Community Minibus Newsletter

A warm welcome to all community groups who are already using our minibus and those who haven’t yet joined our growing list of users. This newsletter is the first in what we hope will be a series, keeping you up to date with developments on the community minibus front.

Firstly we would like to thank all our users for their support to date and we welcome any feedback as how we can improve your overall experience of using the minibus. Following a suggestion from Barnstaple Disabled Club we have agreed to fit an extra grab rail by the sliding door and will be purchasing a portable step to ease access from the back door of the vehicle.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THE MINIBUS?
The minibus is available for use by non-profit making community groups across North Devon in return for a fixed donation to cover running costs. Our aim is to provide a community facility, so the more the vehicle is used the less the cost will be to all users. We ask for a donation of £60 per day, with reductions for weekends and longer periods.
SO WHAT DO I DO NEXT?
In the first instance, you need to obtain a permit, (required by the Transport Act 1985), from the Vehicle Operating and Standards Agency, (www.vosa.gov.uk), for a one off payment of £9. Alternatively many user groups such as scouts, badgers, cadets and church groups can obtain a permit from their own national body.
Once you have a permit we ask that you complete an application form telling us about your organization and return it to us at the address indicated. Forms can be collected from our partners Silverstreet Motors, Braunton Road, Barnstaple, phone 01271 373373, or downloaded from this website, Application Form Once approved you will be able to book the minibus directly through Silverstreet Motors.

WHY DOES BARNSTAPLE ROUND TABLE HAVE A MINIBUS?
An essential part of the Round Table philosophy is putting something back into the local community. Everyone will recall events Barnstaple Round Table has organized such as the River Taw Raft Race and the annual firework display held at Barnstaple Rugby Club and now at RMB Chivenor However people may not realise that, aside from the enjoyment that these events have provided, hundreds of thousands of pounds have been raised for charitable causes by Barnstaple Round Table since it's inception back in 1951.
Many local groups, charities and individuals have benefited from the efforts of successive generations of tablers. Aside from financial assistance, members have sought other ways to help the North Devon community. From research carried out in 2002 it was evident that transport was a headache for many community groups. So Barnstaple Tablers set about raising the funds to purchase a suitable minibus. Thanks to the generous support of Silverstreet Motors, a superb 15 seat Volkswagen minibus was obtained in the Autumn of 2004.

Do you have a picture of your group using the minibus? If so we’d love to see it & hear about how the vehicle has helped your club or group.
For assistance please contact Perry Mears on 01271 377776 for queries relating to the Barnstaple Round Table community minibus.