Bus Talk - Issue 16 - June 2012

No.16 • June 2012

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

TWO ROUTES JUST RETAINED BUT...

...TENDERING IS BECOMING EVEN TOUGHER T

HE DRIVE to find ways of being more competitive has moved up a gear following the loss of Go-Ahead London’s Pimlico to Hampstead Heath Route 24.

Go-Ahead London learned that it had lost this service in May and that it will transfer to another operator on November 10. The service represented 30 buses worth of work.

The 36, New Cross to Queens Park, and 225, Hither Green Station to Canada Water, were both retained, but only following tough negotiation.

“We retained these two routes by the skin of our teeth. We had to negotiate and offer a really

competitive deal,” said managing director John Trayner. “We were up against tough competition and it’s not going to go away.”

John explained that staff costs make up 65 per cent of a tender price and Go-Ahead London must find ways of making this lower.

“We are always looking at ways of being more competitive. This is absolutely crucial in providing everyone who works for Go-Ahead London with job security,” John said.

As Bus Talk went to press, Go-Ahead London was awaiting news on route tenders for the ‘Wandsworth tranche’ – 120 buses worth of work that affect Merton, Peckham, Putney, Stockwell and Waterside Way.

We were up against tough competition and it’s not going to go away

GLAD TO BE PART OF THE FAMILY: p4

iPad AND other top PRIZES UP FOR GRABS: p8

Two garages at CCTV award event COLLEAGUES from both Merton and Bexleyheath garages have been nominated for awards at the first ever London On-Bus CCTV Commendation Ceremony.

The event, due to take place at New Scotland Yard as Bus Talk went to press, has been set up to honour all the hard work done by bus operators and those involved with their CCTV units.

Representing Go-Ahead London were Paul Cumbers, Don Ditch and Andrew Smith. Senior TfL officers and senior ranked metropolitan police officers will be in attendance to meet and greet all nominees.

Look out for an update in the next issue of the magazine, due out in mid-August, on how Go-Ahead London fared at the awards.

EPIC COAST WALK FOR GARY: p8

INSIDE: COUNTDOWN TO OLYMPICS LAUNCH p3

DIGITAL DISPLAYS: It’s a sign of the times...

NEW digital signage is now up and running, and the benefits are being appreciated by colleagues at every garage across the company.

Stockwell acted as a test garage for the system, which was turned on in late May, with all other garages following afterwards.

The screens have been installed to improve the way that Go-Ahead London

communicates to its colleagues on a dayto-day basis.

All information that is relevant to drivers will now be displayed on the screens, which will be updated regularly.

“Everything has been going as planned so far and I am pleased to see the screens up and running,” said Greg French who works in the communications department. Information displayed on the

screens includes company news, notices to staff, features, updates and all relevant information for drivers. Local issues including specific route changes can also be updated by managers at the garages.

This is a fast, fresh and informative way to communicate with drivers.

“The screens are a major source of communication and I am glad to be part of this new venture.”

Trial health fair offers staff free check-ups T

he early diagnosis of possible health problems is clearly important to Go-Ahead London and its employees’ long-term wellbeing.

That’s why a trial health fair was held at Stockwell on May 3, giving colleagues the chance to have a free check-up from qualified health care professionals.

The event proved popular enough for the company to consider rolling out the idea to other locations in London.

Colleagues were offered a range of health tests and measurements including eyesight, blood pressure, cholesterol, height and weight during the trial event hosted

by FirstCare, the UK’s largest employee well-being specialists.

The event was organised by general manager, operations, Pat Mahon.

He said: “This was a trial to judge what interest there might be. We had around 40 people come to see the FirstCare team between 10am and 3pm and I was very happy with the take-up.

“It was difficult for all staff to attend due to their duty requirements and people tying in their meal reliefs with the short clinic time. For a garage the size of Stockwell we would really need to run it all day long over perhaps four days to give most people the opportunity to attend. In an ideal world it would be really beneficial if we could run similar events at different sites.

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“We want to see our people keep as healthy and happy as possible.

That’s obviously good for them, but it also benefits our business in terms of keeping sickness absence to a minimum.”

Stockwell operations manager Paul Coyle said: “Drivers need to have a certain level of fitness in order to comply with PCV requirements, but it’s good for everyone to set their health standards at a higher level.

“Of course, all the results on the day were confidential and generally speaking, there were no real problems identified that compromised their health enough to affect PCV standards. Where appropriate, drivers were offered advice on diet and lifestyle and advised to visit their GP if there were any health issues that arose as a result of the assessments or if they had any major concerns.

“If anyone has a health issue, it’s better to find out about it sooner rather than later. Otherwise, it could lead to greater health complications further down the line and cause staff take more time off than necessary, had the problem not been identified and resolved at an earlier stage.”

Go-Ahead London has always recognised the importance of helping its drivers understand the benefits of a healthier lifestyle and has run a number of healthy living campaigns in recent years, such as the ‘Well at Work bus’ that went around all garages, with a nurse carrying out similar checks.

Good advice puts Mohammed on the road to a fitter lifestyle

Here’s to a healthier life says driver Mohammed.

A VISIT to the health fair was a wake-up call for Stockwell driver Mohammed Asad.

Mohammed was one of the drivers who went along to the trial health fair hosted by FirstCare on May 3.

“I was pleased I went along as they found that I had high blood sugar levels and they referred me to my GP,” said Mohammed, who has been a driver at Stockwell for six years.

As well as the GP’s appointment, it was suggested that Mohammed modify his diet and watch his sugar intake as he is in danger of developing diabetes.

“I definitely would recommend the health fair,” said Mohammed. “Some of the drivers were scared to go but the point is, your health is the most important thing.”

Mohammed had a range of other checks, including blood pressure, lung capacity, heart rate and eye-sight.

COUNTING DOWN TO OLYMPICS LAUNCH

W

ITH THE start of the Olympics looming ever closer, GoAhead London has been hard at work getting ready for the big event.

Organising transport services has been a major topic, with Go-Ahead London providing buses for officials and athletes as well as transport for children, who will be taking part in the opening and closing ceremonies, for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Accreditation for the 270 colleagues involved in the games has now gone through, with everyone having completed their module one training.

Module two will also be completed soon, with Olympic volunteers collecting their uniforms and then starting module three ­(route learning).

There has also been much work going on to make sure that people are properly utilised during the games, with questionnaires sent round garages to find out each volunteer’s particular skill set.

Even drivers who are not specifically volunteering for the Olympics are being kept in

the loop, with London Buses producing a special guide to let them know what to expect during the games.

A special treat was organised for the Olympic champions at each garage by Hannah Self, operating manager for both the Olympics and Merton garage.

On May 21 all the Olympic champions were treated to a special tour of the Olympic park to see how everything is progressing.

“There’s been a lot of work to do in the run up to the Olympics and I organised the trip as a small thank you to the champions, as I couldn’t have done it without them,” said Hannah.

“A lot of my role has continued to be going round garages and making sure that everyone has their questions answered.

“There are also other bits and pieces that needed to be checked, such as uniform sizes and any dietary requirements volunteers might have.

“I think everyone is really looking forward to the event although it is certainly going to be an extremely busy period for us!”

Bus Talk chatted with just a couple of drivers to find out how they feel about preparing to be part of the Olympics.

Here’s what they had to say.

I think everyone is really looking forward to the event although it is certainly going to be an extremely busy period for us!

Have YOU got a story?

If so, why not get in touch?

We’re always on the look-out for articles about our readers so give us a call on 01932 243400 or email us at go-ahead@ruxley.co.uk

Merton driver Finbarr McCarthy:

Belvedere driver Tim Gritton:

“I’m really proud to say I will be part of the team who will be transporting the media and broadcasters to and from different Olympic events,” said Finbarr.

“This will probably be the only time I will be working when the Olympics comes to London, so it’s definitely a massive opportunity to be part of the event.

“Of course, part of the appeal is also the chance of doing something out of the ordinary and slightly different from our day-today work.

“I can’t wait for the Olympics to begin so we can all really get our teeth stuck in to our new responsibilities.”

“I got involved in the Olympics, having seen a poster up in the garage asking people to come forward if they wanted to volunteer,” said Tim. “Not only is it something a bit unusual, it’s also probably a once in a lifetime opportunity as well.

“Now that our training has begun and the event is getting ever closer, I am really looking forward to being a part of it all.

“The fact that Go-Ahead London is so involved in the event is a great thing – not only for the company, but also for everyone involved as it gives me, as well as all my colleagues, something different to try.

obituary Sad farewell to popular driver CAMBERWELL driver Lloyd Pennant has unfortunately passed away after suffering a turn of ill health while on holiday.

Lloyd had worked on the 68 and 468 services for Go-Ahead London for more than five years and was a very popular figure at

the garage.

His funeral took place on May 21 and was extremely well attended with hundreds of mourners turning out to remember him, including some of his regular customers.

Lloyd is survived by his wife Tina as well as his three children.

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Warm welcome to Tottenh

PARK LIFE C

IN OUR Face 2 Face column we chat to Yvonne Keogh who is a driver at Stockwell.

We asked Yvonne a series of light-hearted questions.

Q: Where would you go for your dream holiday?

A: The Seychelles.

Q: What was the first single you can remember buying?

A: Something by Diana Ross.

Q: Who or what makes you laugh?

A: Alan Carr.

Q: What is your favourite night out?

A: Clubbing with friends.

Q: If you could swap places with someone for a day, who would it be?

A: Victoria Beckham.

Q: What makes a good day at work for you?

A: Happy customers.

Q: What is your earliest childhood memory?

A: My Nan in Ireland moving from a house with a straw roof to one with a tiled roof and inside loo!

Q: What qualities do you think make a good friend?

A: Good listener, caring and honest.

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OLLEAGUES at the Northumberland Park bus garage in Tottenham have welcomed the acquisition of their operation by Go-Ahead London from First London East.

The move is seen by Go-Ahead as an opportunity to expand its business into in a new area of the capital that has exciting future development potential.

Regeneration is planned or already underway in both Tottenham Hale and White Hart Lane in Tottenham.

The integration into Go-Ahead London was handled by project manager Nigel Wood, who says he has been more than pleased by the smooth transition so far.

He said: “Considering that it was a bit of a shock for the employees, we’ve had great support from them. There was a lot of behind-the-scenes work carried out by Go-Ahead head office people to ensure everything was in place for the acquisition and I’d like to thank

General manager Angie Ryder. all of them for their great efforts and dedication.”

Garage general manager Angie Ryder has headed the Northumberland Park operation for five years and joined the industry 25 years ago with London Buses at Leaside District Office and worked in a variety of roles, including

Happy to be part of the Go-Ahead London family ONE person who is delighted to be part of the Go-Ahead London family is union representative and driver Edwin Affainie.

He is already impressed by the speed with which some repairs were made to the yard once cracks in the concrete had been pointed out.

“Go-Ahead is certainly a company that gets things done,” said Edwin. “The floor has needed repairing for a long time but in just a

the London Buses managem scheme.

She said: “While it’s busine usual in terms of continuing excellent service to our cust amazing the huge amount o has been going on behind th – for example systems, payr lines, vehicle rebranding, un changes and so on.

“We have four different typ vehicle and each type needs Go-Ahead logos. We are wo changing these as vehicles 28-day service cycle.

“Change can be unsettling been great the way in which people here and at Go-Ahea worked hard together to ma change-over as smooth as p Nigel Wood has been here s one and has helped tremen had to be taken over by any Ahead would have been our

Union rep and driver Edwin Affainie (right) chats with colleague Daniel Boatin.

couple of weeks Go-Ahead was fixing it.”

Edwin said that the takeover was initially something of a surprise to him and his colleagues but he is now more than happy to call himself part of the Go-Ahead London team.

“We regard ourselves very much as a family here and everyone is working hard with our colleagues from Go-Ahead to ensure a smooth transition period. Nigel Wood has been a real pleasure to work with,” said Edwin.

ham team

Tender news from across London

E!

IN OUR regular column for Bus Talk, we highlight the recent announcements made by Transport for London.

ment training

ess as g to provide tomers, it’s of work that he scenes roll, reporting niform

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g, but it’s h all the ad have ake the possible. since day ndously. If we yone, Gor first choice!

The Tottenham business has nearly 400 employees and a fleet of 130 buses. It operates 13 Transport for London contracts including three major TFL routes: • Route 67 from Wood Green to Aldgate, • Route 476 from Euston to Northumberland Park (see photo above), and • Route 259 from Edmonton Green to Kings Cross.

The garage also runs a number of school contracts.

Pushing up performance

Engineering manager Mick Reavill (right) with electrician Dave Spence.

ACHIEVING even better performance is high on the list of priorities of engineering manager Mick Reavill – and he is confident that it will happen with Go-Ahead’s help.

He said: “We’re proud to think that we already run a well performing operation but I think we will improve even further.

“The Go-Ahead team have been brilliant in helping us adapt to their way of working, for instance swapping over to their rota system.

All our engineers have welcomed the opportunity to be part of such a large and well-respected organisation.

“I’m sure that as our relationship develops there will be plenty of chances to share best practice and learn more from each other.”

Abellio West London • Retention of Route H28 (Bulls Bridge to Osterley) under new contract starting in February 2013. New single deck buses (8 PVR) will run on the route.

Arriva London North • Retention of Route 29/N29 (Trafalgar Square to Wood Green, N29 to Enfield). New double deck buses (42 PVR) will run on the service when the new contract begins in January 2013.

• Retention of Route 41/N41 (Tottenham Hale to Archway, N41 to Trafalgar Square) under a new contract beginning in February 2013. A combination of new and existing double deck buses (21 PVR) will run on the service.

• Retention of Route 121 (Turnpike Lane Station to Enfield Island Village). New double deck buses (20 PVR) will run on the service when the contract begins in February 2012.

• Retention of Route 141 (Palmers Green to London Bridge Station) under a new contract beginning in January 2013. New double deck buses (24 PVR) will run on the service.

• Retention of Route 329 (Turnpike Station to Enfield Town) under a new contract beginning in January 2013. New double deck vehicles (15 PVR) will run on the service.

Arriva the Shires & Essex • Retention of Route 142 (Watford Junction to Brent Cross). Existing double deck vehicles (15 PVR) will run on the service when the new contract starts in February 2013.

• Retention of Route 642 (West Hendon to Stanmore) under a new contract beginning in February 2013 (three PVR).

C T Plus • Retention of Route 153 (Finsbury Park to Liverpool Street Station) when the new contract begins in February 2013. New single deck vehicles (10 PVR) will run on the route.

London United • Tender win of Route 635 (Brentford to Sunbury), currently operated by Metroline.

Existing double deck buses (3 PVR) will run on the service when the new contract begins in January 2013.

Metroline • Tender win of London General’s Route 24/N24 Hampstead Heath to Pimlico service.

New double deck buses (26 PVR) will run on the service when the new contract begins in November.

• Retention of Route 52/N52 (Victoria Station to Willesden Garage). New double deck buses including 12 hybrids (24 PVR) will run on the service when the new contract starts in December.

BusTalk l June 2012

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Simple steps to keeping our customers satisfied H

mmmm??? I wonder what’s going on here then?

We’ve all been in a situation where a little communication would have made all the difference. Waiting for a bus, waiting for that ‘oh so helpful’ sales assistant or listening endlessly to classical music whilst being left on hold on the phone. There’s nothing more frustrating than being left in the dark when you have the right to know what is going on.

So, you’ve been instructed by the route controller to wait at a stop to regulate the service but you have passengers on board that need to pick up their children from school and nursery, business men and women who are already running late for that important meeting, and an elderly woman that needed to be at her appointment 10 minutes ago! As a driver, there’s no need to tell you what follows on from this scenario…

However, research has shown that people are much more receptive to trying circumstances when they are simply informed of what is happening. If they aren’t informed, the likelihood of a confrontation is increased. So a small gesture such as clearly communicating with passengers through the PA can make all the difference.

Studies undertaken by TfL have shown that passengers simply need straightforward, honest, information in order to help them re-plan their journey. This is where YOU can help.

Your MDT is fitted with a button so you can make public address (PA) announcements to your passengers.

A few informative words can be very reassuring for your passengers. It enables them to make an informed decision and choose what their next best option is. Using the PA

Drivers – raise your voices and keep your passengers informed via your PA. facility shows your passengers that you’re the one in charge and also that you’re not just there to ‘drive the bus’. It makes you look more professional and you will find that you need to answer fewer questions (as you make an announcement to the whole bus) which means less hassle for you.

You will find that once you begin to use your PA system more, things run more smoothly. We understand that using the PA system could be daunting for those whose first language is not English. If this is the case for you, take your time and think about what you want to say first, and then make your announcement. Your passengers will appreciate the effort you have made and it is better than saying nothing.

We all want to receive good customer service when we are travelling as it gives a much

more positive experience. It shows passengers that you are a professional and in control; reduces opportunities for confrontations with ‘stressed out’ passengers, and can really help your shift run smoothly.

Go-Ahead is one of the UK’s largest bus operators, with a fleet of around 3,900 buses. It is therefore imperative that we deliver the very best service to all our passengers.

An important part of this is communicating with passengers, so here are a few tips to use and consider ahead of your next shift to help you get the best out of your PA system: • Before you use the PA, make sure the doors are shut so people can hear you • Start with, for example, “this is your driver speaking…”

• Keep the message short and simple as you only have 20 seconds to speak • Avoid jargon, i.e. RTA, RTC, BWM, etc etc etc If you know the next stop is closed, tell passengers before pulling away from the previous stop, so they can decide whether or not to leave or stay on the bus until it reaches the next available stop. For example: “This is your driver speaking. This bus will not stop at the next bus stop due to pavement works. I will reopen the doors if you wish to alight now.”

If you are fearful of public speaking, you can practise with something non urgent like, “this bus terminates here, please take all your personal belongings with you.” In time, you will feel more confident using the system.

For more information, speak to your operating manager and refer to page 39 of the Big Red Book.

Have your

SAY

THE online ‘Have Your Say’ forum has been sparking a large amount of discussion.

Not only does the forum allow colleagues to ask any questions they need answering but it also allows them to engage in discussion on issues with their fellow colleagues.

Since the forum went live on April 23, 22 subjects of discussion have taken place, with a topic regarding the use of mobile phones at work already having nearly 1000 views!

“It’s a place where colleagues have the ability to start a discussion on work related or social topics with a large number of different colleagues,” said Greg French, who works in the communications department.

“Reading forums can be a great way for people to inform themselves on subjects and issues they may not necessarily know that much about.

“The mobile phone topic is a fantastic example. A driver started a new topic asking for clarification on the rules regarding mobile phones and our very own operations director David Cutts joined in on the conversation to help clarify things.

“Because of what was brought up in the forum there will now be a further clarification regarding the issue of mobile phones going out on our new digital signage (see page 2).

“I would really encourage everyone to get involved in the forum. It’s not just drivers who can benefit from it but everyone in the company.”

Brand new Fiat prize for our greenest driver THIS YEAR’S Fiat 500 challenge is bigger and better than ever, with 25 drivers now in with the chance of winning a Fiat 500 worth £14,000.

The competition, which takes place at Millbrook testing ground on September 19, involves Go-Ahead London’s greenest drivers coming together to compete for the grand prize.

Out of the 84 drivers who have been nominated ‘driver of the month’ by their garage over a six month period which

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began in March this year, the top 25 will be short listed to compete in September.

On top of all this, Mix Telematics and Williams will be sponsoring the event.

“Go-Ahead London is fully committed to lowering CO2 emissions and this starts with our drivers,” said communications manager and organiser of the event, Sheldon Malcolm.

“We want everyone to remember that what you do with your right foot while driving directly affects the environment.

“Personally, I can’t wait for the competition.

It really is a very special day and is a once in a lifetime opportunity for any driver who gets through to the final.”

RETIREMENT

COMMENDATIONS

Terry and Dave take with them nearly 60 years of experience

G

O-AHEAD London said farewell to 58 years of engineering experience with the retirement of two of Peckham’s best known characters, Terry Ford and Dave Schmidt.

Terry left at the end of April after 35 years’ service and Dave had 23 years’ service behind him when he said farewell in December 2011.

Dave wasn’t keen on having a big send-off, but he popped along to Terry’s large gathering at the Hollydale Tavern in Peckham attended by colleagues from a number of garages – as well as engineering director Richard Harrington.

Richard gave a humorous and well-received address to the gathering, which he ended by saying: “On behalf of the company I would like to thank you for all your years of loyal service. Please ensure that you stay in touch. The

Dave Schmidt, left, and Terry Ford wish each other the best of luck in their retirement.

company and all your colleagues wish you a very long and happy retirement.”

Peckham workshop manager Chris Burke said: “We wish them both well for the future but they leave some mighty big shoes to fill

as they take with them nearly 60 years of experience. Terry always used to say that he had given the company the best years of his life – and it is certainly true that their knowledge will be missed a great deal.”

The legend lives on!

IF YOU should happen to bump into Merton driver Joe Rodrigues, make sure you don’t Tread on his Blue Suede Shoes because he might well get All Shook Up! That’s right, Joe is a mad keen Elvis Presley fan and he likes nothing better than slipping into one of his many Elvis costumes and belting out a few of the King’s world-wide hits.

During the day Joe can be seen behind the wheel on Merton’s routes – he has been a driver for 25 years – but at weekends he is happiest when he’s performing at parties, receptions and even at local pubs.

He can even claim to be an international performer. Said Joe: “I always take at least one of my Elvis outfits with me when I’m on holiday.

When my wife and I were in Goa a few years ago a man who had heard me singing at an event back home asked me if I would perform on the beach the next day for his wife’s 60th birthday. It went down really well and they treated us like royalty!”

As a really dedicated fan Joe has naturally made the pilgrimage to Memphis and visited Elvis’s Graceland home as well as staying at the Heartbreak Hotel. He has also attended more than his fair share of Elvis conventions and fan events. His big regret is never having seen Elvis perform live.

Joe has a range of costumes reflecting Elvis’s changing styles from the 1950s to the 1970s but his pride and joy is his authentic white and rhinestone jumpsuit that cost him a staggering £4,000!

So what is it that he loves about Elvis? “It’s his amazing, unique voice that is just so flexible. Singing his songs, or even just sitting down at home and listening to one of his records from my collection helps me really relax.”

Joe Rodrigues with his tribute to the King.

BEXLEYHEATH n “THE world needs more people like him.” So said Ruby, a passenger, in recognition of driver Alex Burrows who impressed her with his politeness and friendly manner. n MRS J Church would like to thank driver Tony Honeywell for his kindness. Having passed her some distance from the bus stop, Tony waited for her to board the bus, before setting off. n THE professionalism and caring attitude of driver Dave Jupp received praise from Ms E Rabdon. When he was delayed due to traffic congestion, Dave ensured all his passengers were aware that his bus was only going to Blendon. He explained that the bus following was for Bexleyheath, which he arranged to wait for any customers who required that service. n Customer Mrs B Mothobi, a wheelchair user, applauded the professionalism and help provided by drivers Janice Byrne and Trevor Stedman. She was very impressed with Janice and Trevor’s high levels of service – they even asked Mrs Mothobi which stop she needed to get off the bus.

NEW CROSS n THE pleasant and helpful attitude of Paul Harper has earned praise from TfL account manager, Ben Adams. Paul’s bus was curtailed along route 171.

He clearly explained this to the passengers, ensured everyone boarded another 171 bus, and made sure that no-one had to pay again. His exemplary customer service defused any potential illfeeling.

STOCKWELL n SENIOR citizen Ms M Kane could not praise Wayne Grosvenor highly enough for helping lift her suitcase on and off the bus. She also complimented his “courteous and helpful manner” to other passengers along the route. n HIGH levels of customer care from driver Jose Vieira have been noticed by Mrs M Maguire.

Jose waited for passengers to be seated before setting off and stopped his bus near the kerb for the elderly, a wheelchair user and people with pushchairs, showing his “thoughtfulness and consideration.”

WATERSIDE WAY n MISS Y Ng would like to thank driver Lisa Fludder for her help in finding the document bag she mislaid on the 39 bus to Putney Bridge.

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Charity round-up...Charity round-up...Charity round-up... Charity round-up...Charity round-up...

Gary Hunt (front) with, from left, some of the intrepid bunch: Alan Hodge, Donald Bradley, Mark Cambridge, Lewis Bates, Andy Cauchi and driver Pat McBarron.

Gary heads for the coast on epic walk

Rear view: Driver Alan gets his second wind and heads for the finish line in the London Marathon.

Marathon charity effort from Alan THE PHRASE ‘hitting the wall’ may not mean a lot to most people, but New Cross driver Alan Benbow certainly knows all about it!

Alan ran the London Marathon on April 22 for the British Heart foundation, finishing in five hours and 47 minutes.

“The race itself was very hard. Everything was going okay until I reached the 18-mile mark when I suddenly hit a wall and was in quite a bit of pain.

“The next mile and a half was terrible, but after that I found a new lease of life and then

Moonwalk success for Hannah’s team WALKING through the night was the name of the game for Hannah Self when she took part in the Moonwalk Marathon on May 12.

The Moonwalk Marathon takes place in different places all over the country to raise money for the fight against breast cancer.

Merton operating manager Hannah and her team finished the 26-mile walk at 7.36am, taking just over eight hours to complete the course.

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by the time I got to the last three miles I was flying.”

He says he chose the charity because of his parents’ health issues and he managed to raise £650.

“My father unfortunately passed away from a heart attack so the British Heart Foundation seemed like an appropriate charity to run for,” said Alan.

“I would like to thank all my colleagues, not only at New Cross, but also at every other garage who donated to my cause.”

HAVING lost a number of colleagues due to cancer during his career, Gary Hunt decided to organise a charity walk from Sutton garage to Brighton Pier in their honour.

The walk took place on May 5, with the group leaving at 12.30pm and not arriving at the pier until 11.30am the next day!

As well as Gary, taking part in the walk were colleagues Andy Cauchi, Donald Bradley, Tony Lawlee, Lewis Bates, Alan Hodge and operating manager Mark Cambridge.

Patrick Connolly, Tony Christodoulides, Pat McBarron and David Geary also went along for the ride, taking it in turns to drive a supporting minibus, provided by Go-Ahead London, for the walkers. In total the group raised roughly £2000, which will be donated to world-leading cancer specialists, the Royal Marsden.

“It all got started after I was sitting at home with my wife discussing what I could do to raise a bit of money,” said organiser Gary.

“We eventually agreed that if I was going to do a challenge it may as well be a big one and that’s how the idea of Sutton garage to Brighton came about.

“The walk itself was really hard work, but we got there in the end. It ended up being about 56 miles from start to finish and I know a few of us definitely had some blisters by the end!

“I really want to thank the great group who did the walk, everyone who sponsored us, GoAhead London for providing the minibus and especially my four colleagues who came along in a support role.”

Top prizes in our e-mail competition E-mail is such a fast and efficient method of communication that Go-Ahead London is keen to promote its use among all colleagues. As an encouragement, Go-Ahead London is running this exciting competition with truly top prizes up for grabs.

To be in with a chance of winning the first prize of a brand new iPad, second prize of an iPhone 4S or third prize of £250, all you have to do is answer (via e-mail) the following simple question: What was Paddington Bear’s favourite sandwich filling?

A. Peanut Butter B. Marmalade C. Cheese.

To enter, email: communications@go-ahead-london.com with your name, employee number, email address and, of course, your answer. The three winners will be chosen at random from all the correct entries.

Published by Go-Ahead London. Produced by Ruxley Communications, Walton-on-Thames. Printed by Evolve Print Solutions, Rickmansworth.