This is the article form the ross-shire of Iain my last supervising minister, go rev go!!
A DYNAMIC duo of Ross-shire ministers revved up and hit the road in support of a well-respected charity which offers a potential lifeline to scores of people.
Inspired by a talk they heard on the work carried out by Morning Call volunteers, the Rev Iain Ramsden (Killearnan) and his biking buddy, Rev Ivan Warwick (Fodderty and Strathpeffer), decided to devote a planned pan-Scotland road trip to raise funds for the charity.
Rev Ramsden said, "We had planned this round-Scotland trip and after hearing this really dynamic speaker decided we could combine it with trying to raise some funds." Members of their congregations, Rotarians and a number of other well-wishers rallied to the cause, between them pledging an impressive £900-plus.
Rev Ramsden, riding his retro-look 800cc Triumph Bonneville was joined by his friend astride a powerful BMW for the road trip with a difference. "Support came from some unexpected sources and from well-wishers en route," explained the Rev Ramsden. "I think a lot of people have warmed to the idea of Morning Call which helps explain the great response."
He said of his biking hobby, "I try to get out every now and then for a day out. I'll sometimes give Ivan a phone and see if he is able to come out to play!"
Morning call founder Alan Michael flanked by revving Revs Iain Ramsden, left, and Ivan Warwick. Bobby Nelson
Alan Michael, who gratefully accepted the donation, said the charity — whose volunteers make daily phone calls to older folk, many of whom live alone — had gone from strength to strength since being set up 20 years ago. "It gives people who like to get the calls reassurance. We are now making about 60 calls a day, every day of the year. The service is free to whoever requires it. If a call is not answered, we will then call an agreed contact and take it from there." It has been estimated that in addition to providing a source of reassurance, the service is typically responsible for saving at least one life every year.
Mr Michael said a get-together of volunteers and clients this year had been a huge success. "People attending were delighted to be able to put faces to names," he said. "It was tremendous. I was delighted when Rev Ramsden offered to raise funds for us."
