Matthew was pleased to attend the launch of a new minibus to be used by The Good Neighbour Scheme for Mill Hill and Burnt Oak.

Held at the Sacred Heart Church in Mill Hill, the ribbon was officially cut by the Mayor of Barnet and was watched by people attending the Good Neighbour Lunch Club, volunteers and helpers alongside Matthew and Mill Hill Councillors Val Duschinsky and John Hart.

While taking people to the lunch clubs twice a week, the minibus is also used to transport local residents on shopping trips and visits to medical appointments, GP surgeries, dentists and even chiropodist treatments. 

The trustees intend to allow other charitable organisations to make use of their minibus to ensure it really is a community facility.

Matthew said: “The minibus is a fantastic example of an organisation coming together for the greater good of the local community. When activities cannot be undertaken by the government or the local council, the voluntary and third sector really do take the lead in these areas.

"The money was raised by local volunteers and I am delighted that it has been put to such good use in this purchase. I look forward to seeing many more people attending the lunch clubs in Burnt Oak and Mill Hill and in the Marshall estate, enabling people who often live alone to get together and socialise.”