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South Huron Trail Mobile has new volunteer driver

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Jim Hayter is newest volunteer driver for Trail Mobile

 

Jim Hayter joins Exeter neighbour Norm Eckel as two current volunteers bringing South Huron Trail nature experience to those with limited mobility

People who cannot easily walk the South Huron Trail still get a nature enjoyment experience thanks to two volunteer drivers of the South Huron Trail Mobile. Exeter’s Jim Hayter is the newest volunteer driver of the Trail Mobile, a modified electric cart for people with limited mobility. Jim began in May and joins the other volunteer driver, his Exeter neighbour, Norm Eckel.

Jim grew up in Dashwood and later moved to Goderich before retiring to Exeter about 12 years ago. His wife, Linda, is from Exeter. When Norm first asked Jim if he wanted to be a volunteer driver of the Trail Mobile, Jim wasn’t sure at first – but, after giving it some thought, and encouraged by his wife Linda, he decided it would be good to do. He says he’s really enjoying it and likes the chance to “give back” to his community.

“I enjoy the trip myself, just to see the trail and I also enjoy meeting the older people and how much they appreciate getting out for a ride,” Jim said. “A lot of them say ‘I’ll be out again.’ ” Jim said some of his passengers have commented about the positive changes to the trail – including the addition of Jones Bridge, the new pedestrian bridge on the South Huron Trail.

The new pedestrian bridge gives passengers a totally different view of Morrison Dam, according to Norm. “It’s a great view ... something new,” he said.

The passengers also note how generous the community has been in its support of South Huron Trail.

Norm used to farm north of Zurich before moving into Exeter. The long-serving volunteer said he enjoys being a Trail Mobile driver. “I enjoy seeing nature and I enjoy taking the people out, plus I enjoy getting out myself,” he said. A trip on the Trail Mobile is often the only chance many passengers have to get outside and into nature, according to Norm. “To see the smile on their faces makes me quite happy,” he said. There is something different to see all the time along the trail, according to the volunteer drivers. “In the springtime there are the wildflowers and in the fall there is the changing of the colours of the leaves of the trees,” Norm said.

Hundreds of people have enjoyed a nature experience, since 2006, thanks to the South Huron Trail Mobile. Early in the 2019 season, people really wanted to see the wildflowers along the trail and over a two-week period the drivers had the Trail Mobile out on about 10 different days. Even when the weather wasn’t cooperating (with rainy weather or weather that was too hot or too cold) the drivers were still able to take out passengers once or twice a week.

The first two Trail Mobile drivers were Herman Steffens and Jerry Mathers. Norm has driven the Trail Mobile since 2012, after Herman retired as a volunteer driver, and Jim began this year, upon Jerry’s retirement as a volunteer driver.

The first South Huron Trail Mobile was officially launched in 2006. The first vehicle was donated by the Strang family in memory of the late Gordon Strang. Twelve years later, in May of 2018, after many years of service by the first cart, it was time to retire the first Trail Mobile and get a new one. A South Huron Community Grant, from the Municipality of South Huron, combined with a donation from Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation made it possible to acquire and fit a new Trail Mobile, that’s faster and better able to navigate tight areas. The new trail mobile has room for a driver and three passengers. The electric motor makes it a quiet ride, so people can enjoy plants and animals along the trail.

The volunteer drivers had the Trail Mobile out in July on the new boardwalk decking that was replaced early in the month thanks to generous community donors.

Staff at Ausable Bayfield Conservation say the Trail Mobile would not be possible without the countless hours devoted by the volunteer drivers. “We welcome Jim and thank him for his service this year and I can’t say enough about the years of generous and dedicated service by Norm, Jerry, and Herman – they have all made their community a better place,” said Tim Cumming, Communications Specialist. “The hundreds of people who have this special nature experience really value the chance to enjoy this nature trail and that would not be possible without the volunteer drivers.”

Residents of the area’s nursing and retirement homes, as well as individuals who aren’t able to walk the trail, have enjoyed this unique experience. There is no fee but donations are welcome. Rides depend on weather and volunteer driver availability.

To book a ride on the Trail Mobile, please contact Ausable Bayfield Conservation at 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610 and staff will link the public with the volunteer drivers. 

NEW VOLUNTEER DRIVER FOR SOUTH HURON TRAIL MOBILE: Jim Hayter, of Exeter, (at left in photo) is the newest driver of the South Huron Trail Mobile. He joins fellow Exeter resident Norm Eckel as the two volunteer drivers. The South Huron Trail Mobile provides a nature trail experience for people with limited mobility who could not walk the trail on their own and who would not get this nature experience otherwise. Jim Hayter joined as a volunteer driver in May of 2019. Norm Eckel has been a driver since 2012. The Trail Mobile is possible thanks to funding from the Municipality of South Huron, Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation, and generous community donors.

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