The August meeting of Farmborough Women’s CAMEO was a very busy one, which started with an excellent talk by Mark Green of Freewheelers.

Mark is one of a team of motorcyclists who ride what are commonly known as the ‘blood bikes’. Freewheelers is a charity and as such receives no funding from the NHS. The team that covers this area and down as far as Taunton totals about 125 people. In addition to the 80 motorcyclists (who all undertake advanced rider training), there are admin staff and people to answer the phones, all of whom are volunteers.

The Freewheelers work outside of normal office hours and there are usually four motorcyclists on duty (with more on call in case of emergency) and a person to answer the telephone. In an average year 175,000 miles can be covered and 5,000 jobs carried out. It is estimated to save the NHS £375,000 each year, whilst the cost to the Freewheelers is around £125,000, which is all met by donations.

As well as blood and plasma, the Freewheelers also carry medicines, documentation, blood and other bodily samples, anti-venom and baby milk. One of the many invaluable jobs is to supply blood to the Air Ambulances which carry transfusion pump equipment. A life is saved every ten days due to this kit and the availability of blood.

Following a break for refreshments, members were treated to a demonstration of Boccia, which is a seated form of Pétanque. John Roberts, who is an Activities Assistant at Timsbury Cheshire Home, explained how the game is played and encouraged CAMEO members to take part. Although new to the game, they all found it to be great fun. One of the CAMEO members, Jane Harding, is a resident at the Cheshire Home, and is also a member of their Boccia team – The Greenhill Grenadiers. They have been an extremely successful team and reached the National and Super League finals.

Next month’s meeting on 3rd September is ‘Colour me Beautiful’, with Julie Harvey. On 1st October, Mark White will be giving a talk about the role of a Paramedic. Meetings take place at 7.30 p.m. in Farmborough Memorial Hall, on the first Tuesday of the month.

Kathy Redman