THE HIGH Sheriff of Worcestershire took a ride with Wyre Forest Community Transport to learn about the charity and reward a long-standing volunteer.
Maynard Burton presented driver and former trustee Jonathan Haley with a High Sheriff’s Award in recognition of almost 30 years’ dedicated and valuable service to the community.
The certificate was presented during a reception at the charity’s Green Street base, Kidderminster.
He also met volunteers, staff, trustees and passenger Betty Nicholas, aged 89, who has relied on the service for 20 years.
Earlier, Mr Burton accompanied volunteer driver and trustee Peter Simner and his passenger assistant, wife Liz, on their regular minibus route picking up passengers for their day of activities at Bewdley Cricket Club, run by Reach, a charity catering for people with learning difficulties and disabilities.
Mr Burton, a retired solicitor from Stourport, said: “One of my priorities is to champion the county’s unsung heroes and I am delighted to have the opportunity to visit Wyre Forest Community Transport, which provides vital transport services for several hundred elderly and disabled people across the district.
“It has been an honour to meet some of the charity’s dedicated team of volunteers, who give their time to help their passengers enjoy fulfilled and independent lives by ensuring they can keep medical appointments, access community activities, enjoy outings, trips to the shops and such like.
“I was particularly struck on the journey today with how friendly the volunteers and passengers are to each other. It’s far more than just a transport service, it’s a social service.
“The volunteers do a great job and Jonathan’s dedication, across three decades, epitomises great volunteering. It is an absolute pleasure to present him with this certificate.”
Mr Haley said he was ‘honoured and humbled’ to receive the award, adding: “I love driving for this very worthwhile charity and I meet such varied and interesting people.
“It’s incredibly rewarding and it’s a very flexible way of volunteering, with journey schedules organised in advance, according to the need of passengers and availability of drivers.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about the services offered, how to support the charity, or how to volunteer either as a minibus or car driver should visit ctwyre.org.uk or call 01562 755084.
