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Heartbeat Haddenham Launch

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On Thursday 19th March, about 50 villagers attended the launch of Heartbeat Haddenham at the Scout & Guide Centre.

Tony Warris explained that he and Richard Kendall had set up Heartbeat Haddenham under the auspices of the Parish Council to raise money to purchase and install Public Access Defibrillators in the village.

Tony acknowledged that a defibrillator at Stonehill House was publicly available and that the Beer Festivals Trust had helped fund it. He said that Heartbeat Haddenham envisaged providing perhaps 5 more defibrillators. He suggested that the three prime locations for additional defibrillators, where the daily footfall appears heaviest, are the station, the village centre (Banks Park/Banks Parade) and Church End. He invited suggestions where any others should be located. In response, from the audience the Chairman of the Parish Council, Margaret Aston, suggested the Sports and Social Club.

Tony introduced Steve Cartwright from South Central Ambulance Service who is providing technical support. He explained the value of having publicly accessible defibrillators for use before an ambulance arrives and showed that they are easy to use. He was able to answer several questions from the floor. Richard Kendall confirmed that in due course Steve Cartwright would run a session to show how to use defibrillators and to give people confidence as a result of "hands on" experience.
Tony said that Heartbeat Haddenham had taken its cue from Staying Alive Thame and welcomed Patsy Baker and Karen Clark from that organisation who reported that they had raised funds and installed 10 community defibrillators in Thame.

It was explained that Heartbeat Haddenham was already in a position to purchase three units — defibrillators and cabinets — and that they would be able to purchase them more cheaply because the Parish Council would be able to reclaim the VAT.

Tony Warris acknowledged gratefully funding received from Bucks County Council (through their Community Leaders' Fund) and the Village Fete and said that the Haddenham & District Rotary Club, the Haddenham Masonic Lodge and the Thame & District Lions Club had each indicated that they would also contribute. Diane Austin, one of the brownie leaders, presented £537.66 raised at the recent Gang Show run by the village scouting and guiding units. Keith Smith affirmed the Rotarians' offer of financial support including the proceeds of a jumble sale to be held on 25th April. Ken Bennell said that the Lions Club had funds immediately available for a unit and would like it to be installed at the station.

If you would like to help Heartbeat Haddenham achieve its objective by making a donation, please visit the make-a-donation website
Tony invited members of the audience to join the team to help progress the project. In particular, they would welcome help to use social media to raise awareness.

For further information, contact:
Tony Warris on 01844 292273 or at warris@mypostoffice.co.uk; or
Richard Kendall on 01844 290788 or at rkendall@btinternet.com