The 106 Partnership Communities in support of our local buses
106 Bus Partnership Annual General Meeting 2025 Shap Memorial Hall, Wednesday 19[th] November, 7pm
Chair: Adrian Todd
Administrator: Libby Bateman
Exec Treasurer: Chris Battersby
Incoming Secretary: Nicki Vecqueray
1. Introduction
The Annual General Meeting of the 106 Bus Service Partnership reviewed the state of the Penrith–Shap–Kendal route following a year of significant transition. The meeting was chaired by Adrian Todd, with operational updates from Libby Bateman and a financial statement sent from Chris Battersby, who continues as Treasurer despite having moved away.
2. Thanks and Acknowledgements
A heartfelt tribute was paid to Cumbria Classic Coaches (CCC) on their retirement. Their decade of service was described as exceptional, and their contribution to the route and its communities remains widely appreciated. Recognition was also given to Lonsdale Coaches (LC) for stepping in without a break in service, maintaining continuity at a crucial moment and quickly winning praise from passengers.
3 . Transition to Lonsdale Coaches
Key points noted:
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Six-month contract currently in place with LC.
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LC have offered a full service right through from Kendal in the morning, whereas CCC previously started at Tebay.
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The Partnership intends to retain the full Penrith–Kendal route (via Orton, Tebay, and Grayrigg) if possible.
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LC’s costs are £580 per day, which will inform future financial planning.
The 106 Partnership
Charity Number: 1176484
Administrator – Libby Bateman, Cold Keld, Fell End, Ravenstonedale, CA17 4LN Tel: 07759665233 Email: mail@libbybateman.com
The 106 Partnership Communities in support of our local buses
Libby highlighted that the good relationship with LC has supported a stable and positive handover.
4. Service Usage and Operations
Libby reported:
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Good usage figures, with particularly strong passenger numbers from Kendal at 9.30am.
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The continuation of the £3 fare cap via is helping sustain ridership.
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Charity boxes are being prepared and will be installed on the bus shortly, providing an additional income stream.
5. Financial Overview
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A healthy balance of £25,000 currently in the bank.
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The Partnership did not invoice parish councils along the route this year— partly to mark the 10th anniversary of the service, and partly because current funds allow parishes some temporary reprieve.
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Chris is continuing work to finalise fare-related administration and financial processes with the new operator.
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A big thank you to Pauline who allowed the 106 to run a charity stall at the Shap Farmers’ Market and donating the profits from the sales of refreshments - £265.34 raised
6. Governance and Administration
A new Secretary was formally nominated and unanimously agreed: Nicki Vecqueray, Westmorland & Furness Councillor for the Eamont & Shap ward
7. Feedback from Westmorland & Furness Council
Cllr John Murray, Portfolio Holder for Transport, offered reflections and updates:
The 106 Partnership
Charity Number: 1176484
Administrator – Libby Bateman, Cold Keld, Fell End, Ravenstonedale, CA17 4LN Tel: 07759665233 Email: mail@libbybateman.com
The 106 Partnership Communities in support of our local buses
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Funding from central government is often unpredictable until very late in the financial cycle.
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The Council hopes to secure a three-year funding plan from April 2026, enabling predictable, stable investment in public transport.
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From that point, W&F anticipates being able to commission and fully fund the 106 route, Mark Hodkiss is leading from WAF.
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Cllr Murray congratulated the Partnership on its agility and the rapid and effective response to CCC’s retirement—including tendering and appointing a new operator in record time.
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While there is sometimes a feeling that more government money is directed to Keswick & Carlisle, Cumberland is in fact not subsidising public transport currently.
8. Looking Forward
Priorities for the coming year include:
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Continuing negotiations regarding fares and funding models,
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Monitoring operator performance, passenger usage and service reliability,
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Smooth transition to WAF commissioned service in April 2026,
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Strengthening volunteer support and community engagement,
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Ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
9. Conclusion and Next Meeting
The AGM closed on a positive note, with thanks to all volunteers, operators, council officers, and passengers who support the 106. The Partnership remains committed to maintaining this vital rural service and building on the progress made this year
Next meeting: 4 February 2026
The 106 Partnership
Charity Number: 1176484
Administrator – Libby Bateman, Cold Keld, Fell End, Ravenstonedale, CA17 4LN Tel: 07759665233 Email: mail@libbybateman.com
BALANCE SHEET FOR THE 106 PARTNERSHIP AS AT 1ST NOVEMBER 2023
| INCOME | EXPENDITURE | EXPENDITURE | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||
| BALANCE BFW | £ 29,656.00 £ 27,070.41 | CLASSIC COACHES | £ 6,697.31 | £ 2,042.45 | |
| PARISH COUNCILS | £ 500.00 £ | 3,000.00 | ADVERTISING | ||
| PENRITH TOWN COUNCIL | 10YR CELEBRATIONS | £ 287.30 | |||
| ONE LOTTERY | £ 538.50£ | 542.00 | SHAP HALL RENT | £ 40.00 | |
| FRIENDS OF 106 | £ 275.00 £ | 330.00 | BALANCE CFWD | £ 24,993.64 | £ 29,656.001 |
| CBSSG GRANT | |||||
| CHRISTMAS FAYRE | £ 409.84 £ | 112.003 | |||
| FARMERS EVENT SHAP | £ 57.13 | ||||
| CHARITY BOX | £ 541.78 £ | 684.04 | |||
| TOTAL | £ 31,978.25 £ 31,738.45 | £ 31,978.25 | £ 31,738.45 |
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The Balance carried forward for 2025 consists of £24638.30 in the bank and £355.34 Shap market proceeds to be banked
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It is to early to speculate on the funds and future costs as we have not had an invoice from the new Bus Company yet
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The money from Shap Market is for two markets one held in November 2024 and one Oct 2025