A lifeline service for local groups and charities is appealing for drivers to help it get more local groups out and about.
Forres Osprey Bus, is well-known for being there when small groups need transport. Lottery funding has secured its future for the next two years, but with the number of drivers dwindling, they are now seeking to get a few more people behind the wheel.
Recently appointed chairman Jim King told us: “We are down to about four or five drivers at the moment. And some can only commit on certain days. And it’s really to just to boost us, so we can actually start doing more with the community.
“It’s voluntarily, so drivers can do as little as a few hours a week. Or they could do two, three days, it depends on their availability.
“They can just put the name down for whatever they want. “
Care homes
He also explained they’re trying to generate more involvement with care homes to organise days out for the residents.
“We are looking at progressing to going into the care homes.
“The stroke group use it about a once a month to go to somewhere special. Passengers can take sandwiches, get out of their home for the day see different sites. I recently took a group to Spey Bay and we saw dolphins.”
There are two buses – one electric for local runs, and one diesel which has a longer range. Both have wheelchair access at the back.
Groups book the bus through a booking system on the website, and can opt for a driver or self-drive. There is no set charge, but ask for donations to cover costs which are around 50 pence a mile.
Anyone interested in volunteering or self-driving as a driver will get an induction and all you need is to be aged 22-70 and have a full driving licence.
To enquire about the bus, or to volunteer, visit the Osprey Bus website.
