Seend
Wiltshire
Wiltshire
seend.org.uk
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Seend Wiltshire |
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seend.org.uk
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We were unable to hold our 2020 AGM because of the pandemic but if you follow these links you will be able to view the Accounts and Annual Report for the accounting year 2019 to 2020. Please feel free to email any questions or suggestions to us at seendshuttle@gmail.com.
New Thursday Shuttle Timetable starting in May 2022 can be viewed here. Other days as shown on the 2017 timetable below.
The June 2017 timetable can be viewed here
Please ring Alison Cobbing 07951030491 or email seendshuttle@gmail.com if you need further information about the timetable or wish to make a booking.
Please see the "Use Your Shuttle" Posters produced by Seend School Pupils
In 1991 various villages within Kennet District were asked if they had the need for and the ability to run a community bus. A village meeting was arranged by the Parish Council. A committee was formed and after a long study – which included looking at existing community buses, asking villagers about their needs, visiting dealers and drawing up a proposal – we were ready to go. The initial finance would come from two basic sources – Kennet District Council and the Rural Development Commission.
KDC were prepared to finance a standard run-of-the-mill factory-produced minibus but Seend, being what it is, wanted something better. So we set about raising additional finance. We ‘sold’ the seats to sponsors for £30 a time to raise £500. We held fund-raising events. We approached Wiltshire County Council who gave us a donation towards an electric-powered folding door with low entrance step. The RDC would match any monies raised by other sources plus up to £1,000 if necessary to cover any losses in the first year's operation. Eventually we had sufficient resources to acquire a Leyland DAF 400 with 16 passenger seats. In February 1993 the first service run was made. We have to conform to a timetable and the services are registered with the Traffic Commissioners. The bus has two permits; one to run bus services and the other to allow for private hire operations. After six years that first vehicle was replaced by the Seend Shuttle Mark II, a Mercedes Sprinter. That was replaced in 2006 by Mark III, a Volkswagen. We no longer had a tail lift as it was hardly ever used but we still had a conveniently low step and the new model had more room for shopping and luggage. In 2014 we bought Mark 1V, a slightly longer Mercedes Sprinter with some storage behind the back seats, heated windscreen and mirrors and a reversing camera and sensor. It is a lovely bus to drive.
The bus operates regular
passenger services. There is a service every morning in term-time which transports
children to Seend School. Except on Bank Holidays the Shuttle runs a service
around the village up to the Post Office on a Monday morning. On Tuesday mornings
it runs to Bromham and Melksham and on Thursday it ‘shuttles’ between
all parts of Seend and Devizes and Bromham. Even if you have your own transport
try using the Shuttle now and then to avoid the hassle of parking and enjoy
travelling among friends.
N.B. Those over-60s who are in possession of a bus pass can use it on the scheduled
services.
On the first Wednesday of each month there is also a trip to Salisbury with
a bus fare of £5. Phone Rex or Jan Gudge on 01225 706526 to book your
seat.
When the bus is not required for scheduled services it is available for private hire. The cost to hire (inc.VAT) is 90p per mile with a reduction to 66p for miles over 200 and with a minimum charge of £13.80. This includes fuel but you are usually expected to find your own driver who has to be approved and accepted on to our list of insured drivers. The bus has seats for sixteen passengers plus driver.
Ask any of the many groups
who use it how an outing is improved by travelling together in the Shuttle.
Regular hirers include village skittle teams, the Theatre Club, the Bromham
Wednesday Club, and the Historic Houses Club.
The options are many from a trip to the airport to a day at the races.
The credit for all of this
lies mainly with those people who give their time voluntarily to organize the
finances and bookings, keep the bus road worthy and volunteer to drive.
As with most voluntary organisations there is always work to be done and not
enough people to do it! So if you are a driver with a D1 on your licence we
would welcome you into the fold, even if you are only occasionally available.
Maybe you are a Mum or Dad of one of the children that take the Shuttle to school
in the morning and could return the compliment by doing the odd trip. Get in
touch and have a trial run on the bus. You will see what a pleasure it is to
drive.
If you do not drive and would still like to help in some way, such as keeping
the bus clean or helping out with maintenance etc. then do volunteer. Remember
it is YOUR bus. It is a wonderful asset to the village so let us use it and
keep it rolling.
email seendshuttle@gmail.com
Pete Wallis- chairman &
driver training
Alison Cobbing- private hire bookings (email or ring +447951 030491)
Anita Shea- Secretary & Cleaning rota