The idea for the Southam Community Minibus Association spawned in 1987 when the Welfare Committee of Southam Lions Club identified a need for affordable transport in the town. The association formed a year later and it currently operates with a 17-seat minibus.
The self-drive minibus is available for groups in Southam and the surrounding villages for just £55 per day, considerably below the commercial rate, supporting everything from schools, scouts, to sports teams.
The association applied to The Wigley Community Fund to help with running costs for the year having lost income during the Covid-19 pandemic and received £1,878.
Chairman Jeff Biddle said, ‘The effects of the Covid pandemic halted the activities of local organisations for two years, and not only was hire revenue not available, the costs of maintaining, taxing and insuring the vehicle still had to be met. This daunting situation has been considerably alleviated by the generosity of The Wigley Community Fund and means numerous community organisations will continue to benefit from this facility. It’s a great weight off our shoulders. As a voluntary group, grants like this are all the more important.’