The Winibus – Drivers Needed

The Winibus needs to recruit new drivers to keep this valuable service working in our community. Winibus has been around for over 25 years. The bus is operated by a local charity, Wincanton & District Ambulance for the Elderly & Disabled Association.

The bus is staffed by volunteers and is available for use by local organisations like The Live at Home Scheme to collect members, bring them to day centres, take them on outings, and then get them safely back home. The charity only charges a modest rate per mile for this service regardless of the number of passengers.

Bookings for the Winibus are arranged in cooperation with the Cat Bus Manager, Andy Chilton (01963 34594) from their base at the Balsam Centre. Andy is also responsible for coordinating driver training. The bus is a nearly new 13-seater minibus, equipped with a hydraulic rear lift for wheelchair access. It was purchased with assistance from the Lottery Fund, the Somerset Community Fund, plus many other individual donations.

The service is dependent on a healthy supply of volunteer drivers. Norman Varnes confirmed that in 2015 he and Sam Bartlett will be retiring. Norman says he's the youngster who has only been with Winibus for about 5 years, but Sam has been with the service since the very beginning. Sam is responsible for the day-to-day mechanics, servicing etc. In short, Sam keeps the bus on the road.

That's why Winibus is now looking to recruit new volunteer drivers. They need a minimum of two new drivers to at least replace Norman and Sam. If they can attract more than two drivers it means that Winibus can do even more in the community.

Norman supplied the following Q&A's to help you understand what is needed.

Q. Who would be suitable?
A. Probably someone retired, or someone with time on their hands who is looking to contribute something useful to the community. Reliability is essential.

Q. What amount of time would be expected?
A. This is entirely up to you. It can be just occasionally or as many times as you like. You would be contacted by Andy Chilton to see whether you would be available for a certain run and it would depend on your circumstances whether you decide to take it on. Generally it works out for a few hours, maybe once a week; less if more drivers are available.

Q. What qualifications are required?
A. Anyone who passed their driving test before January 1997 are eligible to drive the Winibus with their normal car licence. Drivers over 70 would have to pass a medical only on renewal of their licence. No previous experience is necessary as full training would be provided.

Q. How fit do I need to be?
A. Applicants would need to be reasonably fit as some passengers would be wheelchair bound.

Q. Who should I contact to apply or to ask for further information?
A. Andy Chilton at the Balsam centre on Tel No. 01963 34594

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