History of the Scheme

The scheme was originally established as an individual scheme in both Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield by Joyce Harris and Councilor Arthur Prettyman respectively.
Soon after its inception the scheme was handed over to Bill Salmon who soon became a frequent sight delivering furniture in his Morris Minor, complete with roof rack for transporting double beds and wardrobes.

The CVS took over the scheme in 1970 and in 1988 it saw a sudden substantial increase due to changes in DHSS policy. By 1993 Bill Salmon was servicing the whole area with only a series of garages scattered around the district for storage.
Sadly Bill Salmon died in 1993, and the much need scheme shut down in 1997 due to lack of storage facilities and funding.
In 1998 the WHCVS, aware of the acute need for such a service in the district, reopened the scheme on a part-time basis and set up a working party to co-ordinate and develop the scheme further, with the help of Carmen Dillon Executive Officer for the WHCVS and Alison Brown of BAE Systems they were able to seek funding and obtain grants from The Big Lottery Fund and European Social Fund, which enabled them to take on staff, purchase a new van and rent a warehouse.  

Seeing the need for a furniture scheme in other areas the WHCVSFS expanded and is now able to collect and distribute furniture to Potters Bar, St.Albans, Hertford and Ware. We have not been able to obtain any funding from these areas to help with the day to day running costs of the scheme but if you'd like to make a donation please visit the funding page.

To The Top