MIDSOMER NORTON & RADSTOCK COMMUNITY SERVICE VEHICLE TRUST (Founded in 1967 – Registered Charity No 276166) NEWSLETTER 2018/2019 Welcome to our 2018 - 19 Newsletter Annual General Meeting The 2018 Annual meeting was held on 8th November 2018 at Midsomer Norton Methodist Centre with Melvyn Johnson in the Chair. Melvyn mentioned it had been a difficult year due to inclement weather in early 2018 resulting in bookings cancellations and driver unavailability. Two new drivers have recently come on stream (see below). He welcomed Natalie Freeth as Secretary. Sadly, the Thursday Club, one of the Trust’s original hirers, ceased to function following the death of Mrs Mavis Perrett in October. However, Melvyn was hopeful that new group bookings would soon be found. Nick Rogers (Vehicle Manager) reported on the Minibus now approaching its 4th Birthday. There was an incident of a piece of flying wood hitting the lower front of the vehicle which was on a group outing near Glastonbury. No one was hurt. The Committee had approved changes of an annual group membership fee and a small increase in the mileage rate. They were dealing with the implications of General Data Protection Regulations affecting the work of the Trust. The Treasurer’s Report showed a break even position for the year ended 30th April 2018. The Trust had received an unexpected donation from the Bath based Medlock Trust which, after discussion with the donor, had been allocated to the Minibus Replacement Fund. The Election of Officers for 2018-19 was made (see below). David Shearn would be retiring as Treasurer in 2019. Debbie Gunfield (Co-ordinator) continued to take bookings and arrange for drivers. In conclusion, Melvyn thanked all who helped to continue to the Trust’s service to the local community and beyond – the voluntary drivers, vehicle servicers, ‘backroom’ staff, committee and many more, and to the hiring organisations, as is said in ‘The Good Old Days’ TV Music Hall Programme – chiefly yourselves! Following on from the formal business, Ron Hopkins, Vice Chairman of Westfield Parish Council spoke about its work in the neighbourhood and the contribution the Minibus, along with the Dial-a-Ride, made to reducing loneliness in the community. Election of Officers 2018 -2019 (Trustees: Melvyn Johnson, John Bowell, Stephen Powell, David Shearn, Carol Price) Chairman Melvyn Johnson 01761 452585 Co-ordinator Debbie Gunfield 01761 416910 for all bookings/invoice enquiries Vehicle Manager Nick Rogers 01761 413872 including drivers’ regulatory matters Secretary Natalie Freeth 01761 416665 Treasurer David Shearn 01761 413473 Representatives Valerie Humphries 01761 434197 Peasedown St John Methodist Lunch Club Carol Price 01761 413413 Midsomer Norton Methodists Ralph Plummer 01761 416343 Drivers Derek Livsey 01761 416254 Radstock & MSN Lions Club Independent Examiner Paul Craddock 01761 417879 Dick Whittington (Rural Services Officer) of West of England Rural Network now based at The Old Barn (2), Lady Farm, Chelwood, BS39 4NN (01275 333701) attends from time to time and advises on rural transport and allied matters. He is available to advise and assist community organisations. Volunteer Drivers The Committee continue to be grateful to our drivers who are much appreciated by our Hiring organisations. Thanks go to Gavin Williams (Welton Baptist Youth) and Chris York (St. Joseph’s, Peasedown St John) and have retired from driving. Tony Hill retired a few years ago – sorry for the omission from a previous newsletter, Tony! As mentioned previously, Colin Hobbs and Tony Walsh have been welcomed as new drivers. The Trust continues to be grateful to Bath & North East Somerset Council for assessing drivers, garaging the minibus and supporting the community work financially. Trust Deed After taking legal advice, the Committee decided to defer the updating of the Trust Deed for the time being. Publicity The work of the minibus is mentioned in the local press from time to time, also B&NES and other websites together with local directories, church and community magazines. Adverts cost money and the organisations runs on minimal expense, so do publicise our work, please!Minister for Loneliness Minister for Loneliness Following a project started by the late Jo Cox MP, a Minister for Loneliness was appointed by HM Government in January 2018. Tracey Crouch’s terms were to investigate the sad realities of modern life as many from the old down to the young are increasingly lonely. The reasons for this are diverse and readers of this newsletter may be affected. There are a number of local organisations ranging from Age UK in Midsomer Norton to the Carers’ Centre at Radstock – these are here to help! Sadly, the Minister for Loneliness resigned in November 2018 and the post is vacant. rust Deed From the National Press July 2018 – ‘Thousands of vital minibus services laid on by charities, schools and clubs are under threat…. under new proposals from the Department of Transport, many community drivers will need to obtain Driver certificate of Competence costing more than £1,000 each and undergo 35 hours of training….’ (Daily Mail). The Community Transport Association, of which the Trust is a member, has been representing operators such as us and regularly issue updates on their representations with Government Ministers. Our Committee await developments which if implemented could be devastating! October 2018 – ‘People are being urged to help run lunch clubs for men and women over the age of 70 after research suggests one in five eats meals alone. The Royal Voluntary Service said eating alone could affect health and wellbeing. Its survey of 1,000 people over the age of 70 indicated one in ten regularly skipped meals. The RVS is trying to develop more lunch and social clubs across the country.’(the i) There are a number of organisations, churches in the local area who do just that. The problem can be that the organisers, helpers are getting older, younger people are working longer (reasons include state pension, financial, etc) and lack of resources (eg. cooks, premises, etc). So, what is the answer? It could affect the work of this Trust in the very near future! Thank you all for supporting the work of your local community minibus!.