, platelets and prescribed drugs. The drugs are also delivered to patients at home who are unable to collect them themselves. This service is entirely free and saves the NHS not only money but ambulance time or taxi costs which would otherwise have to be used. Time is often critical and Tony told how it was a matter of pride to be as fast as possible without breaking the law or doing anything dangerous. They are not allowed blue lights but with their high vis jackets and highly visible powerful bikes they are usually given respect and some leeway.
It was a very interesting talk and members gave generously to this totally self funding service.
We don’t have a meeting in August but in September we will be celebrating Albric’s 55th birthday with ‘A Bit of a Do’.