Guernsey Press

Ron Short Centre minibus dedicated to past manager

THE Ron Short Centre has taken delivery of a new minibus to be added to its fleet.

Published
A new minibus added to the Ron Short Centre's fleet has been dedicated to the memory of its late manager, Richard Salisbury. Left to right are Barras Car Centre's sales director Paul Guilmoto, Mr Salisbury's wife Marilyn and the chairwoman of the centre, Pam Bartlett. (19387820)

The Hyundai i800 minibus, dedicated to the late manager of the centre, Richard Salisbury, was received in a handover ceremony at the Ron Short Centre yesterday morning.

Mr Salisbury’s name is written on the back door of the vehicle and his wife, Marilyn, accepted the keys on behalf of the charity.

‘I think he would be absolutely delighted,’ she said.

‘He was a man who would do anything for anyone, so this is perfect.’

Pam Bartlett, chairwoman of the Ron Short Centre, said they were very pleased to remember Richard in this way.

‘I am really delighted because it can start up the shopping service, which means housebound people can do their own shopping.

‘It frees up the other bus for the less mobile people because there is more space for the wheelchairs.

‘The minibus will be used primarily for our winter shopping service, where we are able to transport people who are normally housebound to the shops.

‘This is a service that is run twice a week throughout the winter and we know is greatly appreciated by those that use it.’

The vehicle was provided by Barras Car Centre and would normally have cost around £23,000 – however the centre acquired it at a much better price.

Sales director Paul Guilmoto said: ‘A representative from the Ron Short Centre approached us and we were extremely pleased to put something together for them and help out such a wonderful charity.

‘It’s nice to help the community and we like to get involved with charities whenever we can.

‘We are always looking to help.’

As with all vehicles, there is not just the cost of purchase but also insurance, fuel and maintenance, which was where the Channel Islands Co-op stepped in.

These associated costs will be covered by the society to reduce the financial burden for the centre.

Tanya Dorrity, community officer for the Co-op, said: ‘At the Channel Islands Co-op our vision is to make a difference to the communities we serve.

‘Through the sponsorship of the Ron Short bus service we are providing a much-needed service to the community.’