A COMMUNITY minibus scheme that has been running since 1967 has been forced to handover its operation to Age UK.

The trust faced issues throughout the covid-19 pandemic and experienced further challenges in trying to recruit drivers in 2023.

The service has run entirely on the kindness and generosity of volunteers and hope’s the new deal with the national charity will be seamless for existing and new patients.

Services were almost suspended altogether, but after an outreach campaign to other similar organisations, discussions began taking place with other local charity transport providers, namely Swan Transport, Bath Community Transport and Age UK Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES). Age UK B&NES agreed to take on the patient transport scheme in November 2023 and grant agreement was drawn up and signed by Melvyn Johnson for the Trust and Simon Allen CEO of AgeUK B&NES. 

An 8,000 grant was provided to ensure the service would continue to serve the present users and any new users.

The booking system would stay the same with Dianne Carter, co-ordinator, and all drivers will become volunteers for AgeUK B&NES, therefore there being no noticeable change for the users.

On January 12, 2024, the running of the community minibus transferred from the Trust to AgeUK B&NES.

At a recent meeting by the trust, Melvyn went on to explain how it would be finally wound up.

The committee, in line with advice from the Charity Commission and the Trust Deed set up in 1967, stated quite clearly that any monies should be passed to local charities and so it was that the three Trustees - Nick Rogers, Derek Livsey and Melvyn Johnson - presented cheques for £8,000 to MSN and Radstock Dial-a-Ride, with the same amount being presented to both Swan Transport and SWALLOW.

The remaining monies being held until the end of this financial year for any outstanding expenditure and to put in place a ‘run off’ Trustees’ insurance. Melvyn wound the meeting up by proposing that the three Trustees, along with Natalie Freeth, Secretary/Treasurer, be entrusted with the final days of the Trust and ensuring it was closed in accordance with Charity Commission rules.  With no objections it was carried unanimously. Melvyn thanked all volunteers past and present who had made the community minibus part of their daily lives but hoped that under the new management it would continue almost seamlessly.