Bertie Bus looking for secretary
A local charity is seeking to fill a vital role on its volunteer-led committee.
Community transport service Bertie Bus, previously known as Strathcare, is hoping to appoint a new secretary to its board of trustees.
The charity gives those who might not be able to get out the chance to socialise, enjoy the countryside, do some shopping and have fun by taking advantage of regular trips on the popular local bus affectionately known as ‘Bertie’.
The secretary is one of four office-bearers and is at the heart of a charity which now runs with the help of more than 50 passenger assistants and drivers, all of whom are also volunteers.
The role is seen as key when it comes to arranging meetings, being a focal point for any enquiries and liaising with other groups and organisations in the area.
Current secretary Anne Orchardson has been in post for several years but is resigning for personal reasons.
She said: “I have loved working in this position and seeing the charity develop.
“When I started I didn’t know many people as I had lived in Crieff for only a few years.
“But other volunteers were so friendly and helpful, it made it easy for me to settle in.
“Various things beyond our control have happened during my time, changes in the law and the Covid pandemic to name but two – which have caused us to look carefully at what we do and how we do it.
“We have put new procedures in place to ensure we can continue to offer a safe service with good practice, and I’m proud of the part I’ve played in helping that to happen.
“I have enjoyed working with the team of other trustees, all of whom bring their own skills to help Bertie Bus be the respected organisation it is now.
“I drove Bertie for a few years and am now a passenger assistant, which I hope to continue.
“Chatting to passengers, learning about their interesting lives, or Crieff in the past, is very rewarding.”
Those behind Bertie Bus have said that it is hoped that the new secretary would be or become either a passenger assistant or a driver on Bertie as well so they have an inside knowledge of the issues that arise.
To find out more about Bertie Bus, see the website www.bertiebus.org.uk.
Further information about the position can be obtained by sending an email to secretary@bertiebus.org.uk or calling 07716 119414.