Reasons for Replacement

Age is not, necessarily, directly a reason to consider a replacement, although indirectly it does raise other issues. When the current minibus was purchases in 1989 it met modern specifications at the time. 13 years later, technology has progressed, specifically with regard to safety, making options available now that could not have been chosen before, such as: head rests, full seat belts, air bags, secure windows, power steering and others. Although the current minibus might still be described as adequate, it is no longer up to modern specifications and is not as safe as it potentially could be compared with modern alternatives.

Whatever happens the minibus will have to be replaced sooner or later. How much longer can it last? Is it better to replace it sooner, and take advantage of modern specifications, rather than later with the risk of loosing the use of a minibus or having to spend a lot of money to keep it going.

The current minibus has already outlasted it’s predecessor. The previous (“R” registration) Sherpa minibus was replaced when it was 12 years old. Next year, the current (“F” registration) Transit will be 14 years old. Why did we replace the Sherpa? Many of the reasons are present again now to replace the Transit.

The current minibus is fine for short local journeys when it is neither fully loaded or towing a trailer. It is now more frequently used on longer journeys and for towing, for which it is underpowered. Uphill on a motorway, full of passengers, towing a trailer it struggles to maintain 50mph. This is often significantly slower than the speed of the main flow of traffic causing a potential hazard. The top speed of a replacement could be limited.

Accelerating maintenance costs are overtaking the rate at which funds are accruing interest, making financial sense to invest some of the surplus.

A tatty interior should not be a reason to consider replacement. If the current minibus is abused, will the new one be as well?

Specification

Engine: Should the new minibus be fuelled by diesel or petrol? Diesel vehicles cost more to buy, but are cheaper to run and are more suited to pulling heavy loads and towing. What size engine?

Safety: Head rests, seat belts.

Security: Engine immobiliser, alarm, better window and door locks.

Extras: Tow bar, roof rack, other?

Other: How many seats? Which make and model? Will it fit in the garage without building modifications?, colour, signage, How much will it cost? How can we get the best price?, Where can we buy it from? - identify different sources.

New or Second Hand?

Funding

Grants: National Lottery, County Council, Borough Council, Scout Association, Royal Navy, Other?

Sponsorship: Local companies, National companies, Rotary Club, Other?

Part Exchange: Is the current minibus worth anything?!

Fund Raising: Bazaar, Raffle, Sponsored Walk, Frog Racing, Robot Rumble II (split profits between 1st Goring HQ extension + charity, eg. St Barnabas Chestnut Tree House Appeal), Other?

Sub Committee

The sub committee must consist of relevant people. Too many people and the committee becomes unmanageable. 4 to 6 Leaders should be adequate. Leaders who regularly use the current minibus should be included to advise on what they require, as well as Leaders responsible for it’s maintenance to advise on this aspect. Financial approval is given at the Executive Committee meeting so expertise in this area is not specifically required.

Leaders are not necessary the best people to coordinate fund raising as their expertise lies in other areas. Parents should be involved in this, particularly as it will be their children who will benefit. The sub committee could issue a letter asking for short term assistance, co-opting suitable parents to the sub committee with experience of fundraising or with relevant contacts. The sub committee’s agenda should be: to resolve all issues raised above, prepare a recommended spec and recommend a budget. After the next Executive Committee meeting the Sub Committees main role will become fund raising until the vehicle is delivered.