Ein Newyddion – Autumn 2013

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Newyddi

Autumn 2013

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The magazine for First people in South & West Wales

New hi-tech

arrive in style CENTRE PAGES

Long servers and Superstars honoured at ceremony PAGE SEVEN

Publicity Officer tells how he met his

BIGGEST CHALLENGE

PAGE SIX

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We’re well prepared for a busy time ahead

By Managing Director

Justin Davies

WELCOME to our new in-house magazine for everybody at First Cymru. This really reinforces our position as an independent company operating for First UK Bus. So much has been happening in the past few months, it’s been difficult to decide what to leave out in this brief review. Here then are some highlights: ● Our internal talent search has produced new roles and new training for Jamie Slee, Steve Davies and Derek Wright. ● We have set out our vision and values as a company based on trusting each other to deliver and helping each other to succeed. ● The Better Journeys for Life roadmaps are forming the central part of our supervisors and managers’ engagement sessions. ● The combination of Llanelli and Swansea depots has been completed on time and to budget. ● Brand new buses worth £3.7 million have been put in to service in recent months. ● The new Cardiff Airport Shuttle operation has started. ● Our Greyhound service to Bristol Airport has started well.

Ahead lies another really hectic period and I’m very pleased that our new Fleet Engineer Paul Davies and Human Resources Manager Jane Reakes-Davies will be joining us in September to help take the business forward.

That will give a complete team to take First Cymru forward into a very busy time of the year. A budget and five year plan will need completing, together with investment plans for the business.

At the same time, negotiations will be underway on payments for concessionary customers and Regional Transport Grants.

Thanks for all your support and hard work in recent weeks.

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Magazine goes back to the future E’RE back! By now, you will have noticed that your magazine has a “new” title. We’ve revived Ein Newyddion (Our News) which was the The front cover name of the old South Wales Transport of the last Ein Newyddion to be magazine from way back. It was a published in December magazine which was well thought of in 1972. Does anyone know the days long before digital who the little boy in communications. the photo is?

The return of that name reflects the recent changes in the company structure and we will now report all local and First Group news from a First Cymru perspective.

The first issue of Ein Newyddion appeared as long ago as May 1948. Before that time, there had been a simple staff bulletin.

Items covered in 1948 sound familiar even now. The lead story was about bus and rail coordination in the event of delays – much as we do today with Greyhound and First Great Western.

There were concerns over traffic congestion in the evening peak which was causing delays to services. A large order had been placed for new and 1960s with the final issue (Volume 26, vehicles to replace worn out older ones which no. 5) appearing in December 1972. had been running since before the war and there From 1973 a National Bus publication, called were concerns over the increasing number of simply Bus was sent out to staff. accidents.

So, welcome to Volume 27, no.1...!

The magazine continued throughout the 1950s

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Three drivers bid for UK title THREE drivers are representing First Cymru at the UK-wide Bus Driver of the Year competition in Blackpool – among them a two-time winner of the national minibus title.

Swansea Driver Philip Connor topped the Cymru heats to set up another crack at the competition in September, where he’ll face up to 120 others drivers from around Britain. The 50-year-old, who has been with First for 27 years, won the BDOY mini bus titles in 1996 and 1997. He came second in the main competition in 1994, fourth in 1998 and third in 2008. He has never been out of the top three in Wales.

Second in the First Cymru heats was 52-year-old Martin Sleeman, who is based at Carmarthen depot.

A First driver for 11 years, he said: “I’ve been to the Blackpool finals many times since the 1980s with different bus companies but my best achievements are with First in recent years when I came 5th

TOP TRIO: UK Driver of the Year finalists, left to right, Martin Sleeman, Mike Huckridge and Phil Connor.

and 4th. I’m going for it again this year and aiming for the top.

I’d love to win it just once.”

The third driver representing the company is Mike Huckridge, a 47-year-old driver based at Bridgend. He has only been with First for two and a half years and though he has

extensive previous experience driving coaches, this is his first time in the competition.

He said: “I only went along to see how I would do.”

The Bus Driver of the Year final takes place in Blackpool over the weekend of September 7 and 8.

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Contract retained

Airport express

One of the new Cardiff Airport Express buses with its eyecatching livery.

creates jobs NOTHER 18 drivers jobs have been created now First Cymru is running express bus services to and from Cardiff Airport.

Known as the Cardiff Express, First operates five Optare Tempo single deck vehicles with coach style seating, climate control, free WiFi, extra luggage space and improved on-board information.

The service runs every 20 minutes, seven days a week from early morning until late evening – giving travellers an easy way to get to and from the airport terminal and Cardiff city centre.

First won the prestigious contract through the tendering process. The service is funded by the Welsh Government and forms part of the Traws Cymru network.

Justin Davies, First Cymru Managing Director, said: “We are

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pleased to have won this contract.

It is, perhaps, one of the most high profile contracts in Wales at the moment and it is an honour for us to be involved in the delivery of these services.

“Our Cardiff team has again been expanded in winning this work and the creation of 18 new drivers jobs is also very positive news for the local economy.”

Airport Chief Executive Jon Horne said: “This new service greatly enhances the airport’s public transport offer, something sought in the feedback we receive from our customers. It will play an important part in the overall process of improving connectivity to the airport.”

Economy and Transport Minister Edwina Hart said: “The Welsh Government’s vision for the

development of Cardiff Airport includes making it easier for passengers to travel to and from the airport using public transport.

This service provides a modern, convenient and comfortable link to the city centre at a competitive price.”

Councillor Lis Burnett, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Innovation, Planning and Transportation at Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “We feel strongly that high quality, public transport at affordable prices is essential to securing the future for Cardiff Airport.”

Tickets on the new service cost £5 single or £8 return for adults with reductions for children.

Concessionary bus pass holders resident in Wales can travel for free on the express service.

MORE brand new buses are on the way now Swansea has retained its Park and Ride contract for another five years – winning the business again in a re-tendering exercise.

The company currently operates 14 buses, six days a week from hubs at Fabian Way, Landore and Fforestfach, with services running from 7am to 7pm.

Now the business is secure, First is investing £1.5 million in nine new Enviro 300s, which should enter service by the end of the year.

Buses already operating the service will then be cascaded down to the popular X11 commuter route from Swansea to Carmarthen to help improve reliability and punctuality.

On site meeting A tea and buns Meet the Team day was staged at the Cardiff Park and Ride site in Pentwyn.

Site partners Senator Security also took part while representatives from Cardiff Council also visited. It was a particular chance for Park and Ride colleagues who rarely see each other to get together.

There are plans for similar events at other depots across First Cymru.

Changes for better NETWORK changes have been introduced in Llanelli to improve punctuality and reliability as well as making it easier for customers to remember bus service numbers. An easy-to-use guide to the route changes includes a map and clear instructions on which bus goes where. The guides are available from the depot, the bus station and drivers.

Third tour THE BIG TICKET: Driver Paula Fisher, left, is pictured at the launch of the new service with, left to right, Edwina Hart AM, Economy and Transport Minister, Councillor Lis Burnett, Vale of Glamorgan Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Innovation, Planning and Transportation, Jon Horne, Chief Executive of Cardiff Airport, and Justin Davies.

THE mobile training bus used by vehicle technicians and company engineers across First Cymru has now finished its third tour of duty after spending the last two years criss-crossing the UK educating staff.

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A new Optare Versa on Service X2 at Bridgend bus station.

Our cover picture features Controller Godfrey Morgan with the new bus

Initiatives to boost image

Rugby fan Bob Cole wearing his British Lions shirt.

MARKETING initiatives designed to improve the company image and the customer experience are taking place across First Cymru.

Newly appointed Publicity Officer Christian Horn is reviewing roadside information and this has already led to a new-look coach departure point at Swansea and improvements to publicity at Port Talbot bus station. There are plans to refresh material in bus shelters on the FTR Metro route.

Badly positioned and out of date publicity inside vehicles is also under the spotlight with most of the Swansea fleet already tackled and other depots on the list for attention next.

Colleagues are being asked to keep an eye out for damaged roadside information and report back as quickly as possible so action can be taken.

Nearly half way to target FIRST Group is nearing the halfway point in its fundraising campaign to help support people living with cancer. In less than a year, a total of £475,000 in cash and kind has been generated for Macmillan Cancer Support. It has come about after the company set itself a target of raising £1 million for Macmillan, which has been chosen as its charity partner.

And colleagues in the region can really crank up the total later this month by taking part in the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning event on Friday September 27.

To register for a Coffee morning, email firstgroup@macmillan.org.uk

Brownies go on holiday FREE bus tickets provided by First Cymru meant the 15 members of the 1st Tycroes Brownies and their leaders really could enjoy their annual group holiday. They used buses to explore The Mumbles, taking in the splendours of Oystermouth Castle, the sea front, the beach and the shops.

In a letter to First signed by all the brownies, Brown Owl Cathy Thomas said: “Thank you so much for the bus tickets. We had a fabulous time.”

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An eye-catching ADL Enviro 200 leaves Swansea bus station.

Bob’s busy in retirement

Luxurious eco buses

set the standard USTOMERS are now benefiting from investment of £2.66 million in 18 brand new buses, which have now entered service across South Wales.

The luxurious Optare Versa vehicles with leather seats and free WiFi as standard are being used on Services X2, 63 and 63B between Porthcawl and Cardiff and Bridgend, Averkenfig, Pyle and Porthcawl.

The buses have a number of tip-up seats at the front, giving them versatile space options.

Lighter than their older counterparts, they offer better all round fuel economy and produce fewer carbon emissions.

Around 10,000 homes along the X2 routes received leaflets offering a free journey. A roadshow was also staged to show off the new vehicles and give passengers timetables and promotional goodies.

Another 8,000 properties along the 63/63b routes were mailed with the same free journey offer.

The latest investment brings

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to £3.7 million the amount First Cymru has spent on new buses in 2013 after eight new ADL Enviro 200s costing £1.040 million entered service in Swansea earlier this year.

Justin Davies, First Cymru Managing Director, said: “These new buses are a great addition to our local business and will enable us to serve local people, connecting local communities long into the future. We hope that people will get on board to try them.”

Optare Sales Director John Horn said: “We’re proud to be part of First’s strategy to introduce stylish, comfortable and environmentally friendly vehicles to its fleet in South Wales.

“Drivers will soon discover the Versa is easy to drive with excellent all-round visibility. Our Eco-Drive dashboard will help them deliver a safer and more comfortable ride for passengers as well as assisting them to make their own contribution to better fuel economy, which also means lower emission levels.”

Drivers Jason Lake, left, and Terry Lambert show the bright interior of a new Optare Versa with stylish leather seats.

DRIVER Bob Cole has been so busy since he retired he wonders how he ever found time to go to work in the first place.

Now 64, Bob spent 44 years on the buses first as a Conductor and then from 1972 as a Driver based at depots in Neath, Swansea and finally Pontardawe when he was working a three-day week.

He said: “There’ve been some massive changes since I started in 69 when there weren’t so many cars on the road. It’s been good.

I’ve had some great times and made some great mates.

“I’ve had some nice vehicles to drive. My favourite has to be the Dennis Lance. It had a bit of oomph. I haven’t stopped since I retired. I’ve just got from a month in Australia following the British Lions. We had tickets for all three Tests.

“I’ve been playing golf, doing some gardening and my wife Bev and I are planning a winter cruise.

We’ve also been looking after the grandchildren.

“Forty four years was enough so I’m planning to relax a bit and we want to do a lot more travelling.”

Canteen now has free WiFi

A new Optare Versa operating on Service 63 at Bridgend.

FREE WiFi is now available in the First staff canteen at Swansea bus station as part of a push to improve communication.

Staff Manager Clare Dalton said: “We want to open up other lines of communication for everyone so staff can even tweet the MD from the canteen if they want to. We’d also encourage them to sign up for the Better Journeys for Life micro site if they haven’t already done so.

They can easily access it in the canteen using their smartphones or tablets and we’re planning a special Cymru page where we’ll post rotas,

updates and any information they might need.” The website is easy to use. Simply visit www.betterjourneysforlife.com and follow the instructions to set up an account.

Lead Host Daniel Temple accesses the Better Journeys for Life micro site on his smartphone using the Swansea canteen WiFi.

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A new Optare Versa on Service X2 at Bridgend bus station.

Our cover picture features Controller Godfrey Morgan with the new bus

Initiatives to boost image

Rugby fan Bob Cole wearing his British Lions shirt.

MARKETING initiatives designed to improve the company image and the customer experience are taking place across First Cymru.

Newly appointed Publicity Officer Christian Horn is reviewing roadside information and this has already led to a new-look coach departure point at Swansea and improvements to publicity at Port Talbot bus station. There are plans to refresh material in bus shelters on the FTR Metro route.

Badly positioned and out of date publicity inside vehicles is also under the spotlight with most of the Swansea fleet already tackled and other depots on the list for attention next.

Colleagues are being asked to keep an eye out for damaged roadside information and report back as quickly as possible so action can be taken.

Nearly half way to target FIRST Group is nearing the halfway point in its fundraising campaign to help support people living with cancer. In less than a year, a total of £475,000 in cash and kind has been generated for Macmillan Cancer Support. It has come about after the company set itself a target of raising £1 million for Macmillan, which has been chosen as its charity partner.

And colleagues in the region can really crank up the total later this month by taking part in the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning event on Friday September 27.

To register for a Coffee morning, email firstgroup@macmillan.org.uk

Brownies go on holiday FREE bus tickets provided by First Cymru meant the 15 members of the 1st Tycroes Brownies and their leaders really could enjoy their annual group holiday. They used buses to explore The Mumbles, taking in the splendours of Oystermouth Castle, the sea front, the beach and the shops.

In a letter to First signed by all the brownies, Brown Owl Cathy Thomas said: “Thank you so much for the bus tickets. We had a fabulous time.”

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An eye-catching ADL Enviro 200 leaves Swansea bus station.

Bob’s busy in retirement

Luxurious eco buses

set the standard USTOMERS are now benefiting from investment of £2.66 million in 18 brand new buses, which have now entered service across South Wales.

The luxurious Optare Versa vehicles with leather seats and free WiFi as standard are being used on Services X2, 63 and 63B between Porthcawl and Cardiff and Bridgend, Averkenfig, Pyle and Porthcawl.

The buses have a number of tip-up seats at the front, giving them versatile space options.

Lighter than their older counterparts, they offer better all round fuel economy and produce fewer carbon emissions.

Around 10,000 homes along the X2 routes received leaflets offering a free journey. A roadshow was also staged to show off the new vehicles and give passengers timetables and promotional goodies.

Another 8,000 properties along the 63/63b routes were mailed with the same free journey offer.

The latest investment brings

C

to £3.7 million the amount First Cymru has spent on new buses in 2013 after eight new ADL Enviro 200s costing £1.040 million entered service in Swansea earlier this year.

Justin Davies, First Cymru Managing Director, said: “These new buses are a great addition to our local business and will enable us to serve local people, connecting local communities long into the future. We hope that people will get on board to try them.”

Optare Sales Director John Horn said: “We’re proud to be part of First’s strategy to introduce stylish, comfortable and environmentally friendly vehicles to its fleet in South Wales.

“Drivers will soon discover the Versa is easy to drive with excellent all-round visibility. Our Eco-Drive dashboard will help them deliver a safer and more comfortable ride for passengers as well as assisting them to make their own contribution to better fuel economy, which also means lower emission levels.”

Drivers Jason Lake, left, and Terry Lambert show the bright interior of a new Optare Versa with stylish leather seats.

DRIVER Bob Cole has been so busy since he retired he wonders how he ever found time to go to work in the first place.

Now 64, Bob spent 44 years on the buses first as a Conductor and then from 1972 as a Driver based at depots in Neath, Swansea and finally Pontardawe when he was working a three-day week.

He said: “There’ve been some massive changes since I started in 69 when there weren’t so many cars on the road. It’s been good.

I’ve had some great times and made some great mates.

“I’ve had some nice vehicles to drive. My favourite has to be the Dennis Lance. It had a bit of oomph. I haven’t stopped since I retired. I’ve just got from a month in Australia following the British Lions. We had tickets for all three Tests.

“I’ve been playing golf, doing some gardening and my wife Bev and I are planning a winter cruise.

We’ve also been looking after the grandchildren.

“Forty four years was enough so I’m planning to relax a bit and we want to do a lot more travelling.”

Canteen now has free WiFi

A new Optare Versa operating on Service 63 at Bridgend.

FREE WiFi is now available in the First staff canteen at Swansea bus station as part of a push to improve communication.

Staff Manager Clare Dalton said: “We want to open up other lines of communication for everyone so staff can even tweet the MD from the canteen if they want to. We’d also encourage them to sign up for the Better Journeys for Life micro site if they haven’t already done so.

They can easily access it in the canteen using their smartphones or tablets and we’re planning a special Cymru page where we’ll post rotas,

updates and any information they might need.” The website is easy to use. Simply visit www.betterjourneysforlife.com and follow the instructions to set up an account.

Lead Host Daniel Temple accesses the Better Journeys for Life micro site on his smartphone using the Swansea canteen WiFi.

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CHRISTIAN HORN is the First Cymru Publicity Officer who works on the company’s roadside image. Here, he explains how the diet and exercise of a Palaeolithic lifestyle keep him fit and confident.

time

Question

Christian Horn pictured on a bus at Swansea bus station.

Driver Andrew Stevens studies the new Better Journeys for Life board in the reception at Swansea depot.

Improving the

business How long have you worked in the bus industry?

I Joined First in 2003 as a driver in Swansea. I’ve spent most of my time on the Mumbles and West routes. I was appointed Publicity Officer in June and I’m lucky to meet new people whilst improving our customer information, both at the roadside and within buses.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I always aspired to be a fire fighter growing up. However being claustrophobic and scared of heights wasn’t advantageous. Fortunately I have overcome my fears nowadays.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I spend as much time with my family as possible. My wife and I have two sons who keep us very busy. We love the great outdoors and take every opportunity to go camping and do nature walks.

I’m also passionate about health, fitness and nutrition and follow a Palaeolithic lifestyle, which has helped me lose over five stones in weight. It’s nothing to do with cavemen – just eating real food and regular exercise.

How else do you relax?

With eight and five-year-old

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boys, there’s not much down time! But when I get an opportunity my favourite ways of unwinding involve 10K runs along the promenade, music, red wine and dark chocolate.

Which people, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party and why?

Frank Skinner – he never fails to make me laugh. A.P McCoy – the man is a born winner and Al Pacino for being my all-time favourite actor.

What is the most challenging thing you have ever done?

Losing weight. In 2007 I was at my heaviest. I felt terrible about myself – I had no energy or confidence. I decided enough was enough. After two years of running, eating healthy and with unrelenting support from my wife Rhian, I achieved my goal weight. That journey has made me who I am today. I proved to myself that I can achieve anything if I put my mind to it.

Best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Measure twice, cut once!

Planning and preparation have always set me in good stead.

I’m methodical in my approach and a bit of a perfectionist in everything I do.

WANSEA is undergoing Depot Transformation now its combination with Llanelli has been successfully completed.

With work at Port Talbot complete, the Business Improvement team moved on to Ravenhill and Swansea bus station at the start of a six-week programme designed to encourage leaner working and improvement in the main Key Performance Indicators.

Mapping sessions have been taking place across the business as part of a wide-ranging staff engagement process. Staff Manager Clare Dalton said: “We encourage continuous improvement in our business so we have been

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Staff Manager Clare Dalton in her decluttered and tidy office.

looking forward to the Business Improvement team working with us. If there’s anything they can bring to the team in terms of leaner and smarter working, then that’s good.

“Delivering great services is a real team effort here in Swansea – it’s not about individuals – so we’ve encouraged all staff at all levels to get on board and make the most of this experience and opportunity.

“And of course it is linked to the Better Journeys for Life brand promise and the five key pillars of commitment to customers, dedication to safety, being supportive of each other, being accountable for performance and setting the highest standards.”

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The nudespapers Cheeky calendar to go on sale raising cash for Macmillan HEEKY it might be but the naked calendar featuring the best bits of plucky volunteers from across First Cymru in South Wales is to be printed and is set to raise well over £2,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The brainchild of Swansea Driver Deborah Fleming, she even features in all her glory behind a bench with a bendy bus in the background.

The 51-year-old, who has been with First for 18 years, said: “I only went along to sort something out and I got roped in. Before I knew it, I’d whipped my dress off. I wasn’t at all embarrassed – you only live once.”

With Christian Horn behind the camera, organisers had around 100 pictures to choose from featuring FTR drivers and hosts, engineering staff, coaching department colleagues, drivers, management and supervisors.

A shortlist of 30 produced the final 12 with those left over now featuring on an extra page at the end of the calendar. Around 300 copies will sell for £6.99 each.

Tickets are also on sale for a fundraising night to cover printing costs. Taking place at The Countryman pub on The Gower on October 12, the idea is to raise even more

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METRO NEWSPAPER SAVES THEIR BLUSHES: back row left to right, FTR Pilot Nigel Beal, Drivers Sharon Brown, Deborah Fleming and Andy Sterling; front row left to right, FTR Hosts Rie Blacklar and Angela Lumsdaine, Administrator Anne-Marie Edwards and FTR Lead Host Debra Hyde.

money so the night features a disco, talent contest, raffles and a slave auction.

Swansea Driver Geoff Keepings raised £150 himself after a pub sponsored him to get his kit off and more money has come from Ken Williams Recovery after the company

made a donation in return for First bus side advertising. “It’s been hard work and we’ve had to beg, borrow and steal to get the calendar done. I’d like to thank everyone who took part for coming up trumps. It’s created a real buzz around the place,” said Deborah.

MD praises long servers and Superstars LONG servers and Superstars have been honoured at the annual Long Service Awards staged this year at the Marriott Hotel in Swansea. Managing Director Justin Davies praised all those involved as he presented the accolades in the following categories.

25 YEARS: David Cooksey, Anthony Hoare, Mike Thompson, Susan Cowie, Meirion Lewis, Lyn Harvey, Paul Taylor, Raymond Evans, Peter Hutin, David Harris.

30 YEARS: Robert Powney, Phil Trotter, Edward Lowe, John George, Kenneth Jones.

35 YEARS: Peter Harris, Malcolm Wall, Lyn Maggs.

40 YEARS: Peter Charles, Nigel Davies, Paul Miller.

SUPERSTARS: Jon Westwood, Rebecca Jenkins, Alison Davies, Joel Brown, Andrew Oglesby, Stephen Peters.

Pictured at the award evening with Managing Director Justin Davies, back row right, and Business Development Director Simon Cursio, back left, are twenty-five year long service awardees, back row left to right, Network Planner Paul Taylor, Trainer Mike Thompson, Operations and Staff Manager David Cooksley and Engineering Service Assistant Meirion Lewis.

Front row left to right, Engineering Service Assistant Anthony Hoare, Operations Manager Lyn Harvey and Driver Sue Cowie.

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Ian is so proud of

Euro

charity cycling ORKSHOP Charge Hand Ian Smale is as proud as punch after a relative successfully completed a First-backed charity bike ride from Paris to Barcelona.

Ian, who is based at the Ravenhill depot in Swansea, made sure his niece’s husband Jonathan Grey applied to the Charity and Sponsorship Committee for support.

First donated £300 to Jonathan as he took on the 740-mile challenge of riding through France and Spain in memory of his father Jeffrey who died last year aged 54 after a battle against cancer.

Jonathan, 29, wore a shirt with the words “In Loving Memory of My Dad” on the back as he joined about 70 other riders who took part in the gruelling seven-day event. He ended up raising £1,700 for Maggies Cancer Care Centres.

He said: “I’ve always kept fit but I only bought my first road bike in February when I signed up to do the event with my best mate James Jeffreys. I built the miles up during training before I went but it was

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First Cymru’s Ian Smale, right, holds the shirt Jonathan Grey, left, wore in his Paris to Barcelona charity bike ride.

hard. The hardest day was day five when the fatigue had set in.

“We had a big climb to do before crossing the border and that’s when I had to dig the deepest. It was quite emotional when we finished – a brilliant feeling though. I felt a real sense of achievement. I have to thank First for donating £300. It really kick started my fundraising and was a massive help.”

Ian said: “He completed it no problems so he did fantastic. We’re all very pleased for him.”

First Cymru Business Performance Director Simon Cursio said: “I am delighted to hear that our employee Ian was able to help Jonathan secure some money from our charity and sponsorship committee.”

Progress in cutting electricity usage FIVE First Cymru depots are making real headway on reducing their electricity usage as the First Group this year focuses on encouraging high consumers to cut bills.

Bridgend recorded a 21 per cent reduction in June compared to the same month in 2012 and has recorded a year-to-date cut of 10 per cent. Pontardawe has seen its year-to-date usage fall by 28 per cent compared to the same time last year. In the month of June, it slashed usage by 13 per cent. Ravenhill’s June figure was down seven per cent while the year-to-date total for the period April to June was reduced by six per cent.

Llanelli and Port Talbot’s figures are also consistently down.

Recycling at Ravenhill for June was just below 80 per cent – well above target.

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Fleet Administrator Gill Smith turns off the lights at Swansea’s Ravenhill depot when they are not needed.

First backs under 15s rugby team THE under 15s squad at Dunvant RFC now has new kit and equipment thanks to a £625 donation from First’s Charity and Sponsorship Committee.

It means the 18 strong squad no longer has to use a handed-down strip and worn out gear.

Team Manager Aled Samuel said: “We are incredibly grateful to First for this donation as without it we couldn’t have covered the total cost of the kit alone.

“I will be with the boys for another year until they have finished at under 16s level and I am sure that thanks to this flash new kit, the team will go on to much success in that time.”

Simon Cursio, First Cymru Business Performance Director, said: “As a key employer in the area, we are always looking to give something tangible back to the communities we serve.

“I am sure that the skills that these young sportsmen are learning will come to be of much benefit to them and, in time, will pay dividends to the communities they live in.”