The Princess of Wales traveled to the village of Pulborough on September 30, 2026, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the West Sussex Minibus service. The volunteer-led organization provides critical community transport for elderly residents across rural regions, helping to combat social isolation and maintain local independence.
During her visit, the Princess joined the fleet’s volunteers on a scheduled minibus route to pick up 94-year-old passenger Stella Drewett from her home. Mrs. Drewett, a retired school cook who uses the service for weekly grocery trips and community lunches, reacted with humor when told a special visitor was coming to her door. “When they said ‘It will be a celebrity,’ I said ‘I don’t know any celebrities,'” she recalled.
Upon arriving at Mrs. Drewett’s home, the Princess greeted her warmly and walked to the front door. She offered steady encouragement as Mrs. Drewett navigated her walking frame along the garden path, gently placing her hands on the passenger’s back as a precaution while boarding the vehicle.
The Impact of Rural Community Transport in West Sussex
Established in response to the decline of rural public transport, the West Sussex Minibus service has expanded significantly over five decades. Founded on the principle that mobility is directly tied to quality of life, the organization has grown from a single vehicle into a robust network operating from eight village hubs.
- Fleet Size: 11 minibuses operating across the region.
- Volunteer Force: 284 dedicated local volunteers.
- Annual Reach: Approximately 60,000 miles traveled and 13,000 passenger journeys completed each year.
As a member of the Community Transport Association, the charity relies entirely on volunteers to coordinate routes, drive vehicles, and support elderly residents who might otherwise face severe isolation due to mobility barriers or the lack of regular bus routes.
A Warm Welcome at Pulborough Village Hall
Following the pickup, the minibus transported passengers to Pulborough Village Hall, where a weekly lunch club provides a welcoming social space for local seniors. The Princess joined attendees inside the hall, sitting down to chat with participants including Lynda Jones, Marian Graves, and Linda Stanford.
“It’s soup by royal appointment today! I didn’t think she would sit down by me. She’s so natural, she isn’t made up,” remarked local lunch club attendee Lynda Jones.
Kensington Palace noted that the royal visit was specifically designed to highlight the everyday acts of kindness performed by community volunteers. By participating directly in the transport route and lunch club, the Princess underscored how accessible local transit builds stronger, more connected communities for older adults throughout rural Britain.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Princess Catherine visit West Sussex?
Princess Catherine visited Pulborough, West Sussex, on September 30, 2026, to mark a major milestone for the local transport charity.
What is the West Sussex Minibus service?
It is a volunteer-led community transport organization established 50 years ago to help elderly and isolated rural residents access essential services, shopping trips, and social lunch clubs.
Who is Stella Drewett?
Stella Drewett is a 94-year-old retired school cook and user of the West Sussex Minibus service who was personally greeted and escorted to the minibus by the Princess of Wales.
How many volunteers support the West Sussex Minibus charity?
The organization is supported by a dedicated network of 284 volunteers operating a fleet of 11 minibuses across eight village hubs.
How many passenger journeys does the charity complete annually?
The fleet travels approximately 60,000 miles each year, facilitating around 13,000 individual passenger journeys for rural residents.
