It was Geoffrey Searles who played the leading role in initiating the Trust's Community Minibus Service. It was his brainchild; he contributed cash of his own and personally raised the rest of the money needed to purchase a vehicle from individuals he knew around the town. The first minibus was a Ford van converted for the purpose. In August 1970, it was agreed that the Town Trust should take over the management and running of the vehicle that would be used for the benefit of the aged and the disabled. Searles served as a member of the Minibus sub committee until his death nine years later.