Princess Catherine marks rural transit milestone in West Sussex

Community Transport Milestone in Pulborough

The Princess of Wales visited the West Sussex village of Pulborough to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the West Sussex Minibus service, according to reporting by the BBC. The volunteer-run initiative provides vital transport for elderly residents across the rural area, facilitating weekly shopping trips and community gatherings.

During the visit, the princess assisted 94-year-old Stella Drewett from her front door onto the vehicle, helping manoeuvre her walking frame along the garden path. Mrs Drewett, a recent user who relies on the transport for weekly shopping and village hall lunches, joked about the surprise visitor before the engagement, telling organizers she did not know any celebrities.

Engagement and Local Impact

Following the transport demonstration, Catherine attended the weekly Pulborough and District Community Care Association lunch at the village hall. Regular attendees spoke with the royal visitor about the social importance of the gatherings, noting how the service combats isolation for those who have lost partners.

Alan Jenkins, a trustee at West Sussex Minibus, told BBC Radio Sussex that the visit successfully highlighted the contribution of local volunteers supporting older generations. Before departing, the princess also interacted with young families, playing a brief game with local children outside the community venue.