A CALL has been made for volunteers to reinvigorate a community bus campaign after it stalled when its founder and the driving force behind the project died last year.
Retired Wheatsheaf Inn landlord Morris Race launched his idea for a community bus in Staindrop late in 2021, organising events such as dog walks in Raby Park and a three-day beer and music festival to raise money.
He hoped the bus could be used by different groups in the village, such as Scouts and the WI at minimal cost.
Sadly, Mr Race died on February 23 last year shortly before a St Patrick’s Day event he had organised in the hope of generating enough cash to start applying for grants.
By that time the 73-year-old had raised £3,000.
With the campaign stalled his widow Trudie is asking for people to help make his dream come true.
She said: “I think the village needs it, but it is getting the volunteers. Since Morris died fundraising for the community bus has died with him.
“I can’t do it on my own and Margaret [Bainbridge] doesn’t want to do the treasurer’s job anymore, so if anyone wants to step up to the plate, please do.”
She added that she also does not have the experience to drive the project forward.
Mrs Race said: “We even got in touch with the Charities Commission and we hit a brick wall there. I couldn’t get my head around it all and I am at a loss.
“There is £3,000 in Barclays in the community bus account – it is all there if somebody wants to take it on.”
Anyone who would like to get involved can speak to Mr Race’s daughter Louise at the Wheatsheaf Inn.
The pub opens at 4pm from Monday to Wednesday and from midday during the rest of the week.
