York business owners are hoping to enrich the lives of those living in care homes with their new business.
York-born James Massie and his business partners, Chris and Michael, recently launched Buffay Travel, a transport service catered especially for the elderly.
And it’s a world away from James’s other role – as drag star Queenie Buffay.
James is one half of the Crystal and Queenie drag duo, who host a radio show in Wakefield each Wednesday.
Drag star Queenie also performs all over Yorkshire, hosting quiz nights, spinning the decks at local clubs, and starring in cabarets.
In addition to his performances, James has now launched Buffay Travel with his business partners Chris and Michael.
The team wants to provide a resource that care homes can rely on to take residents out and about, balancing affordability with trips senior citizens will actually enjoy.
Inspiration for the company came from Chris’ grandmother, Janet, after witnessing her struggle with dementia-induced isolation.
Janet lives in the Hemsworth area, and although there was a day-trip bus that took her out occasionally, the locations were often undesirable.
James told YorkMix: “We jokingly said to each other that we could probably do better than that, the group needs to go somewhere that’s really nice, like a garden centre cafe or somewhere pretty.”
With the idea in mind, he and Chris got their heads together and began the planning process in January.
The main aim became carrying out engaging day trips to combat social isolation for elderly individuals, and Buffay Travel was born.
James, Chris and Michael are hoping to work alongside as many care homes and assisted living services in and around York as they can.
They’ve secured a 17-seater bus and have already been in contact with almost 30 care homes in the area.
James said, “there’s another 40 homes that I need to get in contact with and it’s a lot of back and forth, so it’s just been a crazy two weeks”.
He explained to YorkMix that as it’s not a highly profitable business model, it’s not the most common.
“We’ve had such a great response since going public, especially from care home managers who have said it’s exactly what they need.
“So we’ve obviously hit on something that’s needed in the York and Selby areas,” James added.
In order to provide a cost effective solution, Buffay Travel will also be running airport transfers in the area.
“The overheads are ridiculous, we’ve learned that the hard way.
“We’ve got our first airport transfer on Friday, just to stay afloat. So I do understand why companies don’t do it,” James told YorkMix.
His dream for the business is to eventually have a bus service especially catered to York, and others stationed towards the Selby and Garforth areas.
“We’re not changing the world in the sense that we’re not doing anything amazing, we’re just envisioning a pick-up, scenic drive round, visits to lovely garden centres, nice lunches, maybe even a little walk for the residents,” James said.
He hopes to improve the lives of the elderly locals, one bus journey at a time.
For more information on the business, head to their Facebook page or website.