OUR HISTORY


DACT’s story up until now is one that spans more than a quarter of a century. Over that time, DACT has showed no sign of slowing down, positively impacting the local community and receiving recognition along the way (Awards). Below are some particular points of interest which help show the progress DACT has made over our 30years of service, so start scrolling!


 
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October 1993

In 1993 Rob Kinning establish a services that the people of Daventry District could be proud to call their own. (DACT’s Services commenced)

 
 
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May 1994

DACT’s first bus, a facility for local community groups.

 
 

March 1998

DACT adopted the nationally approved MiDAS scheme as the method for training all volunteer Minibus Drivers.

 
 
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August 1998

DACT moved into the brand new Abbey Centre, built for the voluntary sector.

 
 
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April 2000

The long-awaited DACT Mobility Shop started in its purpose-built new premises in New Street. Kathy Jones was appointed Manager for the new Shopmobility service

 
 
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October 2003

DACT Celebrated its 10th Anniversary.

 
 

September 2006

Dial-a-Ride service launches, sponsored fully by Daventry Town Council.

 
 
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October 2011

Grant support for voluntary groups would be stopping, but a local Councillor and the Daventry Express newspaper started a successful campaign to save DACT services - a county record of 11,000+ signatures (18.5% of the districts adult population).

 
 

April 2013

The first DACT Days Out brochure was released, with the first trip being to Milton Keynes Shopping Centre (there has since been 1000+ trips to 340+ locations).

 
 
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October 2013

DACT Celebrated its 20th Anniversary.

 
 

February 2014

DACT mobility repairs opened its doors, offering maintenance and servicing for mobility equipment, as well as the opportunity to recycle equipment for re-sale.

 
 

November 2016

DACT changed its legal status from a Co-operative (No. 27663R) and Community Benefit Society to a Registered Charity CIO (No. 1170448).

 
 

June 2017

DACT received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary service because of the hard work and dedication of all volunteers.

 
 
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October 2018

DACT receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Northamptonshire Community Foundation.

October 2018

 DACT Celebrates its 25th Anniversary Click on the photos to open a copy of this Special Anniversary edition newsletter to read about past  present & future of Dact

 
 
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March 2019

The mobility shop extension is completed and officially reopened, with Lord Spencer and few other guests of honour present.

 
 
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March 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily suspends all DACT services. Services later recommenced in August 2020.

October 2020

Our founder and CEO Rob Kinning, and long-serving Operations Manager Tony Doyle retired after more than 50 years served between them.

 

October 2020

Phil Houston joined DACT in October 2016 and took over as our new CEO in October 2020.

October 2020

Martyn took over as Operations Manager at DACT.

February 2021

We said goodbye to Sarah who worked at the office and had been with the organisation for 3yrs

August 2021

Our DACT Mobility and Repairs Manager, Beverley leaves the organisation after growing the shop and it’s services for 7 years.

December 2022

The Arc Cinema in Daventry chose DACT as their Charity of the Year in 2022, raising lots of money and hosting our Christmas Volunteer Drop-In Day in December 2022.

JULY 2023

We said goodbye to Sharon who has been working for DACT for the last 2 years

October 2023

We welcomed Debbie our new Admin & Finance officer to DACT.

October 2023

DACT will be celebrating 30 years of Serving Daventry & District with Transport & Mobility Needs.

December 2023

Our DACT Mobility and Repairs Manager, Matt leaves the organisation after 6 years of working with DACT in our shop and with the transport team.

 

December 2023

We welcomed Shana O’Donoghue our new Mobility Shop & Repairs Manager to DACT.