We are dighted to announce the appointment of a new chair of trustees to replace stalwart Glen Collins who has retired after seven years at the helm.
Trudi Elliott, CBE, who became a trustee of the charity a year ago, following the merger of CommunityTransport Wyre Forest (CTWF) with Wyre Forest Dial-A-Ride, was voted in as his successor at the annual meeting.
Volunteer driver Jonathan Haley, also announced his retirement as a trustee after a long association with the Dial-A-Ride charity stretching back almost 30 years.
Glen said: “As a close friend, it was Jon who got me involved to help with health and safety about 17y ears ago as that was my background, and he has been a massive support to the charity.”
Jonathan was a minibus driver for 27 years until 2024, has served as a trustee since 2014 and continues as a car driver. His wife, Margaret, worked in the office for a few years.
He said: “It’s a great charity to be involved with and we’ve seen lots of changes over the years, of course, as it has developed.”
Trudi had been chair of CTWF and worked closely with Glen, who was the Dial-A-Ride chair, to ensure a smooth transition as the two organisations came together.
She said: “Glen’s support of community transport in our district has been immense and we are truly grateful for all his hard work and enthusiasm. He will be a hard act to follow.”
Glen, also a former treasurer of Dial-A-Ride, will remain on the board of trustees. His wife, Pam, also volunteers as a passenger assistant.
As a chartered town planner and former lawyer, Trudi brings considerable experience to the role. She is chair of Southern Housing Association, stands down as chair of the Planning Inspectorate for England in the summer and is a former vice chair of social housing and care provider Sanctuary.
A resident of Wyre Forest for more than 35 years, Trudi has also previously worked in local government, the civil service and the private sector.
