The Milford on Sea Minibus is coming!

Plans are now well underway to provide a low cost community minibus service for residents of in Milford and the surrounding area, following a well attended meeting in July, organised by the Milford on Sea Charitable Trust. Ivan Chandler, the Project Coordinator said “there was a consensus that a small minibus, which could take up to eight passengers, was the best option to begin with. It will help to make Milford “greener” by encouraging residents to use their cars less. In time the project would like to look for grants to provide an electric vehicle”.

A “Help Team” of enthusiastic volunteers are currently contacting local organisations to discuss in detail how they might use the minibus. Suggested uses include transport to and from events or activities in the village, such as the Community Centre, the library and lunch clubs. Groups could use the bus for shopping and leisure trips, both during the day and in the evenings. Use by all ages is being encouraged. Many organisations are interested, including the WI, Milford Primary School, the Conservation Volunteers, the U3A and the Dementia Action Group. Jenny Whitley, Chair of the Charitable Trust added that this initiative could make a huge difference to the lives of residents, particularly in providing social support for residents who have no other form of transport available. 

More help is needed. If you have a little time to spare, the project team would love to hear from you. In particular, the team are looking for someone to take on publicity and more volunteers for admin roles. After the initial planning stage Ivan will be looking for more drivers too. 

Over half of the money has already been raised, so there is now a big push to raise the rest. South Lawn Hotel is backing the project with sponsorship, and is supporting a big fundraising event: The Minibus Fun & Fundraising Event, an exciting and entertaining evening featuring (amongst others!) The Rambling Men, Strumpets, Belly Dancers, Romeo Valente and surprise guests, who are all performing for free. It’s on Saturday 16th November at 7.30pm at South Lawn Hotel. There are only 100 tickets available at £20 each, with the hotel providing both the venue and a pie and mash supper for free. It promises to be a brilliant evening! All of the proceeds will go directly to the funding of the Minibus. Tickets will be on sale from Tuesday 1st October at South Lawn Hotel (cash only) or from Ivan. 

If you would like to get involved, find out more about the project, or buy a ticket for the event, contact Ivan: ivan@ivanchandler.com 07915 662030