From a friend of mine, Fr. Jim Flanagan, now a parish priest in Llanelli but formerly a recovery driver.
Good afternoon Jim,
It was lovely to talk to you yesterday.
In this unprecedented time our HGV drivers out there delivering vital goods to our shops and hospitals are finding it increasingly difficult at present to find places where they can get a meal due to many of the cafes being closed due to lockdown. They are also not being allowed to buy a weeks supply of basic food supplies due to the current shopping restrictions and as you can appreciate they can’t shop every couple of days due to being in an articulated lorry.
I have emailed all the CEO’s of all the large supermarket chains to ask them if they would consider making allowances for HGV drivers as key worker to obtain what they need on production of their HGV licence and a current valid CPC card but alas we haven’t had any positive outcome from this.
We have set up a Facebook group called ‘Stuck in a Truck-TDF’ and made an appeal for supporters of our drivers to cook an extra meal so if we have a driver that hasn’t managed to obtain a meal they can contact myself or my team to see if we have a meal available in the area in which they are parked. If we have a meal I will make the arrangements for the person providing the meal to take it out to the driver in need. I have advised that to ensure the no contact policy of infection control that the meal be placed on the drivers cab step and then a simple knock on the door and walk away so the driver knows it has been delivered and infection control procedures are being adhered to.
Even fellow drivers are offering to share what they have to help another driver out by means of a tin of soup or beans or just simply a bottle of water.
We have a few members of the public along with myself willing to donate a meal to ‘Stuck in a Truck-TDF’ which is fantastic, a meal can be cooked and if it’s not needed popped in the freezer for another day, but as you can appreciate we haven’t managed to obtain meals county wide just yet and this is something we are looking to do if we can.
We can’t always guarantee a meal due to locations but we will ultimately do our best.
Last week I am getting reports that drivers in a 24hr period are just trying survive on a sandwich or a packet of crisps which is very saddening to hear.
If anyone would like to help they can contact me directly via email thedriversfund@mail.com or my mobile 07803 786500.
I keep a contact list of all supporters and locations of supporters so that I can link up the driver with a meal if at all possible.
These details are kept under current strict GDPR rulings.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, it is very very much appreciated.
Kindest regards,
Jacky Baker
The Drivers Fund & Stuck in a Truck-TDF
Great idea IMHO. If you can help, please do.
They have a Facebook page too;
Since when did “current restrictions” stop anyone buying a weeks’ worth of basic food supplies for one person?
Roymondo:
Since when did “current restrictions” stop anyone buying a weeks’ worth of basic food supplies for one person?
FFS, I knew somebody would be along to pick holes in it.
Sidevalve:
Roymondo:
Since when did “current restrictions” stop anyone buying a weeks’ worth of basic food supplies for one person?
FFS, I knew somebody would be along to pick holes in it.
I applaude the inniative, and I dont wish to pick holes, but I must agree, that I’ve not had any problems buying a weeks worth of food, and I’m pretty local to the good reverend.
I think that there may be a case of crossed wires. The lack of available food would certainly impact on drivers who dont normally are used to catering for themselves all week, such as day or night drivers, who rely on a food outlet to get something to eat during their 12+ hour shift. And there will be other drivers, who will find themselves unable to restock, for example if you’re weekended.
Overall, good on the people who do it, and as I’m local, I’ll contact them when I get home.
Sidevalve:
Roymondo:
Since when did “current restrictions” stop anyone buying a weeks’ worth of basic food supplies for one person?
FFS, I knew somebody would be along to pick holes in it.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
well you could have bet your boots on who would be sad enough to be first.
all we need now is for mr predictable to come on and suggest that before they can get a meal or some grub they have to do some manoeuvres around the carpark to see if they are skilled professional drivers,if go around too close to each other or if they have bad habits they wont be allowed to participate…isnt it sad when you just can imagine what would be coming and whom would be spouting it. 
I haven’t eaten in weeks due to being a HGV driver out on the road delivering vital supplies.
I accept PayPal and cash.
I also need more clapping.
Ps. If I can stop in central London to get grub in a full sized trailer no one should have issues getting food.
Hgv drivers are probably just in meltdown over greggs being closed and the lack of burger and kebab shops
adam277:
I haven’t eaten in weeks due to being a HGV driver out on the road delivering vital supplies.
I accept PayPal and cash.
I also need more clapping.
Ps. If I can stop in central London to get grub in a full sized trailer no one should have issues getting food.
Hgv drivers are probably just in meltdown over greggs being closed and the lack of burger and kebab shops
Well, good for you. A lot aren’t so lucky; I’ve given two spare camping stoves away to a driver who didn’t carry one before all this kicked off because he’d relied on cafes etc being open, and then found all the camping shops shut down so he couldn’t buy one. Thankfully I only do day trips these days so I don’t need them any more.
There are a lot of drivers who, by nature of what they do and where they go, don’t have the luxury to pull up and shop. As Nodding Donkey says, many do odd hours.
How’s about, instead of telling us that you’re all right Jack, you do summat positive to help your fellow drivers even if it’s only sharing their facebook page?
the nodding donkey:
I applaude the inniative, and I dont wish to pick holes, but I must agree, that I’ve not had any problems buying a weeks worth of food, and I’m pretty local to the good reverend.
I think that there may be a case of crossed wires. The lack of available food would certainly impact on drivers who dont normally are used to catering for themselves all week, such as day or night drivers, who rely on a food outlet to get something to eat during their 12+ hour shift. And there will be other drivers, who will find themselves unable to restock, for example if you’re weekended.
Id go with that. Trampers should probably have a wee stove and tea/coffee already. a few tins of soup too. I wouldnt think much of the preparedness for everyday hiccups of those who dont, let alone going out in the winter. We arent inside the Arctic Circle but a bit of self reliance is called for.
Home every shift day/night workers can easily carry a bottle of water, flask of hot brew, and sandwiches surely? Warm food when home.
Nice thoughts, but others are much more in need.
.
independent.co.uk/news/uk/h … 05351.html
Having tramped myself, self reliance is a prerequisite.
Yes, these are unusual times but so were the French blockades and the Italian strikes, ect.ect.
If you set off with a weeks work in front of you, knowingly without sufficient supplies to support yourself for the duration, then it is entirely on you.
Either sort yourself out or get out of the way.
Not complaining on faceache.
I will echo the last two sentiments, I dont ‘tramp’ but will go away for anything up to three to four days without any prior notice.
I carry enough food in the fridge every week in regards to ready meals for the microwave and fresh fruit ect, but under the bunk is the emergency kit consisting of several tins of all day breakfast, thick soups and bottled water, a single ring camping cooker and two spare gas canisters.
Why people cannot be prepared is beyond me, some laugh at what I carry with me. It is better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it !
Sidevalve:
adam277:
I haven’t eaten in weeks due to being a HGV driver out on the road delivering vital supplies.
I accept PayPal and cash.
I also need more clapping.
Ps. If I can stop in central London to get grub in a full sized trailer no one should have issues getting food.
Hgv drivers are probably just in meltdown over greggs being closed and the lack of burger and kebab shops
Well, good for you. A lot aren’t so lucky; I’ve given two spare camping stoves away to a driver who didn’t carry one before all this kicked off because he’d relied on cafes etc being open, and then found all the camping shops shut down so he couldn’t buy one. Thankfully I only do day trips these days so I don’t need them any more.
There are a lot of drivers who, by nature of what they do and where they go, don’t have the luxury to pull up and shop. As Nodding Donkey says, many do odd hours.
How’s about, instead of telling us that you’re all right Jack, you do summat positive to help your fellow drivers even if it’s only sharing their facebook page?
I haven’t eaten in weeks I’m not all right!!
Reassuring to see that Pavlov’s dog is still reacting as expected.
Longs of Leeds were on Look North tonight saying there drivers are unable to eat properly or shower.
One of their drivers said he has had to survive on pork pies and crisps all week and been out 5 nights.
I thought oh I know him but then realised he works for Eddie.
Jimmy McNulty:
One of their drivers said he has had to survive on pork pies and crisps all week and been out 5 nights.
I thought oh I know him but then realised he works for Eddie.
You almost described Dozy to a tee
Roymondo:
Reassuring to see that Pavlov’s dog is still reacting as expected.
I don’t blame drivers for trying it on but there are people who have no jobs and no income for weeks. Some people are in a far more precarious position than ourselves.
Also wherever I have worked there always seems to be access to a kettle and microwave. And last I checked pot noodles were not in short supply.
Let’s not kid ourselves most truck drivers never ate fresh healthy meal to begin with.
adam277:
Roymondo:
Reassuring to see that Pavlov’s dog is still reacting as expected.
I don’t blame drivers for trying it on but there are people who have no jobs and no income for weeks. Some people are in a far more precarious position than ourselves.
Also wherever I have worked there always seems to be access to a kettle and microwave. And last I checked pot noodles were not in short supply.
Let’s not kid ourselves most truck drivers never ate fresh healthy meal to begin with.
Actually the kettle is one thing my lot have removed access to. Drivers are no longer allowed to enter the transport office (where the teamaking facilities are located), or to access any other part of the site that is used by the warehouse staff (including the canteen where the tea/coffee machines are located). The idea being to stop us drivers, who are out and about and in contact with the Great Unwashed from inadvertently infecting the warehouse workers and bringing the whole organisation to a grinding halt. Of course, said warehouse staff are only in on-site isolation for 8 hours a day (and some of the dozy fekkers are even still car-sharing on a daily basis…). Perhaps needless to say, none of the drivers have been infected (we are doing our best to work safely and avoid contact at delivery points etc) while the warehouse lot are dropping like ninepins…
I’m stuck in the house due to underlying health issues but, seriously…
If anyone get stuck near Membury and they need food or hot water etc. please give me a shout. I’ve been helped enough over the years and we’re not all natural planners.
If I have to leave you a sandwich 2 metres away then so be it…
Sidevalve:
adam277:
I haven’t eaten in weeks due to being a HGV driver out on the road delivering vital supplies.
I accept PayPal and cash.
I also need more clapping.
Ps. If I can stop in central London to get grub in a full sized trailer no one should have issues getting food.
Hgv drivers are probably just in meltdown over greggs being closed and the lack of burger and kebab shops
Well, good for you. A lot aren’t so lucky; I’ve given two spare camping stoves away to a driver who didn’t carry one before all this kicked off because he’d relied on cafes etc being open, and then found all the camping shops shut down so he couldn’t buy one. Thankfully I only do day trips these days so I don’t need them any more.
There are a lot of drivers who, by nature of what they do and where they go, don’t have the luxury to pull up and shop. As Nodding Donkey says, many do odd hours.
How’s about, instead of telling us that you’re all right Jack, you do summat positive to help your fellow drivers even if it’s only sharing their facebook page?
I’m happy to help any fellow driver with a bit of tucker, but I draw the line at going on farcebook!
Hes doing something good, give him a break, I mean why do NHS staff need hot meals brought into their place of work? They only work 12hrs, they have regular breaks and all the facilities to cook/reheat meals and they get to go home to a nice warm shower and bed, I have none of that in my 13/15 hour days, 5/6 days a week.