Driver training keeps Teesdale community groups on the road

A HOST of community groups around Teesdale are far more mobile thanks to a minibus driving licence scheme.
Scout packs, a youth theatre, a young people’s folk band and a church are among the organisations that now have minibus drivers after being trained through the programme presented by Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services (Utass).
The scheme has come to an end this month after nine people received the training.
Julia Stephenson, of Utass, said: “It was due to finish in June 2016 but because of the demand for the D1 test, we were able to see them through the theory and passing the test to where they can now drive a minibus.
“This will be of huge benefit to voluntary organisations in and around Teesdale, enabling their members to go further afield.”
Groups that will benefit include Staindrop and Barnard Castle Scout packs, Utass, Teesdale YMCA, Cream Tees music group and Turrets Youth Theatre.
St Mary’s Church, in Cockfield, and The Hub, in Barnard Castle, have also had drivers trained up.
Rupert Philbrick, of Cream Tees and Turrets, and Laura Carrick, of The Hub, were the latest to successfully complete their test.
Ms Carrick said The Hub had struggled in the past because it had only one qualified driver.
She added: “It has been wonderful that Utass has made the training available because a lot of community groups would not be able to afford it otherwise.”
Mr Philbrick added: “The minibus test will support my work with Music at the Heart of Teesdale’s folk band Cream Tees, being able to take them to festivals and gigs.
“Similarly, it will offer the Turrets Youth Theatre the chance to go to see performances further afield.”
Mr Philbrick will also be supporting The Hub where he works as a music teacher, meaning the centre now has three drivers at its disposal.
Having so many qualified drivers around is also beneficial to Teesdale’s community transport scheme, which makes mini-busses available to community and charity groups.
The Hub has three mini-buses available for groups to use, and another two are available through Utass.
In addition to the new drivers, 15 existing volunteer drivers have been put through minibus driver awareness scheme (MiDAS) courses, also co-ordinated by Utass.