A CHARITY minibus used as a vital lifeline by many of Bromsgrove’s elderly residents is celebrating a milestone anniversary with an appeal for volunteers.

Bromsgrove Minibus for the Elderly was a free service originally established in June 1985 by four trustees, Nora Byng, Margaret Fishley, David Hughes and Jack Grantham, who felt that many elderly residents were becoming isolated due to a lack of transport.

A minibus was purchased for the purpose of transporting elderly and disabled residents within the district of Bromsgrove to visit clubs, day centres, garden centres and theatres. Outings to the seaside, countryside and nearby towns were also organised.

Over the years, groups such as residential and nursing homes, activities co-ordinators, groups of friends, local clubs, church groups and women’s institutes have used the service. It has provided a vital lifeline to the elderly residents of Bromsgrove.

In 2004, after having several second hand vehicles, the trustees decided to fundraise to raise £32,000 to purchase a brand new mini-bus.

The charity was awarded a grant from the National Lottery, and together with the support of ASDA and donations from local charities, the amount required was soon raised.

But in 2010 the trustees were devastated when the vehicle was stolen and was never recovered.

After several months a replacement second hand minibus was purchased, being able to transport 13 passengers plus one wheelchair or 11 passengers, and up to three wheelchairs, with a tail lift for less mobile residents.

The charity is reliant on a small number of dedicated volunteers and has four voluntary drivers, three of whom are retired, with a fourth who is self-employed as a local window cleaner and fits the commitment around his work.

Over the years the trustees have faced worries for the future of the service due to the lack of volunteers. But the charity has made it its 30th anniversary, being celebrated this year, and it is hoped new volunteers can be found to secure its future.

Eddie Mowbray, who has been a volunteer driver for several years, said: "Hopefully we can get more volunteers, it is a vital service for the elderly residents, who it means everything to."

The issue of lack of drivers is currently continuing, with several groups wanting to use the minibus recently having to be turned down as a driver could not be provided.

Anyone interested in becoming a voluntary driver must be between 25 and 65-years-old, and have a clean driving license.

To register an interest call Eddie on 01527 873588.

Most bookings are local, only taking part of the day.

Any elderly groups wishing to book the bus can call 01527 873588.