An update on the Midsomer Norton & Radstock Community Minibus. Many thanks to those who attended the recent annual general meeting of the trust which runs the local silver community minibus.

We are pleased to report that despite earlier fears that the end of the road was near the community bus is still operating albeit with just a handful of local clubs and groups.

Just two of our pre-pandemic members continue to use the minibus, Peasedown St John Methodist Lunch Club and Stanley Court Residents Club and we thank them for their continuing support.

In recent months we have been pleased to welcome Swan Transport, Swallow and Clutton Trefoil Guild who have now all become regular users of the minibus enabling their members to enjoy time out at coffee and chat sessions, social evenings, football tournaments, garden centres and the like.

However, in order to sustain this important community service we do need to get more users on board and, if we can do that, we will then need more drivers.

So, if your group is interested in using the minibus or you would like to find out more about becoming a volunteer driver please contact either Melvyn Johnson on 01761 452585 or Nick Rogers on 07817 476535 for further information.

Groups wishing to make use of the minibus must be set up on a not-for-profit basis for the benefit of our local community, an annual group membership fee of £12 is payable and trips are charged at £1 per mile regardless of passenger numbers.

Drivers must be over 21 years of age and have held a full UK driving licence for two or more years and successfully complete a driving assessment under the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme which we will arrange at our cost.

Finally, we would love to hear from anyone who has a desire to become involved in assisting with the running and management of the trust by joining our board of trustees.

Without an increase in users, drivers and trustees it is unlikely that the community minibus, which has been serving our local community for the last 55 years, will survive for very much longer.

More information about all of this can be found by visiting our website: msnradcommunityminibus.org or why not pick up the phone and have a chat with Melvyn or Nick.

If you would prefer to make an enquiry by email then our address is: [email protected]

Many thanks for reading this and we look forward to hearing from you very soon.