So off we go with 2026! As I said in my previous report, the Bus Association can look to the future with justified confidence and optimism. Our full range of bus services is ready to go, with a dedicated support team and awesome set of fund-raising organisations and initiatives. We will continue with our Seaton (school) service for the duration of term time and with our scheduled runs to PLYMOUTH (Tuesdays 0930hrs) and LISKEARD (Thursdays 0930hrs). In February we have trips to LOOE on Friday 6th and TRURO on Wednesday 18th, and in March we also have trips to LOOE on Friday 6th and to TRURO on 18th.
Alongside our scheduled services, our excursions lead (Jane Hall) has some exciting events for us this year starting with a trip to Colwith Distillery for a tour and tasting session on Friday 27th February and a visit to Exeter Crafting Fayre at Westpoint on 28th March. We regularly update the details (and links) for these events on our website (www.dscombus.com) along with highlighting a variety of other useful information – so take a look and pop it in your ‘favourites’.
As I’ve also mentioned on numerous occasions, we are truly blessed to have such an effective and dedicated fund-raising system supporting our bus. The tireless ‘Friends of the Bus’ are already busy planning a number of events with the next big social event being a Quiz night at The Smugglers Inn on Saturday 28th February. A huge thanks to Chris, Debbie and the staff at the Smugglers who continue to steadfastly support our fund-raising efforts. Thank you. The bingo and quiz nights continue to gain in popularity, and the Christmas auction raised a staggering £3000! The Friends of the Bus Facebook site (https://www.facebook.com/groups/11201784560529710) contains lots of information on future events.
As some readers may be aware, Jo Woodley runs our 300 Club with a cash prize draw every month (drawn at the coffee mornings). Anyone wishing to sign up for supporting our bus with a chance to win some cash thrown in, please contact Jo on 01503 250489. Thanks for your efforts Jo.
It’s also great to see so many attendees at our Friends of the Bus sponsored monthly coffee mornings. It’s a great chance for me to update you on Bus matters and for our community to get together for a snack and a little fun (Raffle & Quiz). Our next date is Wednesday 4th February and once again, it would be great to see everyone.
As I say, we maintain an updated bus schedule and full list of events/announcements (and a few photos from previous excursions) on our website at www.dscombus.com so do take a look.
NEW DRIVERS or COMMITTEE MEMBERS. Our bus committee and drivers, along with all our administrators and fund-raisers have created a very friendly and professional team that would love to welcome you into our fold. We are always on the lookout for drivers to do a one or two runs each month and we are currently looking for a bookings rep. This role involves taking phone bookings for the bus and passing them onto our Drivers If you can help we’d just love to hear from you – more info at https://www.dscombus.com/volunteers.
Rob Gascoigne
Chairman
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The Downderry & District Community Bus Association is a voluntary organisation - Charity Number 1000967 - formed to serve the welfare and needs of the Downderry, Hessenford, Narkus and Seaton communities. The community bus provides a regular weekly link with both Plymouth and Liskeard and an early morning service between Seaton and Downderry during school terms. Other popular, regular destinations include Truro, Tavistock, Totnes, Exeter and Looe. The timetable and details of monthly excursions, usually on a Friday, are available in the Nut Tree monthly newsletter, on local websites (including this one, see below) and on the village noticeboards.
Concessionary fare cards can be used on the Plymouth and Liskeard routes. Under 15s travel at half price and there is no charge for under 5s. A gentle reminder to all passengers who use discretionary passes on our registered routes, namely the Plymouth and Liskeard services. Can you please try to remember always to have your pass with you, as it is possible that an inspector could choose to come on board during a journey to check up that our claims for reimbursement are being made properly. Many thanks.
To book a seat please ring Bev Brighton on weekdays between 9am and 5pm on 01503 250944. You can also support your bus by joining the 300 Club and buying a monthly draw ticket. It only costs £12 for the year. To join please contact Jo Woodley on 01503 250489, or email here: or come to one of our sociable Tea and Cake afternoons usually held at Downderry & Seaton Village Hall. Check the events diary for dates.There is always a raffle and the ever popular puzzle and book stall. Phone Jane Mather for bus hire bookings by affiliated groups on 01503 250840, For any other matters please contact Kevin Done, Chairman, on 01752 466313 or Jem Hall, Vice Chairman, on 01503 261497. We are always looking to recruit new drivers and helpers.
To view the Annual Review for financial year 2024/25 as reported at the Annual General Meeting held on 30 October 2025 in Downderry and Seaton Village Hall..Click here to visit Downderry & Seaton's website : www.dscombus.com
