The EDDIE Bus

01/09/2026

We now have a new website theeddiebus.org.uk.
Take a look at all the new features

The EDDIE Bus provides accessible minibus transport for Bromsgrove care homes, residential groups, retired activity groups and specialist groups.

13/07/2026

We are struggling to get Customer to book the Eddiebus. We have plently of availability and would weclome your call.

Call now to connect with business.

10/07/2026

The EDDIEBUS is still running!!
Although we are not getting many bookings at the moment, the bus is still available for groups of elderly people in Bromsgrove District to go out on a day trip.

07/04/2026

29/12/2024

The 2025 Diary is ready and available for bookings for the Eddiebus. Contact Geoff on 07805 400180 if you’re interested.

09/12/2024

EDDIEBUS 2024 NEWSLETTER
Dear All,
This is our first attempt to make contact with our Customers and potential customers via a newsletter. This is to keep you in touch with what is going on with the Eddiebus and things that might encourage you to use our service. As you know, we are a non-profit charity organisation established to provide days out for elderly, disabled and independent within the Bromsgrove District (and just outside!!).

2024
Last year was quite challenging year for us. Our 4 volunteer drivers managed to do 90 trips in total, accommodating 20 Customers with trips ranging from Webbs, just down the road to the Harry Potter Studios in Watford- a 2 ½ hour trip. Unfortunately, we had to cancel 2 trips last year because we had not got a driver available. 4 drivers are not enough to ensure that we don’t let anyone down, especially as in 18 months’ time Robert will have to retire as he will not be insured to drive the bus and Geoff’s disability is making handling wheelchairs not possible. So, in August we placed 3 (fairly expensive) adverts in the Advertiser for 3 months running and luckily, we got some response. We also placed with BARN and as a result we have got 4 people interested in driving for us, 2 of whom (Kevin and Jim) are already on board and the other 2 are hoping to start in the New Year. We also lost Kelvin, who being over 70 required a medical when reapplying for his driving licence and he decided to call it a day. So, if all goes well, in the New Year we should have 6 drivers which will allow us to take on more trips.
Section 19
To enable us to operate the bus on a non-profit basis with volunteer drivers we must have a DVLA Section 19 permit. This enables us to operate the bus without it being classed as a Public Service Vehicle. Unfortunately, this comes with its drawbacks and costs. In addition to the vehicle’s annual Maintenance Service and MOT, we must undertake a 3 monthly Safety Inspection and a 6 monthly Lift Service and 12 monthly Lift Load Test. All of which will add significantly to our running costs. We think that we can still exist at the same charge per mile of £1.15 but will have to increase the minimum charge to £25.00.
2025 our 40th Anniversary
As the Bromsgrove Minibus Appeal charity was started on 1st June 1985, this year will be 40th year!! Surely that cannot go un-noticed!
Usage of the Eddiebus
The Eddibus’s primary function is to take groups of people (who fit the criteria) for days out, wherever they or their organisers want to go. The bus is allocated on a daily basis, solely for the group who booked it. Bookings are controlled by Geoff, and he also organises the drivers to cover the trip. The driver stays with the bus all the while from pick up to drop off. The bus is not intended to be used like a taxi nor for very small groups. The bus is very rarely used at the weekend so Weekend trips are also an option, if there is a driver who is willing to do the trip.
page
In addition to our website www.eddiebus.org.uk we have now launched a page to try to make us more ‘visible’ to the general public. It is early days yet as we are novices in its use. Bear with!
Bookings for 2025
Geoff has now got an empty 2025 Diary just waiting for your bookings. Bookings can be accepted by:-
Mobile phone, text and WhatsApp on 07805 400180
Email [email protected]
If you want to have a regular booking, say the 1st Monday of each month, that can be accommodated giving you the reassurance that the bus is available for you. The details of destination and pickup time can be established closer to the date. You will get final confirmation when a driver has been allocated.

I hope that you have found this Newsletter helpful and informative and with your support we can carry on for years to come.

Best Regards
Geoff Kearn

09/12/2024

We have just generated our first Newsletter and this is the first time I have ever done this on Facebook. The newsletter should appear as a story I hope!!!

14/11/2024

Hi. We have just set up a page to let more people know about us and to possibly attract more volunteer drivers. Take a look at our page or website the Eddiebus.org.uk for more information and contact details

13/11/2024

13/11/2024

Introducing the EDDIE Bus.

In 1985 it was realised realised that local elderly residents, in Bromsgrove, could benefit from the provision of transport to enable them to visit places outside of their home. The beneficiaries would be from nursing homes or other social groups who fitted the criteria.

The group raised funds to purchase and operate a minibus, they also set up a Charity (the Bromsgrove Minibus Appeal) to manage the minibus (then named Bromsgrove Minibus for the Elderly). The minibus facility has continued to this day providing transport for many local groups. It is still supported by a team of volunteer drivers.

In 2019 it was felt that the minibus at the time, with well over 100,000 miles on the clock, was in need of being replaced. With grants from the National Lottery, Charitable groups, local Council grants, and donations from local businesses and users, plus some of the Charity’s reserves, a brand-new minibus was obtained. In January 2020 the new minibus was officially ‘opened’. It is a Peugeot Boxer minibus with: 13 seats (excluding driver), electrically operated side step, and a tail-lift capable of loading wheelchairs or anyone with mobility difficulties. Some of the rear seats can be removed to accommodate up to 3 ‘static’ wheelchairs which are then anchored to the floor. There is storage for collapsible wheelchairs and walking aids.

The previous name of ‘Bromsgrove Minibus for the Elderly’ seemed dated, so a new name was devised - the ‘EDDIE’ Bus where E.D.D.I.E stands for Everyday Drives for the Disabled, Independent and Elderly. Also, it recognised the many years of dedicated service given to the Charity by Eddie Mowbray - one of the early drivers, who passed away in 2022.

If you would like to use the minibus for a day out, and your group fits the criteria, phone Geoff Kearn on 07805 400180 or email [email protected] to confirm availability and to arrange your trip. Any eligible groups within the Bromsgrove District are more than welcome to use the EDDIE Bus - the current hire charge is £1.15 per mile. Distance has to include travel from the storage area to the group’s pick-up point, then onwards to the chosen destination and return back to the storage area, via the drop-off point. Destinations have included: Garden Centres, Places of Interest, Museums, Pubs/Restaurants, Towns/Villages, Shopping Centres, the Seaside; basically, anywhere the group would like to go.

The Bus has a Disability Blue Badge to allow easy drop-off and pick-up for passengers. The hire costs are kept as low as possible which is helped by all the drivers being volunteers. The Charity is always on the look-out for extra volunteer drivers and if you feel that you would like to help out, please contact Geoff Kearn on 07805 400180 and full familiarisation will be provided. The bus can be driven on a normal car licence.

On behalf of all associated with the EDDIE Bus, we look forward to providing a great service to meet your needs.