Much like a "Play Bus" type charity we have always depended upon vehicles that enable us to provide mobile community centres.

Our first vehicle was an old Transit van which was donated to us in 1994. We still use this van today - in fact it is currently undergoing a refurbishment to smarten it up a bit!! We use the van for summer play-schemes and also to transport toys, staff and equipment to community buildings which need them. In 1993, we first began by loaning a double decker bus from the National Playbus Association for three months. During this time we undertook research to see if there was a need for a mobile project in the area. We soon realised there was a definite need. So, from that time we formed a committee and raised money for our first vehicle with funds from the National lottery. In 1995, we bought and converted a double decker bus - from which originated the name "Forest Bus". In 2001, the old bus was taken off the road, and so we thought carefully about what we needed next. With funding from the Countryside Agency, we decided on a custom made Lorry which had an extendable compartment.This gave us a flexible and adaptable meeting place for everyone regardless of their age or ability. Since 2002, we have used the lorry everyday and it has provided an amazing resource. This autumn term, we are actually in the process of designing our second custom vehicle - which will be a techno play van. With funding from the Big lottery, we are taking the views of young people into account by consulting them about what we need on the vehicle, the design and layout of the inside and what equipment is needed. This will enable us to extend our work and give us three vehicles from which to deliver our much needed service.