Wendy Pratt, reception and administration volunteer, Newton Abbot Community Transport Association, writes:

We want to send a big thank you through the Mid-Devon Advertiser to all involved with our recent birthday celebration.

We held a garden party in the beautiful surroundings of Heathercombe, Manaton, which is part of the National Garden Scheme. The gardens were kindly opened to us for the afternoon by trustee John Pike, who is also a trustee of NACTA. We would like to send a special thank you to John for all his help in hosting our event.

This year marks 21 years of Newton Abbot Community Transport Association providing accessible, affordable transport in Newton Abbot, which we thought was a good excuse to have a celebration. It was a shame that the weather the night before was so atrocious, but having checked the situation on the moor, we decided to go ahead.

The birthday celebration meant that staff, volunteers, and the most important people – the passengers – were able to enjoy a cream tea on the edge of Dartmoor. 

Any 21st  celebration needs a  birthday cake, so Shaul Bakery kindly donated one and many local shops, including Asda, The Fuchsia Restaurant, Mr Biscuits, Thornton's and Albany Florist, contributed to a draw prize.

There have been many celebrations since 1991 when our association began, but more recently we have grown and matured. We now offer a wide range of services, which is really good news for anyone less mobile and needing extra help to get around Newton Abbot and surrounding areas.  

People will be familiar with our Shopmobility scooters and wheelchairs within the Newton Abbot town centre, but our vehicles are often available at various local shows and events, such as the Devon County Show and Totnes Show. 

NACTA also runs regular ring and ride buses from surrounding areas as far as Moretonhampstead, Bovey Tracey, Ashburton and Buckfastleigh.  Our community minibuses, with volunteer drivers, help groups who wish to go out for much valued social occasions.

The Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle runs around taking people to various appointments such as the hospital or the hairdresser. The Aids to Daily Living service, TCES, providing items on prescription, has grown enormously since the introduction last year.

All this makes for a bustling office, but one where volunteers and staff always have time and a smile for its passengers and customers. 

If you want to find out more about NACTA's services, or would like to join us as a volunteer, please call 01626 335775.THIS AND OTHER LETTERS IN OUR DIGITAL EDITION