Mayor of Hailsham Commends Bus Service Volunteers

A community, volunteer-run bus service has been commended by the Mayor of Hailsham for outstanding work carried out in Hailsham and surrounding areas.

Town Mayor Councillor Paul Holbrook spoke to Cuckmere Buses volunteer drivers recently to personally congratulate them on providing a valuable service to the local community for over four decades.

The company currently runs a fleet of seven 16-seater minibuses from its base in Berwick. It operates over 25 timetabled services each week taking people to their nearest centres for shopping, appointments, or for pleasure. The company also operates summer leisure services and offers private hire facilities. It provides special annual services for Viking International Tennis in Eastbourne, and the Charleston festivals.

“It’s fantastic to see Cuckmere Bus services running well since their launch in 1976, even more so during the height of the pandemic, albeit with reduced service capacity at the time,” said Councillor Holbrook. “Additional transport links such as these are crucial for many people living in Hailsham and surrounding villages and, by making the best use of available resources, the Town Council is delighted to underwrite these essential services.”

“Cuckmere Bus services have proven really popular and well used by residents, particularly the elderly, and its volunteers must be commended for both their time and hard work put into running its fleet of minibuses over the years.”

Councillor Holbrook added, “Hailsham Town Council will continue to work closely with local bus operators to support transport services, specifically for those who cannot access the conventional public transport network.”

Philip Ayers, Managing Director of Cuckmere Buses confirmed how pleased the company was to receive such widespread support throughout its area, and especially in Hailsham. Mr Ayers commented: “None of us would volunteer if we didn’t enjoy what we do, but getting comments such as these from passengers and local dignitaries makes it even more worthwhile for us.”

The company is run entirely by volunteers including 45 fully trained drivers, and demand for the Cuckmere Bus service means that additional volunteer drivers are needed.

Full training and back-up will be given. A shift is usually half a day and you can drive as many or as few shifts as you wish in any month. Drivers do not need a PCV licence, but a D1 classification on driving licences is required.