ALTON Community Care will celebrate it 40th anniversary next year, with a proud record of service under its belt and a need to attract more volunteers to help it continue its work. Described as "a model organisation" run for the benefit of local citizens, this volunteer body provides transport for people who need help getting to medical appointments – and it is hugely appreciated by those who use it. Launched in October 1975, following a public meeting at Alton Health Centre, the original aim was to form a community care group to visit lonely and housebound people, to sit–in occasionally, collect prescriptions, and transport relatives in special need for hospital visiting. This was a small beginning for an organisation which, over the next few decades, would grow into the essential service which it now is. For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.