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47-year-old Osprey Bus service to modernise


By Staff Reporter

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The Osprey Bus offers a valued service but needs more support from volunteer drivers and fundraisers to continue running.
The Osprey Bus offers a valued service but needs more support from volunteer drivers and fundraisers to continue running.

A LOCAL charity is set to modernise to continue providing free transport to the elderly, infirm and disabled in the area.

Started in 1973, the Osprey Trust owns and operates a 15-seat minibus fitted with a wheelchair access ramp and drop step which is driven by volunteers and relies solely upon donations and grants.

Trustee Lorna Creswell attended the group's recent AGM and confirmed ongoing fundraising is required to ensure the bus can be replaced every 10 years, and to afford the £8,000 running costs, which include tax, insurance, tyres, fuel and servicing.

She said: "39 Engineer Regiment do not have the capacity for administering and fundraising for the Osprey Trust as the RAF used to so we are limited in what we can do with only four trustees, one of whom who only joined recently.

"There is a need to re-structure so we have simple governance, a change of name and a relaunch. Three volunteers with experience of setting up a similar structure have offered to join us to work on this in January.

"There needs to be policy and practice that everyone is aware of. Volunteers need to feel supported. A new named public address was also suggested as Forres Area Community Trust in the town hall."

Current bus users include members of St Laurence and St Leonard’s churches, as well as Meadowlark Care Home, Moravia Court and Cameron Court sheltered housing residents.

Ms Creswell said: "At the AGM, one of the trustees spoke fondly of support his mother had received and Osprey transport for an outing she had enjoyed.

"I thanked all of the volunteers for their commitment and kindness towards older people in the community, having co-ordinated picnics and refreshments."

She added: "Once the trust has been re-structured, there will be improved use and a new plan for fundraising. In the meantime, bookings will continue to be made from Forres House Community Centre."

Contact Osprey secretary Eric Duguid on 01309672399 or at secospreytrust@gmail.com if you can help or for more information.



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