Torridge Community Transport Association  (TCTA) endeavours to provide a “transportation safety net for all”, young and old, able bodied and disabled. The association works with all members of the community to address their transport needs aiming to develop community transport services within the area. These vital services will attempt to tackle aspects of social exclusion brought about by transport infrastructure issues, thus promoting equality of opportunity and improving access to social, health, employment, leisure, and education services.

TCTA’s Ring & Ride service is now operating on a weekly basis throughout the area and this is due to a generous funding award from Tesco’s supermarkets. As part of a Section 106 Planning Gain encompassed in the development of their new store at East-the-Water Bideford, Tesco’s donated funds to enable TCTA to purchase a 15 seater Minibus. As an added bonus this funding also enabled the purchase of a smaller 7 seater vehicle with wheelchair accessibility offering safe transport for the user who has to remain in their wheelchair during a journey. The three vehicles now operated by the association enable TCTA to offer supplementary services such as a Passenger Excursion Club and a Community Group Hire service giving registered passengers and groups the ability to utilise the vehicles at weekends and evenings.

TCTA currently operates one of the largest volunteer car schemes in Devon providing transport services not just within its core area of 36 parishes in northern Torridge, but also in the surrounding areas as required, meaning that the populous of approximately 50 parishes receives this particular transport solution.

With the support of the Bideford Bridge Trust TCTA also administers a Taxi Voucher scheme. Passengers who are eligible for the scheme receive up to £200 worth of vouchers that can be used with approved taxi firms within the Bideford area

TCTA has a dedicated band of volunteers who use either their own cars or the association’s vehicles to transport passengers. These volunteers are the lifeblood of the organisation and without them generously giving up their time the services would not exist. TCTA is always ready to welcome new volunteers through its doors and will ensure that suitable training will be offered to those wishing to offer up some of their free time to assist other members of their community by driving for the association.

To volunteer (Car/Minibus Driving) please contact the TCTA telephone: 01237 425522.

To enquire about the services available telephone: 01237 423232

Welcome to the  on-line edition of the Community Newsletter for Bideford   and adjoining towns, villages, and rural area.

‘Bideford Buzz’ is produced and distributed by a team of volunteers, with financial and practical assistance from  Bideford Bridge Trust, Devon Community Foundation, Bideford Town Council, Torridge Volunteer Resource Centre, Devon Library Services, and many others.   If you are interested in helping produce, develop, or distribute this newsletter we’ll be glad to hear from you.

Please note that for commercial notices there is a charge from £15 per month – cheques payable to ‘Bideford Buzz’.

You can submit your article on disc or by e-mail.    However, ‘snail mail’ is equally acceptable. Material for publication should reach us by the 15th of the month preceding the month of publication.

Editor – Rose Arno (Bideford Buzz),    c/o Torridge Volunteer Resource Centre (‘TVS’),  14, Bridgeland Street, Bideford, EX39 2QE.  (TVS opening hours Mon.-Thurs. 9.30am to 3.oopm).      Telephone 07929-976120, or E-mail: editor@bidefordbuzz.org.uk