A Month of Memories, Gratitude, and New Beginnings at Transport 17

We have a real mixed bag this month from Transport 17. Since the last issues, we have sadly said goodbye to lovely people who worked with, and supported, the organisation.

Dorothy Firth sadly passed away in July. She was involved with Transport 17 right from the beginning in the early 80’s alongside her husband Les. She was part of a valued group of women known as Friends of Transport 17 who supported the organisation and helped with the fundraising. Dorothy helped with events such as Pea and Pie suppers, coffee mornings and the Christmas Fayre. At one time the latter was held in the office on Baslow Road which must have been an amazing feat. When Sandra Longley took over coordinating the fundraising Dorothy continued to be a very valuable hard-working member of the team. Her voice of experience, and knowledge of Transport 17 over the years, was so valuable and always appreciated. She continued to be involved with fundraising events when available, distributing posters, helping on stalls and frequently used her superb handicraft skills to produce items to sell. She was a very talented, generous woman who quietly got on with things. Transport 17 will always be grateful for all the time and support she has given us. Thank you to all those who have generously donated to Transport 17 in Dorothy’s memory. Donations such as these enable us to continue to provide, and develop, the services we offer to older and isolated members of our community.

Liz Croft also sadly passed away in July this year. Following a long and varied career in the travel industry, and a move to the caring profession, Liz came to Transport 17 as an administrative assistant, working with us for approximately 15mths. She enjoyed making a difference to the local community where she grew up. Liz’s care and compassion for other people was evident in her day-to-day interactions, particularly with the passengers who used our services. Her practical support, along with her lively and friendly nature, contributed to successful outings at several local community events

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Puzzle Book: Sheffield Edition

Outram Fields, a care home on Twentywell Lane in Bradway, has created a special Sheffield edition book “Puzzle Workouts for your Brain”, featuring local trivia, historic images and classic Yorkshire sayings, to give to local hospitals and community charities.

Transport 17 is always grateful to our generous supporters whose donations enable us to continue to provide our service to older and vulnerable individuals who wouldn't otherwise be able to get out. We are particularly thankful to Outram Fields who have printed and donated this puzzle book to us, enabling us to raise awareness of the service we offer and the volunteering opportunities available. Our passengers,

volunteers, their families and friends have been enjoying a trip through Sheffield's past while enjoying puzzling fun. A huge thank you to Sheffield-based artist Greg Harris, who created and donated the bespoke artwork on the book’s front cover. It is great to see the Transport 17 minibus depicted in front of some of Sheffield's most iconic landmarks, including the Henderson’s Relish building. Find out more about Greg's work at www.bygregharris.com

Donna Pierpoint, General Manager, Outram Fields, says “We would love this initiative to raise awareness for Transport 17, hence featuring this important local charity on the front cover…..The book is designed to be a fun way to spark memories and conversations for older people and we are donating copies to local libraries, lunch clubs and memory cafes.” Outram Fields resident, Margaret Millington (91) adds, "The puzzle book is brilliant, it really gets your brain going and helps keep your mind sharp. Seeing all the old Sheffield landmarks brought back happy memories and it gave us something to chat about in the resident lounge. It’s especially good for older people like me, because it keeps us thinking and brings back lots of memories from years ago."

We will all experience the highs and lows of the aging process, either personally or alongside family and friends. So please, pick up a copy of the puzzle book while you are out and about in the community, and take the opportunity to sit down with an older person in your life and together dive in and see where the conversations take you.

How can YOU help Transport 17 continue to provide our vital services?

There are many ways you can support Transport 17, as an individual, or as a local group or business. Volunteering

• There are other volunteer opportunities available as well as the minibus driver or passenger assistant roles. Transport 17 needs assistance running our stalls at one-off fundraising and community events through the year, and small repair jobs in the office and on the buses. We would welcome both individuals who can help on a regular monthly basis, and those who might be able to volunteer on a more ad hoc basis.

• What are the main aims of your employer’s or business’s Corporate and Social Responsibility policy? Do you, or they, engage in charitable activities? If so, Transport 17 could provide the opportunities for your employer or business to meet their CSR objectives. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this further.

Raising Funds

• Christmas Fayre – Saturday 29th November

  Transport 17 will be holding our Christmas Fayre at 10am – 12.30pm, Saturday 29th November, at the Shepley Spitfire, Mickley Lane. We look forward to welcoming many of you for a festive raffle and refreshments, Christmas crafts, our ever popular Bottle Bonanza where every ticket wins a prize, and much more. Enjoy a natter with friends whilst picking up a Christmas gift or two, at the same time as raising much needed funds for Transport 17.

• Sheffield Half Marathon – Sunday 29th March, 2026

  Are you a keen runner? Or looking for a challenge over the next 5-6mths? This year, we plan to purchase several entries to the Sheffield Half Marathon, being held on the 29th March, 2026. Would you like to combine the opportunity to complete this event with raising funds for Transport 17? If so, we would love to hear from you.

As always, we can be contacted on 0114 236 2962, via the contact form on our website www.transport17.co.uk or by emailing volunteerco@transport17.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.