Henley Handy Bus – Drivers Urgently Needed

Henley Handy Bus has been out and about helping members of Henley’s local community for over 30 years, however, this service is currently under threat due to a lack of drivers.

The Handy Bus group is run by volunteers and are currently looking to expand their pool – could you help?

Driving the bus is straight forward as it is an automatic and light to drive – however, it is 7m long, so you need to be able to adapt and be a confident driver with a D1 licence. Any new driver will: practice with an experienced driver to learn the ropes, need to undergo some straight-forward driving checks (e.g. DVLA licence check) and learn how to use the special adaptations on board (e.g. the tail-lift for wheel chairs and the steps). There is no set amount of time or commitment that you need to give. Some people do regular slots which is great, but drivers are also needed to cover for when people are on holiday or ill, or just have other commitments that day. Usually it’s a morning or an afternoon slot.

The service provides a number of vital functions for many local residents. Drivers take those that need the service from their front door to the Over 60’s club in Grey’s Road Car Park, and return them home after a good lunch. They also support Bluebells Dementia Club with transportation needs, The Meteor Club (run by Mencap) and take residents on weekly shopping runs to Tesco and Waitrose as well as to Reading twice a month. Outings can also be arranged. The bus can carry wheelchair users, although most can walk aboard using the steps – walking supports e.g. wheelies and frames, are also able to be accommodated.

Driver, Miriam Walker, explained that she loves her Mondays on the bus. “I enjoy driving anyway but I also get a lot of pleasure out of helping the people that use the bus. Everyone is so grateful and happy when they get on and it can be really good fun too as there are some real characters! Without the service, most of them would be stuck at home unable to get out which I hate the thought of. One day I might need to be picked up and I’d like to think that there would be someone that would do that for me as well!”

Gwynn, who is 99 and lives by the river in Henley explained, “I do like to walk about but it’s very tiring these days – especially if I have some shopping too. I can get the Reading bus but I’d still have to walk some distance from where it drops me so using the bus is great.”

91 year old Brian, who lives on St Marks Road also explained, “I like using the bus. It is convenient and punctual and I’ve been using it for over 10 years now. Without it I’d have to pay for taxis so I probably wouldn’t go out as much – I like to go to the O60’s club each time its on if I can as the food there is great.”

Driver, Robin Popham, who has been driving the bus since 2009, was amazed to find out how many people in their 90s are living on their own in Henley. He explained that the service allows independence and is also a sociable part of the users day. He’s happy to do any run, but his favourite is The Meteor Club. “You pick the members up from their homes and take them to their social evening. They are always so happy and excited and come out filled with joy – it’s a very uplifting experience and a thing of great positivity!”

If you think you may be able to help or are interested in finding out more, then please contact:

Robin Popham on 07798 615531 or info@henleyhandybus.co.uk