I wonder whether other readers know of the excellent Shopmobility scheme which operates from the second floor of the Piccadilly car park in York?

I am a volunteer for the York Blind and Partially Sighted Society and recently took a blind woman aged 90 into York. I was able to borrow a wheelchair through Shopmobility and took her to the top floor of Marks & Spencer, where she was able to appreciate, in a limited way, the magnificent view of the Minster. Although registered blind, she can see a little in the distance.

We then went to St Sampson's, where this woman had been a team leader of volunteers for many years. Much to our surprise, we discovered a former co-volunteer who is still working at St Sampson's, although she herself will be 90 this year.

For me, as a volunteer, this was an enormously rewarding experience and with Volunteer Week (June 1 to 7) fast approaching, I hope others may be interested in doing something similar. The York Blind and Partially Sighted Society can be contacted at 61 Bootham or ring (01904) 636269.

Barbara Saunders,

Oak Lodge,

Hull Road,

York.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.