Scarborough Dial a Ride has recently added a brand new minibus to its fleet, thanks to the kindness and generosity of a well-known local man.

Dial a Ride, an independent charity, has been supporting older and disabled local people for over 40 years and last year completed over 23,000 trips.

The organisation has six minibuses which are used for local journeys, and six smaller vehicles which are used for longer-distance trips – mainly to hospitals in Bridlington, Malton, York, Hull and further afield.

Thanks to a legacy received from the late Mr Richard Appleton, Dial a Ride has been able to purchase a brand new Peugeot 16-seat wheelchair-accessible minibus to replace a 10-year old vehicle.

Chair of Trustees, Colin Woodhead, said “With so many people relying on us to get them to and from important appointments, it is vital that our vehicles are maintained to a high standard and replaced regularly.  With 12 vehicles on our fleet, this means replacing one or two every year, and with the cost of a new minibus almost doubling over the past six years, this is an enormous financial challenge for us.”

Richard Appleton, a Scalby resident all his life, passed away in 2023 aged 71. He was an active member of the local business community and long-time Round Table member. Having managed the Appleton family businesses for many years and established his own after his late father’s retirement, he acquired Captain Cook’s Haven in Whitby.  He was also known as Strategic Development Director of the Scarborough Rugby Club and for his key supporting role within the Scarborough Conservative Party.

Colin said “Richard was aware of Dial a Ride, as his family had used our service.  Nonetheless, we were surprised but incredibly grateful that he graciously remembered us in his Will.  His legacy has allowed us to replace our oldest minibus with a brand new one, as well as providing funding towards the next replacement as well.

Trish Appleton, Richard’s sister, visited Dial a Ride to learn more about the service and to look at the new minibus.  Trish said “I am so pleased that Richard’s legacy will make such a long-lasting positive difference to so many people’s lives, through this wonderful organisation.  The new minibus is terrific, and it is so lovely to see Richard’s donation recognised in this way.  I would strongly encourage anyone with some time to spare, to enquire about volunteering at Dial a Ride – they are a fantastic team but need more people to help them meet the enormous demand for their service.”

Colin said “Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds, but all have compassion and a desire to help others.  The time commitment varies from just half a day each fortnight, to several days per week.  Volunteers get involved by driving our cars and/or minibuses, helping as passenger assistants, or in a new role, helping the office team by answering the phones and assisting with bookings.”