An Angus charity that has opened up the world to two generations of day-trippers is on the verge of “crisis”.
The Forfarian mini-bus has served Forfar and its surroundings since 1981 and its 10 volunteer drivers undertake 170 local journeys and 80 day trips further afield every year.
For many people in the area who are elderly, infirm, wheelchair users, blind and visually impaired, this is their only means of attending social occasions and events.
Now the registered charity, Forfar Community Bus Trust, is in danger of running off the road as its leading lights approach retirement.
Chairwoman Kate McFarlane said the much-loved transport makes day trips and weekly meetings possible for many, but the organising group behind it is in need of new blood.
“Three people wish to retire from the committee, myself included,” she said.
“Between the three of us we have done 45 years with the Forfarian.”
Earlier this year the committee made an unsuccessful request for new members from the organisations and groups that use the bus.
“We wrote to the various services which use our bus to see whether anyone would take on a role,” added Kate.
“But I think it’s time to ask the wider community to take on these responsibilities, otherwise the bus will have to be taken off the road.
“The chairperson’s job is mostly fundraising and we got a new bus that will only be three years old in January.
“The big job is that of the coordinator, who hears from the groups and organises the drivers.
“The other member we need is treasurer, which is quite involved and has to report to the charities regulator.”
The bus, which can carry 16 passengers or 13 passengers and two wheelchairs, helps more than 20 Forfar-based organisations undertake larger trips, and shorter journeys to weekly meetings for nine user groups.
The committee is holding a meeting on September 19 and any locals who can take these positions should contact coordinator Jim Myles on 01307 467428 or 07548 151284 before this time.
