[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]DEDICATION AND BLESSING OF J3
On Saturday, 13 January within the beautiful setting of Hatfield House, our new Jumbulance was on display for the official dedication and blessing to enable us to continue offering something special to those with life-limiting conditions who are unable to use most conventional forms of transport. Larger than J1 and able to accommodate 23 with 18 seats and 5 beds, similar in finish and facilities but with a different layout of the toilet and kitchen at the rear, this new Jumbulance continues to offer the high standard set by J1.
We are also delighted to launch our new Jumbulance sponsorship agreement with The Premier League who have not only generously donated funds towards the cost of J3 but this relationship facilitates the use of the Jumbulances for Premier League football club supporters with disabilities to travel to away games in comfort and safety, and together as one group.
Hatfield House is a magnificent building within beautiful grounds and with the kind permission from Lord and Lady Salisbury we were able to park J3 in front of Hatfield House, an ideal position to view the vehicle and to take some great photographs. The service of dedication took place at St Etheldreda’s Church and was attended by about 130 friends and supporters and included a reading from Gillian Berry followed by a most understanding address by The Rev’d Canon Dr Dennis Stamps relating the activities and aims of the Trust. This was followed by bidding prayers read by The Rev’d Professor William Clocksin.
Following the service of dedication The Rev’d Canon Dr Dennis Stamps invited the whole gathering to accompany him outside to the Jumbulance where he conducted a formal blessing, after which guests were invited on board to view the facilities, kindly assisted by Brendan Kelly who is responsible for the vehicle.
Guests were then led down to a reception in the Riding School where refreshments and buffet lunch were served followed by a Loyal Toast from Cllr Rosemary Farmer, Harpenden Town Mayor, an address from Mr Bim Afolami, MP for Hitchin & Harpenden, a speech from Chris Chisholm, Vice-Chairman thanking everyone for their help and support and celebrating the enormous achievements of the Trust since its inception in 2001. Colin Hann, Chairman made a presentation to Kathryn Salvesen MBE who this year celebrates 40 years of travelling with Jumbulances for her enormous contribution to helping those less fortunate than ourselves.
All in all this was a memorable occasion to acknowledge not only the introduction of our third new Jumbulance but also to celebrate the achievements of the first 17 years of the Trust.
The Chairman and Trustees of the Jumbulance Trust extend their sincere thanks to all those who have supported the Trust in so many and varied ways to make it possible to purchase this new vehicle and to continue to address the shortcomings that still exist in travel facilities for those with life-limiting conditions.
The Trustees also express their appreciation to Lord & Lady Salisbury for allowing us to launch our Jumbulance within the grounds of their lovely home, to Rev’d Darren Collins for the use of St Etheldreda’s Church, the Rev’d Canon Dennis Stamps for conducting the service assisted by the Rev’d Professor William Clocksin, Assistant Priest St Etheldreda’s Church and Jill Knight, Organist for their valued assistance and participation in the dedication and to Hatfield House for the use of their facilities and to Toastmaster Bob Parker for his valued assistance and ensuring the event ran smoothly.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]
