## **Trustees Annual Report  2021 – 2022** 

2021 – 2022 was the fourth year of operation for the Malpas Community Minibus. 

Unfortunately, due to the fact that the Pandemic lingered throughout the year, use of the minibus was limited. Our passengers were protected by the careful protocols followed on the bus – the protective screen next to the driver, mask wearing, social distancing and hand sanitising, but there were still many months of negligible use, as people were advised not to mix socially and to avoid all but essential travel. 

In the early months of the year, our principal activity was continuing to transport individuals to and from Cheshire View for their Covid injections. This activity was largely funded by Malpas and other local Parish Councils. Our value to the community was recognised widely. 

From the Autumn our principal activities remained transporting members to and from Malpas OPAL when in session, and the increasingly popular shopping trips to Wrexham and Nantwich. In the words of one user, “the minibus is my lifeline, I know that I can get to the bank, and get a lift back to my own front door with my heavy shopping. It is wonderful.” 

However, in 2021, the use of the minibus by Malpas OPAL was reduced both in frequency and numbers. Compared with use in the early years, OPAL was travelling less than 50% of the miles originally anticipated and carrying many fewer passengers. 

We continue to be supported by a loyal, talented and generous group of volunteer drivers, and plans are afoot to increase their number early in the next financial year. Four existing drivers will update their MIDAS qualification too. To our group of willing, accommodating and excellent drivers, we thank you for keeping the wheels turning and for serving the community as you all do. 

Our minibus is in good condition for a four year old vehicle, with very low mileage – at the close of the year the mileage read 15,133. However, as the vehicle ages, maintenance costs will increase. For example, by the end of 2022, 4 new tyres will be required. Special thanks to Phil Griffiths, Tony Day and everyone who refuels it, keeps it clean and assists with 



general maintenance. Thank you too to the Bishop Heber High School for keeping the bus safe behind their locked gates. 

The MCMA Committee is still struggling to recruit a new Treasurer, and at the end of this financial year, John Webb, our original Chair, is stepping down. To John, who has been a driving force behind the bus and its existence, thank you so very much for your efforts. We are pleased that you will remain on the Board for the next year.  Thus, we are temporarily without a Chair. Christine Whitehurst has agreed to remain our Treasurer until a replacement can be found. We are pleased to announce that Gwenda Bason has joined to Board, along with her experience and expertise in promotion and marketing. Gwenda has started with an analysis of our existing potential market for the use of the bus. We would like to thank all of the Committee members for their commitment and a special acknowledgment to Brian Mackie, our Independent Examiner. 

Our financial situation is difficult, as less use of the bus generates less income, but maintenance requirements are a fixed cost. We are thankful once again to Malpas Parish Council who have once again provided a grant to pay for our bus insurance. 

With the restart of many voluntary activities now that Covid appears to be receding, we are hoping that many more voluntary organisations realise that the minibus can be a resource widely used to get local people out and about at a competitive cost. 

Ilene Hoyle, Secretary, on behalf of The Board of Trustees 

17 October 2022 



## M.C.M.A. 

## Statement of Accounts  March 2021 to March 2022 

## Balance 31[st] March 2021 £11,978.20 

|INCOME||||
|---|---|---|---|
|Malpas Parish Council|900.00|Insurance|796.19|
|G.P. Practice (covid jabs)|100.00|DVLA Tax|280.00|
|Donation tin on bus|209.50|I-Track|102.00|
|Rotary|300.00|Supplies for bus-Fogger||
|Comm. Links|20.00|Bleeper, sanitiser etc|147.67|
|Shopping Trips|401.10|Lift tests|139.20|
|Bank Interest|0.82|Valet|85.00|
|||Fuel|350.56|
|||Service & MOT|780.76|
||______|Parish News Advert|215.00|
|||Church room hire|12.75|
||1931.42||2909.13|



11,978.20 

1931.42 

- 2909.13 

11,000.49 

Balance at 1[st] April £11,000.49  .Current account £2996.80 + savings £8003.69 


Christine Whitehurst (Treasurer ) 

Independent Reviewer Brian Mackie