First to Know - Autumn 15

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Autumn 2015

know

The magazine for First people in Hampshire, Dorset & Berkshire

An excellent

hat-trick ENGINEERING MANAGER SCOOPS ONE OF THREE TOP AWARDS CENTRE PAGES

Employees views are crucial PAGE SIX

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Now is the time to plan services for next year

By Managing Director

Marc Reddy

WITH the summer season coming to a close, the weather has not been particular favourable compared to previous years, which is disappointing.

This obviously has a knock-on effect on the number of visitors to places like Weymouth, Legoland and other tourist locations.

However, we are already thinking about our plans for our services in summer 2016.

Continuing investment in the business helps to see us grow organically and maximise any opportunities that arise. This year, we will have seen new buses in most of our depots. We have also operated an array of various different special events services across our business.

In July, I attended the inaugural First UK Bus regional Excellence Awards where a number of you joined me for this fabulous event. Recognising the best of the best, we were successful in winning three of the top accolades – Depot of the Year, Engineering Manager of the Year and the award for Innovation and Change.

In addition, we had many highly commended awards as well as a raft of shortlisted candidates and nominations.

Congratulations to all those employees who were involved and were judged to be prime examples of best practice. As you know, our business is all about people and it is amazing to see so many of you rise to the challenge in delivering an excellent service to our customers.

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Ray wins national skills competition LOUGH-BASED Ray Silcox has been crowned “top technician” in a national skills competition for bus and coach engineers.

He won the mechanical challenge – despite being more of a diagnostic expert in the electrical field in his day job!

Taking part in the IRTE (Institute of Road Transport Engineers) Skills Challenge 2015, Ray registered the individual highest score in the Mechanical Technician Award.

He was also part of the three-strong team from FirstGroup which took the Outstanding Team Award in the competition. “I was put forward to enter the competition in a mechanical role which is not my true trade,” he said.

“I was absolutely flabbergasted to win. Although I studied Part 1 in Mechanical Engineering during the first year of my apprenticeship my career has since developed in the direction of electrical engineering.

“I really enjoyed the tests, which included evaluating tyres for faults, describing the parts in a torque multiplier circuit and using a micrometer.”

At Slough Ray, aged 45, is in charge of the electrical maintenance of the First Berkshire fleet although he does at times carry out mechanical work.

Gary Weaver, First Hampshire, Dorset and Berkshire’s Fleet Engineer, said: “Ray is the type of technician who everyone would want in their workshop.

“He is self-motivated, extremely technically competent, is a fantastic inspiration to the apprentices he mentors and the phrase ‘I can’t fix it’ does not exist in his vocabulary.”

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Ray Silcox with his IRTE Skills Challenge award.

Below, Ray pictured taking part in one of the competition tests.

Former traffic warden excels as driver SHIRLEY Edwards has only been a Driver for six months – and she has already received a Superstar nomination.

The Slough employee was a traffic warden in her previous career – and now she is being hailed as a role model in her new job.

Shirley’s friendly attitude and customer service skills have resulted in five passengers writing in to express their gratitude.

She has now been promoted to Buddy

Driver and has volunteered to be one of the team delivering Park and Ride for Rugby World Cup supporters.

“Shirley is a real asset to the company and a definite role model,” said Staff Manager Paul Godfrey.

“Since she joined First Berkshire her career has really blossomed and she’s not hesitated to volunteer for extra route learning and driving double deckers.”

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Two drivers commended

Pictured at the launch of fundraising for the defibrillator are, left to right, Lance Corporal Harry Pickering, fundraising committee member Alan Blake, Rob Marshall and his father Brian.

TWO Drivers have been awarded Superstar status for showing extreme consideration to older people in need of assistance.

Hoeford Driver Ryan Clasper was praised by a customer who saw him going out of his way to help two ladies who were having trouble crossing a busy road. Jon O’Connor, based in Southampton, went to help a lady who slipped as she was getting on board his bus.

The customer later wrote in to commend him for being “kind and helpful” when he helped her up and picked up her shopping which had spilled out into the road.

Lifesaving inspires

mercy mission HEN bystanders saved his dad’s life using a defibrillator Rob Marshall was inspired to launch a mercy mission of his own.

The Southampton Driver’s thoughts turned to the way his bus colleagues would benefit from easy access to the same emergency equipment.

So he came up with the idea of raising money to buy two defibrillators – one for Empress Road depot and one for Pound Tree Road offices.

Colleagues were quick to buy into the idea and soon a seven-strong committee was formed to organise a Sunday Fun Day.

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First Hampshire has agreed that if the campaigners raise £1,740 to buy the first machine together with training on how to use it from St John Ambulance, they will match the amount needed to buy the second.

“My father, a retired fireman, suffered a cardiac arrest when he was returning to his car in a supermarket car park,” said Rob. “An off-duty fireman and a soldier went to his assistance and obtained a defibrillator from the Asda store.

“As bus drivers we have a duty of care to the public but we also have a duty of care to ourselves.

“One of these machines, if it was used only once, would more

than repay its cost by saving someone’s life.”

The defibrillator kept Rob’s dad Brian alive until paramedics arrived to take him to hospital. After undergoing a quintuple bypass he is now back on track and was guest of honour at the Fun Day at Royal Victoria Country Park.

Brian along with the solder who helped to save his life, Lance Corporal Harry Pickering, also attended an event at Empress Road to launch the fundraising.

The members of the fundraising committee are Rob Marshall, Alison Henderson, Alan Blake, Kerrie Grant, Wendy Serrant, Kelly Feilon and Sue Wilderman.

Customer feedback initiative at Yeovil SENIOR employees answered questions from dozens of customers at a Meet the Manager session staged at Yeovil Bus Station.

The event was arranged to give people the opportunity to feedback thoughts and suggestions on First’s operations and to look at ways of boosting services in South Somerset.

The questions and answers session was in addition to regular online customer panels the company hosts.

Regional Customer Services Manager Natacha Tagholm said: “We have been looking at ways of enhancing our services in Yeovil and this is a great way of working with customers to improve their experience of travelling with us.

“We also hold Meet the Manager events across the OpCo so that customers have a first hand opportunity to learn more about what First is doing to invest in the fleet and to deliver Better Journeys for Life.”

Jurassic coast app CUSTOMERS on First Wessex’s flagship X53 service along the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site can now tap into tourist information as they travel.

They are able to download a Jurassic Coaster app, via either the Google or Apple app stores, to trigger text and audio commentary.

The app enables the user either to research the numerous tourist destinations along the route before their journey or to provide a live commentary which is triggered

by GPS co-ordinates.

It will be continually updated to include special offers to attractions. The X53 runs between Poole and Exeter via Weymouth, Bridport and Lyme Regis.

Frontline accolade WEYMOUTH Driver Gus Iandi has been shortlisted for the Frontline Employee of the Year accolade at the National Transport Awards.

The nomination reflects the respect he has garnered from both customers and colleagues over the 15 years he has been working for First Wessex.

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Staff went extra mile STAFF have been praised after extra buses were laid on for three big summer events on the south coast.

More vehicles were needed for an enhanced park and ride service in Portsmouth, to ferry spectators to watch the Admiral’s Cup. Meanwhile, additional buses were drafted in for the Bournemouth Air Festival and the Victorious music festival staged at the Southsea seafront in Portsmouth.

Hoeford Depot Operations Manager Andy Anderson said: “The influx of people meant we needed to lay on enhanced services and extra vehicles. Everyone stepped up to the plate and went the extra mile to make sure operations went smoothly.”

Cycle ride challenge EMPLOYEES from Hampshire, Dorset and Berkshire are joining First colleagues from around the country for a marathon bicycle ride in aid of Prostate Cancer UK. The Transpennine Challenge Cancer event takes place at the end of September between Manchester and Leeds.

Participants can choose the 60-mile one-way ride or the 120-mile there and back trip.

Email firstgroup@prostate canceruk.org to register.

Training first for industry ROOKIE drivers are getting bespoke training now a new programme has been rolled out placing greater emphasis on safety and customer service.

The Better for Life Driver Training Programme has prestigious City and Guilds accreditation – a first for the bus industry in the UK – and is endorsed by the Confederation of Passenger Transport.

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Marketing Manager Steve Spilsbury, right, with the Excellence Award trophy for Innovation and Change with, left to right, Marketing Executive Mike Thake, and Roadside Publicity Officers Mark Berry and Simon Newbrook.

Eco-friendly City Red fleet is a big hit with customers

Engineering Manager Neil Moreno holds his Excellence award certificate and trophy with members of the Empress Road engineering team, left to right, Electrician Martin House, Coach Builder Colin Harrison, Stores Apprentice Jordelle Giles, Technicians Julian Graham, Phil Bascombe and Graham Spranklin, Engineer/Administrator Richard Kingswell, Engineering Charge Hand Robert Stickland, Workshop Planner Dave Rogers and Workshop Cleaner Fred Sennett.

Three top awards recognise

efforts of excellence EYMOUTH and Southampton depots scooped three major accolades at the regional First Excellence Awards held in Reading.

Weymouth emerged with the Depot of the Year prize, reflecting excellent team working and a strong operational performance “beyond all expectations” within the last two years.

A range of impressive statistics shows how improvements in punctuality, customer satisfaction and breakdown reduction have been achieved across the board at the First Wessex depot.

“The award reflects our strong operational performance and way we have delivered Better Journeys for Life to the customers,” said General Manager Simon Newport.

Empress Road-based Neil Moreno was recognised with the Engineering Manager of the Year award, reflecting his achievement in restructuring his team so that they now feel a “real sense of pride in their achievements”.

Improvements in operational efficiency, carried out within budget, have seen lost mileage and defects falling and breakdowns reducing.

“It’s nice to know that your

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efforts have been recognised,” said Neil, who has introduced a system where chargehands lead shifts under the direction of Workshop Planner Dave Rogers. “It’s not just about my actions but also about all the great work my team do on a daily basis.”

The Roadside Publicity team in the Marketing Department based in Southampton received the

Innovation and Change Award for pioneering work in devising a bespoke range of branded materials to enhance the customer experience on three premium branded services – Eclipse Bus Rapid Transit, the Star fleet and the Southampton City Red high frequency routes.

The City Red material is already on display in Southampton,

featuring easy-to-read roll prints at each bus stop, flags and timetables.

“We are delighted to have been recognised,” said Marketing Manager Steven Spilsbury.

“We are already looking to create the timetables and other roadside marketing for the branded routes in Portsmouth, Dorset and Berkshire.”

Celebrating the Excellence Award are Weymouth depot staff, left to right, Administrator Diane Faulkner, Controller Phil Tarrant, General Manager Simon Newport, Supervisory Driver Ricki Frost, Controller Kevin Wheeler, Service Delivery Manager Tony Guy and Engineering Manager Tony Grange.

Engineering team highly commended by judges

Engineering Manager David Foot, right, and Vehicle Technician Mike Haigh in the workshop at Hoeford.

THE Hoeford Engineering Team was highly commended in the regional First Excellence Awards for its 100 per cent commitment.

Meticulous attention to detail and a team-working ethic combine to ensure exceptionally high operating standards.

“All 42 members of the team work well together and we are way above the UK average in certain areas,” said Engineering Manager Dave Foot.

Also highly commended in the awards were: ■ Yeovil depot, for Environmental Excellence based on the improved energy usage statistics.

■ Gary Armstrong, Southampton Engineering Supervisor, in the Community Award section, for helping a young girl battle leukaemia after becoming a peripheral blood stem cell donor.

■ Glenn Jones, Hoeford Staff Manager, in the Quantum Leap section, recognising the way he has flourished in his role by developing – among other initiatives – a One Stop Shop for driver recruitment.

■ Jordelle Giles, second-year Apprentice at Southampton, in the Apprentice of the Year section (see Question Time feature on Page seven).

FIRST Southampton’s new City Red fleet of 10 StreetLite midis worth £1.6 million are now in service after a celebratory launch involving football legend Matt Le Tissier.

Painted red to reflect the city’s civic colour and football club strip, the Department of Transport low carbon certified vehicles ply the Service 7 route from the city centre to Portswood, Bitterne Park and Townhill Park.

They are fitted with Euro 6 low emission engines and come with leather seats, CCTV and free WiFi. They also have dedicated space for wheelchair users and extra room for pushchairs.

General Manager Chrissie Bainbridge said: “These new vehicles are among the best and most eco-friendly in Hampshire.

We are delighted they are already proving so popular with customers.

“This has contributed to passenger growth of nearly seven per cent in Southampton this year.

Customers using these City Red buses are enjoying pleasant, more comfortable journeys.”

First Southampton has now invested £7 million in its fleet over the past three years.

As the services were unveiled, Matt Le Tissier kicked off a complementary fundraising campaign in Hampshire for First’s chosen charity partner Prostate Cancer UK. He signed and donated a new-look Southampton shirt and anyone who pledged a minimum of £5 was in with a chance of winning it.

Annmarie Cartlidge, Customer Communications Manager, said: “We are delighted that Matt has come on board to help us start our fundraising for Prostate Cancer UK. We cannot think of a better way to begin our efforts in Southampton.”

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Staff went extra mile STAFF have been praised after extra buses were laid on for three big summer events on the south coast.

More vehicles were needed for an enhanced park and ride service in Portsmouth, to ferry spectators to watch the Admiral’s Cup. Meanwhile, additional buses were drafted in for the Bournemouth Air Festival and the Victorious music festival staged at the Southsea seafront in Portsmouth.

Hoeford Depot Operations Manager Andy Anderson said: “The influx of people meant we needed to lay on enhanced services and extra vehicles. Everyone stepped up to the plate and went the extra mile to make sure operations went smoothly.”

Cycle ride challenge EMPLOYEES from Hampshire, Dorset and Berkshire are joining First colleagues from around the country for a marathon bicycle ride in aid of Prostate Cancer UK. The Transpennine Challenge Cancer event takes place at the end of September between Manchester and Leeds.

Participants can choose the 60-mile one-way ride or the 120-mile there and back trip.

Email firstgroup@prostate canceruk.org to register.

Training first for industry ROOKIE drivers are getting bespoke training now a new programme has been rolled out placing greater emphasis on safety and customer service.

The Better for Life Driver Training Programme has prestigious City and Guilds accreditation – a first for the bus industry in the UK – and is endorsed by the Confederation of Passenger Transport.

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Marketing Manager Steve Spilsbury, right, with the Excellence Award trophy for Innovation and Change with, left to right, Marketing Executive Mike Thake, and Roadside Publicity Officers Mark Berry and Simon Newbrook.

Eco-friendly City Red fleet is a big hit with customers

Engineering Manager Neil Moreno holds his Excellence award certificate and trophy with members of the Empress Road engineering team, left to right, Electrician Martin House, Coach Builder Colin Harrison, Stores Apprentice Jordelle Giles, Technicians Julian Graham, Phil Bascombe and Graham Spranklin, Engineer/Administrator Richard Kingswell, Engineering Charge Hand Robert Stickland, Workshop Planner Dave Rogers and Workshop Cleaner Fred Sennett.

Three top awards recognise

efforts of excellence EYMOUTH and Southampton depots scooped three major accolades at the regional First Excellence Awards held in Reading.

Weymouth emerged with the Depot of the Year prize, reflecting excellent team working and a strong operational performance “beyond all expectations” within the last two years.

A range of impressive statistics shows how improvements in punctuality, customer satisfaction and breakdown reduction have been achieved across the board at the First Wessex depot.

“The award reflects our strong operational performance and way we have delivered Better Journeys for Life to the customers,” said General Manager Simon Newport.

Empress Road-based Neil Moreno was recognised with the Engineering Manager of the Year award, reflecting his achievement in restructuring his team so that they now feel a “real sense of pride in their achievements”.

Improvements in operational efficiency, carried out within budget, have seen lost mileage and defects falling and breakdowns reducing.

“It’s nice to know that your

W

efforts have been recognised,” said Neil, who has introduced a system where chargehands lead shifts under the direction of Workshop Planner Dave Rogers. “It’s not just about my actions but also about all the great work my team do on a daily basis.”

The Roadside Publicity team in the Marketing Department based in Southampton received the

Innovation and Change Award for pioneering work in devising a bespoke range of branded materials to enhance the customer experience on three premium branded services – Eclipse Bus Rapid Transit, the Star fleet and the Southampton City Red high frequency routes.

The City Red material is already on display in Southampton,

featuring easy-to-read roll prints at each bus stop, flags and timetables.

“We are delighted to have been recognised,” said Marketing Manager Steven Spilsbury.

“We are already looking to create the timetables and other roadside marketing for the branded routes in Portsmouth, Dorset and Berkshire.”

Celebrating the Excellence Award are Weymouth depot staff, left to right, Administrator Diane Faulkner, Controller Phil Tarrant, General Manager Simon Newport, Supervisory Driver Ricki Frost, Controller Kevin Wheeler, Service Delivery Manager Tony Guy and Engineering Manager Tony Grange.

Engineering team highly commended by judges

Engineering Manager David Foot, right, and Vehicle Technician Mike Haigh in the workshop at Hoeford.

THE Hoeford Engineering Team was highly commended in the regional First Excellence Awards for its 100 per cent commitment.

Meticulous attention to detail and a team-working ethic combine to ensure exceptionally high operating standards.

“All 42 members of the team work well together and we are way above the UK average in certain areas,” said Engineering Manager Dave Foot.

Also highly commended in the awards were: ■ Yeovil depot, for Environmental Excellence based on the improved energy usage statistics.

■ Gary Armstrong, Southampton Engineering Supervisor, in the Community Award section, for helping a young girl battle leukaemia after becoming a peripheral blood stem cell donor.

■ Glenn Jones, Hoeford Staff Manager, in the Quantum Leap section, recognising the way he has flourished in his role by developing – among other initiatives – a One Stop Shop for driver recruitment.

■ Jordelle Giles, second-year Apprentice at Southampton, in the Apprentice of the Year section (see Question Time feature on Page seven).

FIRST Southampton’s new City Red fleet of 10 StreetLite midis worth £1.6 million are now in service after a celebratory launch involving football legend Matt Le Tissier.

Painted red to reflect the city’s civic colour and football club strip, the Department of Transport low carbon certified vehicles ply the Service 7 route from the city centre to Portswood, Bitterne Park and Townhill Park.

They are fitted with Euro 6 low emission engines and come with leather seats, CCTV and free WiFi. They also have dedicated space for wheelchair users and extra room for pushchairs.

General Manager Chrissie Bainbridge said: “These new vehicles are among the best and most eco-friendly in Hampshire.

We are delighted they are already proving so popular with customers.

“This has contributed to passenger growth of nearly seven per cent in Southampton this year.

Customers using these City Red buses are enjoying pleasant, more comfortable journeys.”

First Southampton has now invested £7 million in its fleet over the past three years.

As the services were unveiled, Matt Le Tissier kicked off a complementary fundraising campaign in Hampshire for First’s chosen charity partner Prostate Cancer UK. He signed and donated a new-look Southampton shirt and anyone who pledged a minimum of £5 was in with a chance of winning it.

Annmarie Cartlidge, Customer Communications Manager, said: “We are delighted that Matt has come on board to help us start our fundraising for Prostate Cancer UK. We cannot think of a better way to begin our efforts in Southampton.”

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Union backs Your Voice survey TRADE Union representative Mick Dowds, who is UNITE Convenor and Chair of the National Joint Consultative Forum, underlined the importance of taking part in the survey.

He said: “The employee survey is very important to us as a union because it helps communication and engagement between the employee and the employer.

“It’s important every employee has their say whether positive or negative. It will help ensure the business continues in the right direction.

“One of the biggest changes for us was communication.

“I can say after a few years of working on Better Journeys for Life that communications has moved on.”

Employee views will shape all our

futures E’RE urging every one of First Bus’s 17,000 employees to help the company improve by taking part in the 2015 Your Voice survey.

Employees can have their say – in total confidence – on what is good about working for First Bus and what can be improved.

It will give an invaluable picture of opinion and an opportunity to address issues identified.

We’d like employees to complete the survey online where possible, but printed copies are available.

So we’ve pledged to donate £1 for every paper copy sent in, and £2 for every completed online survey, to our national charity partner Prostate Cancer UK. The survey starts on October 5. Go to www.yourvoicesurvey.com – the password is VOICE2015.

It’s important that as many people as possible take part so we can understand the depth of what’s going on in the business.

The survey is confidential and while we need to know job titles and depots there is no way you can be identified from the results.

An independent firm will compile results and we will share them with you. You will see what’s All been said winners from and what s the First UK Bu we will be Excellence Awards doing in d ere ent n bee have response p’s rou into FirstG to make international the Be First business an Awards. even better

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You can watch the latest Channel First episode and videos from our excellence awards ceremonies by following the AR instructions below and scanning the Channel First logo above.

By First UK Bus Managing Director

Giles Fearnley place to work. Last year’s survey told us people were more confident in where we’re heading as a business and felt we were looking after customers better.

Issues of how we work together as teams were highlighted in some cases.

Again, we have been working hard to support each other better.

Anyone who needs help completing the survey can speak to their manager, supervisor, trade union rep or employee director.

So please help us to continue improving First Bus for everyone’s benefit.

Please make a difference by spending some time completing the Your Voice survey.

Package rewards all staff FIRST Bus employees are being urged to sign up to the company’s rewards scheme at www.firstmyrewards.com The site contains a huge number of exclusive offers and useful information on pay and pensions.

Employees can take advantage of First Exclusives for great savings with popular brands including ASDA, Thomas Cook and B&Q. They can buy shares in First while paying less tax and the company even throws in some shares for free!

There’s free bus travel in the UK and discounted rail fares like a FirstRail Day Rover ticket for just £6! ● All you need to log on is your National Insurance Number. To find out more visit firstmyrewards.com

Bring the page to life with our exciting mobile app

Download our free First Bus AR app from the app store.

Scan the photo or logo where you see the ‘Scan Here’ marker.

When the video starts, double-tap your screen for full screen view.

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Paul MacDonald with a selection of his model bus collection.

Model buses reflect Scottish heritage AUL MacDonald is a proud Scot – and his heritage is reflected in his model bus collection. Out of the 140 colourful exhibits that he has amassed over the years around nearly half of them are of Scottish vehicles.

“I grew up in Scotland and some of my first memories are riding on Alexander buses,” said the Weymouth Driver.

“For a time I worked as a cleaner for a bus company in Fort William. So I always take the opportunity to collect Scottish buses such as

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Question time

MacBraynes when I am buying models.

“It’s a reconnection with my childhood as well as finding out more about Scottish bus history.”

Since he moved to Dorset, Paul has also become interested in the development of South West bus companies such as Damory Coaches, where he worked for a time. He owns a model of a Daimler Mark 3 Open Top used by Damory.

Other prized possessions include a utility bus painted in World War Two colours and a set of five Bedford OB vehicles.

“One model has always eluded me – a particular Midland Scottish Coach which is very rare,” said Paul. “I would love to get hold of it.”

More funding CHARITY fundraisers across the company are being reminded they can apply to First UK Bus for matched funding to boost their coffers. They can apply for up to £200 from the Group by simply emailing communityfirst@ firstgroup.com or visit firstgroupplc.com/community for an application form.

JORDELLE GILES, second-year Stores Apprentice at Empress Road, Southampton, was highly commended in the First Excellence Awards in the Apprentice of the Year category. Jordelle, aged 19, was praised for his “application and willingness to grow in his role”.

What is the best thing about your job?

The variety – dealing with invoices for parts, liaising with different suppliers and helping the engineers out with information about parts including warranties.

How do you relax?

By listening to music, watching movies or programmes on Netflix and socialising with friends and family.

What are your favourite films?

I like the Hobbit film series and comedy films such as Blended. I like different types of music from RnB and pop to vintage.

Which famous people alive or dead would you invite to a dinner party?

Marvin Gaye, a superb singer, Jordelle Barack Obama, who seems like a Giles at work genuinely nice person, and Adam in the stores at Sandler, the American actor, Empress comedian, screenwriter and Road. musician, who is very funny.

What did you want to be when you were a child?

A chef – either a baker or one that worked in a restaurant.

What is your favourite place in the world?

Orlando for the excellent weather (most of the year) and also because it has the best theme parks along with amazing restaurants.

What era would you travel to if you had a time machine?

To the future to see how the world has changed. Also to check out the new technology.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?

If you do anything in life make sure you’re happy doing it – given to me by a teacher in secondary school.

What is your most valuable possession?

My iPhone and my Apple MacBook.

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s e l d d a p Steve k a y a k h g u o r h t

e r u t n e v d a

Superstar at the double WEYMOUTH Driver Martin Berry won a Superstar award in June for his excellent customer service – and then landed another one the following month.

His double batch of nominations from delighted customers included comments about his welcoming attitude on boarding and his going the extra mile to provide route information. Others commented on the way he highlighted historical details to passengers on his 501 open top service.

One commendation said: “Martin was amazing – he made the trip extremely interesting as he told us a lot of the history of Portland Bill.

“He has a great sense of humour, nothing is too much trouble and he is obviously very proud of Weymouth and the surrounding area.”

Shortlisted for award

Steve Cooper in training in his kayak on the River Itchen at Woodmill.

Trio of pals raise more than £2,000 for charity TEVE Cooper is quite new to kayaking – but he still managed to paddle 138 miles down the River Thames for charity.

The Southampton Driver was accompanied by two friends as he battled a series of obstacles over seven days.

Spending the nights “wild camping” in the woods, the trio paddled tirelessly by day and

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negotiated a total of 40 locks.

They were forced to dodge other boats as they passed through Henley Royal Regatta near the end of their journey which took them from Cricklade near Swindon to Molesey not far from Teddington Lock.

“We only started kayaking last year and our only previous trip was a short eight-miler up the River Itchen,” said Steve.

“But I have recently lost a couple of relatives to cancer and I suggested to my friends that we should try something more ambitious to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK. We did around 20 miles a day and paced ourselves, though I must admit I was tired towards the end.”

The three adventurers, who all once worked together at Dairy Crest, raised more than £2,000.

MARC Reddy, Managing Director for First Hampshire, Dorset and Berkshire, has been shortlisted for a top accolade at one of the bus industry’s most prestigious awards events.

He is the running for Manager of the Year at this year’s Route One Awards, which will be announced at the end of September.

It is one of 10 prizes that individuals or teams throughout First UK Bus have been shortlisted for.

First UK Bus Managing Director Giles Fearnley said: “The shortlist really does reflect the hard work and commitment of my colleagues from all corners of our operations to improve services and encourage more people on to our buses.”

Have you got news for us?

IF you have a news item for us please contact Alison Henderson, PR Manager (South Coast), by emailing alison.henderson @firstgroup.com or by calling 02380 714832.