The Haddenham Fish Scheme was set up in 1973 as a good neighbour scheme to bring help quickly to those in need.

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It was set up by Heather Handfield Jones (wife of the local GP) and Dick Curtis, both people who were actively involved in the local St Mary's Church (which helps explain the use of the 'Fish' symbol). Founding committee members in the early years included Rosie Thirlwall, Freda Dorrell, Peter Jeffery, Mrs Norman and Mrs Firmin.

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The Scheme originally operated via a comprehensive system of street wardens who acted as the contact point for arranging volunteers to provide help if required. Any person needing assistance would place a special card with the Fish symbol (as above) in their window to alert the street warden that they needed someone to call.

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Present
The main function of the Scheme now is to provide transport for elderly or disabled Haddenham residents who are unable to use public transport and who do not have anyone else (eg family/friends) available to take them. This is done via a register of volunteer drivers and a telephone rota of volunteers , many of whom are also drivers for the scheme.

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Each week, a volunteer on the phone rota organises and acts as co-ordinator for the lifts that need arranging that week. Some trips are regular, eg weekly visits to the hairdresser or for shopping, others are one-off, eg lifts to the Medical Centre or for hospital and other medical appointments. Each year the scheme carries out over 1,000 lifts for its 'clients'.

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The Scheme is a registered charity and does not charge for its services. 'Clients' do however often like to make a donation as a token of their appreciation and these go towards the running costs of the scheme (principally the annual insurance and some petrol expenses). If donations exceed the Scheme's costs the surplus may be donated to local

causes.

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25 Year Celebration

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The Scheme celebrated 25 years in operation with an anniversary tea-party in May 1998 attended by clients and volunteers.

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40 Year Celebrations

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In May 2013 the scheme celebrated with a 40th Anniversary Tea Party attended by around 90 clients and volunteers, with entertainment by the Thame Children's Choir TCC2.

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           Jeanne Watt & Alison Green                    Christina Jeffery & Chris Thorogood

50 Year Celebrations

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In 2023 the scheme celebrated with a 50th Anniversary Tea Party attended by past and present volunteers and clients. Entertainment was provided by two young Ukrainian refugee music students who were being hosted in the village.

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On 3rd May 2023, Chairman Jeanne Watt and Secretary Alison Green attended the first Buckingham Palace Garden party of King Charles III’s reign, having been nominated in recognition of the contribution they had made to running the Fish Scheme over the last 40 years. They were accompanied by their guests: long-standing volunteer Mary White and fellow volunteer Jim Green