Goodbye to "popular and dedicated” Handybus co-ordinator

David Owen, aged 60, of Lower Way, Thatcham, worked as the Handybus co-ordinator and was responsible for making local residents and community groups aware of the service they offered.
Speaking to the Newbury Weekly News on Friday, Mr Owen said: “It has been an honour and a pleasure to be able to serve the charity.
“I have enjoyed eight very happy years and it’s probably been the most constructive eight years of my life.
“I’m sad to be leaving but it’s time for me to go now.”
When asked what his highlights of his time with Handybus were, he said: “There are too many to count.
“The way that we have been able to help wheelchair bound people...the look on peoples’ faces when we take them on our trips.”
Of his colleagues, he said: “They are an excellent team...a wonderful body of kind-hearted people.”
He said he was looking forward to travelling, gardening and - later in the year - getting involved in more charity work.
The president of the Volunteer Centre West Berkshire (VCWB), which runs the Handybus service, Garry Poulson, said that since Mr Owen joined the organisation in 2006, passenger numbers had increased from 8,000 a year to 11,500, due in part to his dedication to promoting the service.
“He was very popular amongst drivers and colleagues and we are sorry to see him go,” said Mr Poulson. “He made a significant difference to the organisation.”
A small ceremony was held with Handybus and VCWB colleagues, at which Mr Owen was presented with a cake, baked by VCWB recruitment officer, Jacqui Letsome.