A NEW community group is already providing a vital transport link for the most vulnerable and isolated in the Ledbury community.

And the community is being asked to show support by attending a charity ball to officially launch the campaign, and to become a Friend, to help with the fund-raising drive and other activities.

The newly formed ‘Community Action, Ledbury’ (CAL) has come about because the old Ledbury Community Voluntary Action (CVA), which provided a similar worthwhile service, ceased to exist three months ago.

But the new group is very much a continuation of the CVA's mission, and is based at the same Bye Street base, with the same keen volunteers.

The CAL launch event will be a charity ball, including dinner, dancing and an auction, at the Pavilion Room, Ledbury Rugby Club, on Saturday September 6.

The CAL Chairman, Ian Beer, the former headmaster of Harrow, who now lives in Ledbury, said, “We invite you to attend the Black tie and posh frocks event, and we ask you to become a Friend as whatever time or money you invest will benefit the people of our towns and villages”

Ledbury CAL spokesperson, Jan Long said: " The ball will provide CAL with the opportunity to inform members of the public exactly what it does for the people of this region.

"For example, CAL already provides over 400 ring and ride trips per month for the elderly, for those with mobility issues there is wheelchair access, the service also includes hospitals or health related journeys, shopping, personal needs, and supports a play area."

Mrs Long added: None of these services would be possible without financial assistance. CAL has been fortunate indeed to have as its Patron, Mrs Helen Thomas, Deputy Lieutenant of Herefordshire who has shown her keen support for this vitally important service that is so desperately needed by the community."

The area served by CAL stretches from Cradley to Much Marcle, from Stretton Grandison to Colwall.

Mrs Long said:"The logistics of organising the work is a challenge to the 5 part-time staff, ably supported by some 40 volunteer drivers, but the team are ever seeking more volunteers to provide the critically important service for residents in the area.

"At present funding has been secured from local councils, churches, traders, the Rotary, and charitable trusts. But CAL has now launched it’s become a “Friend” campaign and to this end have produced an information leaflet which will go to every household in Ledbury and the district."

CAL Chairman Ian Beer said, “We invite you to attend the Black tie and posh frocks event at the Rugby Club's Pavillion Room in Ledbury, and we ask you to become a Friend as whatever time or money you invest will benefit the people of our towns and villages”

Tickets for the Charity Ball which commences at 7pm for 7.30pm, cost £25.00 each.

Further details on 01531 635339 or by e-mail: tess@voluntaryactionledbury.co.uk