HCV was conceived in 2014 by retired GP Dr Hugh Stradling when he saw a need for such a vehicle within the community. He recognised that lack of easy access to public or conventional transport was a major cause of social isolation.

Following input and considerable assistance from Community Impact Bucks (C.I.B), funding was secured from Heart of Bucks through Prevention Matters, The Community Transport Fund, Haddenham Beer Festival Trust, Haddenham Fête, Haddenham Fish Scheme and a number of local individuals allowing the Committee to purchase a wheelchair adapted Volkswagen Caddy and commence operations in October 2015.

Such was the generosity of the funders, the Committee were in a financial position that they could offer a free service.

HCV was registered as a Charity in 2016.

Over the years of operation, the group has received many donations from clients and their families as well as local organisations (Probus Club Thame, Haddenham Masonic Lodge, Artists and Makers Fayre, Haddenham Art Group, the Wychert Chorale and the Wheelbarrow Race Committee) allowing the service to remain free. The committee is also grateful for generous support from Ivor Miles Garage and from Purple Frog, who designed the promotional flyers and an updated livery.

As with all vehicles, Carrie as it was now called, began showing its age and the Committee decided in early 2024, to seek funding to purchase a new vehicle. Again following invaluable assistance from C.I.B, a number of grant funding applications were submitted and the Committee were delighted to secure funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, Kop Hill Climb and the Haddenham Beer Festival Trust. The Committee were also pleased able to agree a sale of the original Carrie to one of our clients in the village. These funds, plus a contribution from the release of some of our reserves, allowed us to purchase a new Carrie, a wheelchair adapted Ford Tourneo Connect. Our new Carrie commenced operations in March 2025.

From the outset, HCV has been run and operated by a team of dedicated, community spirited volunteers. The personal and friendly service has been a delight to clients and fulfilling to our team of drivers. Both parties have enjoyed the benefit of having wheelchairs located up front beside the driver allowing for interesting conversation during the journeys. This is part of the ethos of HCV to help clients both physically via transport but also mentally by promoting these conversations which are particularly important where clients may live socially isolated lives.

The 2015 launch of Haddenham Community Vehicle