End of an era for community bus

The popular Forfarian bus has been handed over to the Lowson Memorial Church.

Forfar Community Bus Trust has announced it can no longer operate the Forfarian bus. Sadly, like so many local organisations, it does not have enough volunteers to continue running the service.

In line with regulatory requirements, the assets including money and a bus have been distributed among local causes, primarily those serving the elderly and less able members of the community.The ‘Forfarian’ bus itself has been donated to Lowson Memorial Church to help it continue community services for its congregation and local people in need.

These include lunch and youth clubs, shopping trips for the elderly and regular Sunday worship.

Minister Rev Dr Karen Fenwick is delighted to be able to replace a much older and smaller bus.Kathleen Welsh, Forfar Community Bus Trust chairperson said: “A community bus was the idea, over 40 years ago, of the late Doug Nicol, a local man with links to the community council.

"With its help, money was raised by donations from local businesses, organisations, other charities, individuals, and fund raising events.

"The first of five buses started running in early 1982, serving a variety of local organisations, friendship clubs, bowling clubs, churches, sheltered housing residents and occasionally helping out Forfar Day Care. The most regular users were the Monday Club which has also folded due to lack of volunteers.”She added: “The Trustees are disappointed the service has come to and end and we hope that the money distributed will enable the recipients to continue their good work.”