Here is one of our older photographs from when we transported the Fifth Middleton Girl Guides.

A group of Air Cadets from Tinshill / Cookridge recently visited R.A.F. Church Fenton to 'go flying' as it were. They each got the chance to go up in a 2-seater aircraft with an experienced pilot to see just what flying is all about, sitting at the controls in a light aircraft.

“They all seem a little on the quiet side for youths of their age, maybe a little apprehensive of what the day held for them, but VERY jubilant on the way home. They had OBVIOUSLY thoroughly enjoyed their day flying. Also, what obedient kids too. When their Wing Commander gave an order, it was obeyed instantly. Looking forward to doing this again!

We at Horsforth Minibus Fund were pleased to be of assistance to the Horsforth Youth Centre several times this summer, taking their members on several days out, Pony Trekking for a day was 1st. 'job' (PHEW!! the smell they brought back into the minibus with them), never mind all in a days work, plus of course THEY were not aware of it, having been around horses and ponies all day long. Next up was Doncaster Dome, for a fun filled day, then to follow several local centres for youth i.e. Herd Farm, Eccup, Leeds Laser Centre, Armley to mention a few!

These kids just show that kids can be good and lots of fun too. This lot were a great bunch to have on board. Proves not all kids are bad. A great time all around and thanks must go to Sue Harrison and Tessa Irwin also for quietly and very discreetly 'overseeing' things.

A group of slightly younger ladies use the minibus service as transport for their christmas party. (2009)

Horsforth Minibus secretary, John Hardcastle is presented with this Good Citizen Award In recognition of his contribution to Horsforth and its community through voluntary work consisting of the running and maintaining of the Horsforth Minibus, organizing days out and events etc. All of which is tantamount to a full time job.

( Horsforth Town Council )

* WELL DONE JOHN! *

The pictures show the very solemn part of the day out these fine gentlemen enjoyed in July 2011 when they laid a wreath at the Memorial Stone at Eden Camp North Yorkshire. The Ceremony took place at 1.00pm EXACTLY and was very moving and emotional. Most of the visitors to the camp/museum that day attended. Even youngsters (pic.2) watched on, and were later given a brief lesson on what had just occurred and why. HORSFORTH MINIBUS FUND were delighted to supply the transport. It has to be said that the gentlemen enjoyed the rest of their day thoroughly, (especially in the N.A.F.F.I.) sinking a few to “friends old and new”

“What a fine bunch of chaps. It was both a pleasure and honour to drive them that day”

The pictures show the very solemn part of the day out these fine gentlemen enjoyed in July 2011 when they laid a wreath at the Memorial Stone at Eden Camp North Yorkshire. The Ceremony took place at 1.00pm EXACTLY and was very moving and emotional. Most of the visitors to the camp/museum that day attended. Even youngsters (pic.2) watched on, and were later given a brief lesson on what had just occurred and why. HORSFORTH MINIBUS FUND were delighted to supply the transport. It has to be said that the gentlemen enjoyed the rest of their day thoroughly, (especially in the N.A.F.F.I.) sinking a few to “friends old and new”

“What a fine bunch of chaps. It was both a pleasure and honour to drive them that day”

Certificate of Appreciation presented to John Hardcastle (Minibus secretary) for "valuable contributions to improve the neighbourhoods within the West and North-west areas of the City of Leeds".

Presented by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Cllr. James McKenna on 9th November 2010.

Our Secretary, John Hardcastle, pictured here receiving a unique (One-off) award from Cllr. Brian Cleasby.

There has only ever been ONE of these awards in the history of the City of Leeds. We are very proud that John has this unique award!

In this picture, John Hardcastle (our secretary) is being presented with his Certificate recognising his hard and voluntary work, by the Lord Mayor.

Pictured here in close up is the Unique award that John received to acknowledge his hard work throughout the City of Leeds. Magnificent!

In September 2011 we provided transport for the 9th Horsforth Brownie Pack (St. James') to help transport a few brownies and a LOT of equipment to the girlguiding campsite in Burley Woodhead. The girls were very excited and chatty on the way there on friday evening, but the story was VERY different on the return trip, Sunday PM. They must have had a really great time and were tired out on the return journey!

The weather held off for the girls, however by the time Jamie had rounded them up for a photograph on Friday PM, darkness was well and truly setting in!

Hilltop Primary School in West Ardsley hit a slight problem when, after their Harvest Festival service at St. Mary's Church in Woodkirk, they had been promised a tour of Crag House Farm at Caring for Life at Cookridge when they brought their harvest, but alas, they could not get hold of the minibus they usually hired, to take the harvest AND children over to Caring For Life.

It seemed such a shame that they should miss out on an opportunity such as this. SO in stepped John Hardcastle with the HORSFORTH MINIBUS to use the bus to exactly what it exists for; i.e. supplying transport for both goods and the children. As is our aim, if someone is in need, (especially children or old folks) and the bus and a driver are available, we can and we WILL help. The school Head Mr. Grant and the Vicar from St. Mary's, Rev. Amanda Barraclough came along for the ride too (to keep an eye on the children was their excuse, hmm!!!) but the latter was not needed really, so good was their behaviour on the day.

It was a pleasure to be able to help such lovely and well behaved children to their special treat.
Come again, anytime! - JOHN

If you have a photograph you would like included in our Gallery, please contact Jamie Ender, our website designer, at jamie.laptop@ntlworld.com.

Thank you!