The Princess of Wales celebrated the 50th anniversary of the West Sussex Minibus service on an engagement in Pulborough, where she helped a 94-year-old passenger board the community transport vehicle. The milestone visit highlighted the volunteer-run network that transports elderly residents across the area for grocery shopping and weekly social gatherings.
Marking 50 Years of West Sussex Minibus Service
The West Sussex Minibus service operates through a dedicated network of volunteers, providing transport for elderly residents who might otherwise struggle to access basic amenities. Catherine traveled to the village of Pulborough to commemorate half a century of the organization’s community operations.
Before arriving at the main venue, the royal visitor joined the vehicle mid-route to pick up local resident Stella Drewett. Drewett, a 94-year-old retired school cook who recently started using the service for weekly shopping trips and Wednesday lunches, admitted she was kept in the dark about who her transport assistant would be. Upon being told by organizers that a famous figure was joining the trip, Drewett joked in response that she was unfamiliar with any celebrities.
Approaching Drewett’s front door, the royal visitor delivered a warm greeting before physically supporting the 94-year-old traveler as she guided her walking frame down the garden path and safely aboard the bus, offering the encouraging remark “Well done.”
Community Lunches at Pulborough Village Hall
Upon arrival at the Pulborough village hall, the group joined the weekly Pulborough and District Community Care Association lunch. Regular attendee Lynda Jones, 74, spoke with the royal visitor about the emotional weight of losing a partner, emphasizing how vital the weekly gatherings are for local residents. Jones remarked that the princess acted as a natural throughout the afternoon.
Alan Jenkins, a trustee at West Sussex Minibus, told BBC Radio Sussex that the high-profile visit successfully promoted the work volunteers undertake for the older generation. Jenkins noted that she did a fantastic job talking to members and that organizers were pleased to host her.
Spontaneous Interacting Before Departure
Before leaving the village hall, the princess paused to play a jumping game with two younger residents: three-year-old Arthur and his one-year-old brother, Albie. The children’s mother, 25-year-old Thea, expressed surprise at the spontaneous interaction, noting that she did not expect the visitor to pause and play with her young children.
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