A HOLSWORTHY community group is celebrating 25 years of playing a vital role in making a valued difference to the local area.

Holsworthy Rural Community Transport, which seeks to provide affordable, flexible transport solutions around the area first launched in 1999.

Describing the work it does, a spokesperson said: “As a charity Holsworthy Rural Community Transport relies upon volunteers, grants, funding and sponsorship from local businesses to continue to provide this vital service.

“In our rural community if you do not have access to your own transport it can feel isolating. Including the young, the elderly, and those with mobility issues, access to services and facilities is a very real challenge.”

Invited guests celebrate 25 years of Holsworthy Rural Community Transport. (Picture: Holsworthy Rural Community Transport.)
Invited guests celebrate 25 years of Holsworthy Rural Community Transport. (Picture: Rodney Parrish) ( )

The charity operates a ring and ride service across eleven zones covering the area from as far south as St Giles on the Heath, as far west as Widemouth, Shebbear in the east and West Putford to the north.

In the quarter of a decade since its launch, the charity has continued where other similar groups have faltered, with the milestone reached worthy of celebration in an event which saw invited guests who have contributed to the organisation over its history, trustees, family members, drivers and passengers come together to mark the occasion.

Dr Julia Foster, community development worker for Holsworthy Rural Community Transport said: “The year, 2024, is a special one for Holsworthy Rural Community Transport since it marks 25 years since the charity was founded in 1999. This is a real milestone to reach a quarter of a century of helping local people who need affordable & reliable transport in our rural communities.

“Over that time several other community transport organisations in the county have unfortunately folded due to the immense economic pressures that these groups are under, so surviving and flourishing over 25 years is certainly something worth celebrating.

“In celebration of this anniversary, Holsworthy Rural Community Transport hosted a coffee morning in Holsworthy Memorial Hall. The hall was packed with people who included invited guests who have contributed to the organisation over its history and included former Trustees with their families, as well as current and former drivers plus passengers.

The guests which included passengers, volunteers and dignitaries, celebrated the milestone (Picture: Holsworthy Rural Community Transport.)
The guests which included passengers, volunteers and dignitaries, celebrated the milestone (Picture: Rodney Parrish) ( )

“Other guests represented local parish councils, Holsworthy & District Community Forum and TTVS along with included the deputy mayor of Holsworthy and the deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon.

“A display board illustrated the history of the organisation crediting former trustees, drivers and volunteers who have shaped the charity’s progression. A variety of stalls entertained the guests including a bottle tombola, cake stall and raffle. The hall was beautifully decorated with a silver theme using balloons, silver tablecloths and napkins as well as special cupcakes decorated with 25 years. Everyone enjoyed a lovely morning celebrating this important anniversary.”