The North Herts branch of Citizens Advice has benefitted from a cash boost to help towards a new laptop from the Melbourn Division Oil Club.
The North Herts branch of Citizens Advice has benefitted from a cash boost to help towards a new laptop from the Melbourn Division Oil Club.
The club, which has recently expanded to include Bassingbourn and Whaddon, was set up by local area councillors in 2011 to help householders in the area get best prices on home heating oil.
The club’s bulk buyer, Agricole Oil, provides a rebate at the end of every year based on the number and volume of orders, and this is donated to a local community group.
CXlub chair Susan van de Ven said: “In the past, recipients of the oil club rebate have included groups like Home-Start Royston & South Cambs, Royston & District Community Transport, and Cam Sight.
“This year a rebate of £140 is being donated to North Herts Citizens Advice, to support its local services. This includes a free drop-in advice service at the Melbourn Community Hub and a pre-book service in Bassingbourn.”
Dr Jeremy Cole, managing director of Agricole Oil, said: “Having lived this region most of my life I like to put something back to the local communities that use our domestic heating oil service.
“Citizens Advice is a fantastic service to support. Annually the Agricole Oil Village Rebate Programme returns between £3,000 and £4,000 to its various oil clubs for distribution to local good causes.”
Hub manager Sharon Bridgeman, who is the contact point for hub visitors wishing to access Citizens Advice support, said: “I’m shocked to see the level of need and the desperation that people feel. Often they have nowhere else to turn to. The hub doors are open to everyone.”
North Herts Citizens Advice chief executive Rionach Aiken said: “We really appreciate this donation. It will go towards the costs of a much-needed new laptop for our Melbourn Hub advice drop-in.”
To access the service at the hub, drop in or make an appointment from 9.30am to 12 noon on the first and third Thursdays of the month. For an appointment in Bassingbourn, call 01462 688010.
For more information on the oil club call Dr Cole on 01954 719 452 or email Jeremy@agricole.co.uk.
Other villages under the club’s umbrella include Meldreth, Shepreth, Foxton, Heydon and the Chishills.
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