Marvellous Mervyn helps to keep community on the move

12:38pm Monday 15th September 2008

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Not much is known about the Epping Forest Community Transport Bus Service. ISABEL JENSEN takes a ride and finds out why.

IT is a typical morning in Epping High Street and long queues of traffic are starting to form.

Dodging cars, I clamber aboard my ride for the day, the Epping Forest Community Transport bus.

Although the fleet of white minibuses are a regular sight, like most people I’ve never been on one before, because I didn’t think I’d be eligible – a popular misconception that could kill off the valuable service.

A former banker in Zimbabwe, Mervyn Harris, 61, from Epping, only started volunteering 18 months ago, because, as he puts it: “I wanted to give something back, but I’m not much of a tin-rattler!”

For most of us, driving is a stressful chore, not something to be enjoyed, but for Mervyn it is something that he loves.

“I do get a lot out of it,” he said. “The passengers are interesting and when I reach their age I hope someone will do this for me too!”

Our first stop is to pick up a small group of ladies who are going to Hyde Mead House, in Nazeing, for their weekly quiz and social day. For some of them it is the only time during the week that they leave the house and their excitement is tangible as they swap stories about family and current medical conditions.

Our first passenger is Pat, 86, who boards the minibus in Roydon. She is very fond of Mervyn, and tells me in hushed tones: “He’s a real gentleman.”

She said: “He does so much more than just drive the bus, he's always helpful and friendly. I don’t know what I’d do without the bus.”

Next on board is Amy, 89, who tells me the service means she can go out and make new friends. “It’s also a lot cheaper than taking a taxi and the atmosphere is lovely, really sociable. We all chat to each other, and to Mervyn.”

We are joined shortly after by Helen and Anita. Anita is in a wheelchair and has to be lifted onto the bus via a hydraulic lift with Mervyn’s help.

He said: “It sounds cliched but it gives you a nice warm feeling to know you’re giving something back, something I never got in my job but I get here by just giving one day a week.”

The community transport system has been running for six years, but its days could be numbered.

Voluntary Action Epping Forest project manager Angela Canham said: “The service is struggling and it’s such a shame, most people don’t know it’s available and even then they don’t think they’re eligible.

“We can take anyone of any age or ability to do their chores, shopping or anything. To apply you just need to show you don’t have regular access to passenger transport.”

She added: “We could do with some sponsorship from local businesses too.”

To find out more about the programme, or to volunteer, callg Voluntary Action Epping Forest on 01992 564040.