At the AGM last month, the Chairman was pleased to confirm that all objectives contained in the Bus Association 2024/25 Plan had been achieved in full, and with a very favourable financial balance sheet, there was every reason to be optimistic for the future provision of our bus services for 2026. A massive thanks goes out to our committee, drivers and wonderful fund-raisers, and a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all. The bus only functions with your selfless and dedicated support – thank you. A copy of the Association's annual report is available here.
In the meantime! A busy festive period approaches for our bus, and we have a variety of fun outings and fund-raising events to look forward to. 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 (Thursday 0930hrs). In December, we also have trips to EXETER on Wednesday 3rd, LOOE on Friday 5th and TRURO in 17th, although there will be no service to Liskeard on 25th. A full service will be resumed in January.
It was just great to see so many attendees at our last Coffee morning! It’s a great chance for our community to get together for a snack, quick bus update and a little fun (Raffle & Quiz). Our next date is Wednesday 10th December and once again, it would be great to see everyone. As ever, our functions at the Smugglers continue to grow in popularity and we are all looking forward to the Quiz and ‘Mega Christmas Raffle’ on Saturday 13th – we will run a shuttle bus service from Downderry for what promises to be a fun and memorable night.
For those of you looking to get a little Christmas shopping in, we have a trip to Totnes late night shopping & Christmas market on Tuesday 16th leaving at 3.30pm (£10 return). This much-loved event fills the high street in Totnes with twinkling lights, live music, delicious food and a vibrant array of artisan skills – make sure you book early! One other excursion on the horizon that you may want to take a look at early in the new year is a trip to the immersive lights at Truro cathedral on January 14th 2026. ‘Space’ is an immersive visual and audio spectacular experience allowing viewers to go on a journey through space and time. Walk amongst the stars against the incredible backdrop of the architecture of Truro Cathedral.
We maintain an updated schedule and full list of events (and a few photos from previous excursions) on our website at www.dscombus.com so take a look and pop it in your favourites/bookmarks to stay up to date.
NEW DRIVERS (New year’s resolution?). Our bus committee and drivers, along with all our administrators and fund-raisers have created a friendly and professional team that would love to welcome you into our fold. If maybe, one of your new year’s resolutions is to do a little for your local community then what better way than to come and join us in providing this bus service tp our community. We’d love to hear from you – more info at https://www.dscombus.com/volunteers. Happy Christmas everyone.
Rob Gascoigne
Chairman
dscombus@gmail.com
It’s most rewarding for the bus committee to see our community bus supporting so many activities around the area. In October, including the morning Seaton school journeys, we averaged 9 outings per week and with Christmas approaching and new ideas and initiatives kicking in, this is set to rise in the next few months. It goes without saying that this does place an additional burden on drivers and administrators but it’s a task they’re all well up for!
Speaking of new initiatives, Emma Lock has now launched her ‘Sea Swim Club’ and they had their first outing on 17th October to Cawsand with the next dates scheduled for 24 November and 8 December. The physical and mental benefits of sea swimming are well proven, and Emma is looking to set up a variety of events (at different locations) that cater for all abilities. So if this is something you’re looking to have a go at, this would be the ideal club to get you going. £5 per trip goes to bus, book directly or chat first with Emma on 07970244202.
As well as our weekly scheduled trips to PLYMOUTH (Tuesdays 0930hrs) and LISKEARD (Thursday 0930hrs), in November, we have trips to LOOE (3rd 1130hrs), TAVISTOCK (14th 0930hrs) TRURO (19th 0930hrs). All bookings are taken through Bev Brighton on 10503 250944. On Friday 28th we also have and excursion to Ivybridge and Endsleigh Garden Centre (0930hrs, £8) and with Christmas in mind we are already taking bookings for a trip to Totnes late night Christmas market on 9th December (3.30pm £10). A full schedule of our service can be found here, on village notice boards, the DASRA website and our own website at www.dscombus.com.
Our wonderful fund raisers at the ‘Friends of the Bus’ have also organised some very exciting fund-raising events, the first of which is the AUCTION NIGHT at the Smugglers Inn on Saturday 15th Nov, starting at 7.30pm. This is centred around a Cheese and Wine evening and has some quite spectacular lots ranging from a week’s holiday flat in Lanzarote, 3 course meals, designer handbags, vintage whiskey, gallons of Ale, massages/wellness treats, local overnight hotel stays (B&B) …… and much more. Don’t miss this one! Later in the month we also have the ever-popular Bingo night, also at the Smugglers, on Saturday 29th. The community Bus for these events with shuttle from Downderry starting at 6pm and we can update you further at the coffee morning on Wednesday 12th (Village Hall hrs1030) and on our website www.dscombus.com. Full details and updates from the friends of the bus can be found on their Facebook site - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1120178456052971/
NEW DRIVERS? In truth, after 34 years in the army, I never saw myself getting so involved in something like this but now I appear to be Chairman…. how did that happen? The reason is because when I saw how hard so many people were selflessly working to make this Bus viable that I felt ‘enthused’ to join in. If you feel you’d like to join us as a driver or administrator, then please do get in contact with me – it would be great to have you on the team. See more at https://www.dscombus.com/volunteers.
Rob Gascoigne
Chairman
dscombus@gmail.com
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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
