New chair for Wyre Forest Community Transport
Wyre Forest Community Transport has appointed a new chair to replace stalwart Glen Collins who has retired after seven years at the helm.
Trudi Elliott, CBE, who became a trustee of the charity a year ago, following the merger of Community Transport Wyre Forest (CTWF) with Wyre Forest Dial-A-Ride, was voted in as his successor at the annual meeting.
Volunteer driver Jonathan Haley, also announced his retirement as a trustee after a long association with the Dial-A-Ride charity stretching back almost 30 years.
Mr Collins said: “As a close friend, it was Jon who got me involved to help with health and safety about 17 years ago as that was my background, and he has been a massive support to the charity.”
Mr Haley was a minibus driver for 27 years until 2024, has served as a trustee since 2014 and continues as a car driver. His wife, Margaret, worked in the office for a few years.
He said: “It’s a great charity to be involved with and we’ve seen lots of changes over the years, of course, as it has developed.”
Mrs Elliott had been chair of CTWF and worked closely with Dial-A-Ride chair Mr Collins, to ensure a smooth transition as the two organisations came together.
She said: “Glen’s support of community transport in our district has been immense and we are truly grateful for all his hard work and enthusiasm. He will be a hard act to follow.”
Mr Collins, also a former treasurer of Dial-A-Ride will remain on the board of trustees. His wife, Pam, also volunteers as a passenger assistant.
As a chartered town planner and former lawyer, Mrs Elliott brings considerable experience to the role. She is chair of Southern Housing Association, stands down as chair of the Planning Inspectorate for England in the summer and is a former vice chair of social housing and care provider Sanctuary.
A resident of Wyre Forest for more than 35 years, Mrs Elliott has also previously worked in local government, the civil service and the private sector.
WFCT provides door-to-door transport for hundreds of people who due to age or disability cannot access their own or public transport, enabling them to enjoy fulfilled and independent lives, free from loneliness and isolation.
The charity relies heavily on volunteers who drive its fleet of wheelchair-accessible minibuses or their own cars to take people to medical appointments and social activities.
For details about the services offered, how to volunteer and how to support WFCT, visit: ctwyre.org.uk