First to Know Winter 2015

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Winter 2015

know

The magazine for First people in Hampshire, Dorset & Berkshire

A copy of First to Know has been printed for

EVERY EMPLOYEE Please take your copy to keep.

Benefits scheme adds real value to staff pay packet

PAGE TWO

Buses, buses Everywhere

6,000 strong model collection starts with a christmas present from dad PAGE THREE

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Investment in business is genuinely appreciated

By Managing Director

Marc Reddy I would like to start by thanking everyone who took part in the Your Voice survey for which we have seen some excellent response rates. At the same time, we have raised around £1,400 for our charity partner, Prostate Cancer UK. Results are becoming available and will be shared with you shortly.

Your views are important to us so we can understand what is going well and also where we can make further improvements for everyone.

The last few months have seen continued investment in the business with more new vehicles appearing at various locations. Customer feedback about the investments we are making has been very positive.

I went to some breakfast forums in Hampshire that were attended by local councillors. It was pleasing to find out that they too recognise the clear and substantial investment being made for customers.

With Christmas just around the corner, the days of everywhere completely closing down for two whole days have long gone. Most shops are now open on Boxing Day and we have responded to this with the levels of service we provide in most places on this day.

For the first time this year, we will see services also being operated on Christmas Day. These buses between Slough and Heathrow Airport are mainly for staff working at the airport.

I would therefore like to thank all staff who are working over the festive period, and thank you all for your efforts over the past 12 months.

Wishing you and your families a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.

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WINTER 2015

Geraldine Gibaux logs in to make the most of the benefits of First My Rewards.

Rail travel savings are just the ticket NSURANCE Administrator Geraldine Gibaux is on track to make huge savings by using the My Rewards scheme for discounted rail travel around the country.

Geraldine, who is based at Empress Road in Southampton, has visited relatives in Scotland and extensively around the south of England on trips with her husband Stuart.

She said: “By booking my tickets with First rail companies through the website I can save lots of money on the standard cost of tickets.

“My partner is a Royal Navy officer so I used to travel by train to see him in Plymouth when he was based there. When we got married we were given a gift of a day at Bath Races and even used the discounted tickets to travel there and back.

“It’s really easy to do and the First Rewards

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website has been made even more straightforward so booking the tickets and finding great deals is very simple.”

Every employee can make big savings on everything from the weekly shop, cinema tickets and even holidays thanks to the scheme.

Partners offering discounts as well as exclusive deals already include Thomas Cook, Expedia, Toys R Us, M&S, Currys and PC World as well as Asda, Sainsbury’s, Boots, B&Q, Argos and Pizza Express.

The scheme, designed to help staff squeeze value out of every pound in their pay packet, also offers free UK bus travel and useful information on pay and pensions. ● Signing up is simple – just log on at firstmyrewards.com with your National Insurance Number and get saving straight away.

Tremendous response helps shape future SLOUGH and Bridport employees led the way as a record-breaking number of colleagues took part in the Your voice Survey.

A magnificent 96 per cent of the 173 people based at Slough took time completing the survey on paper or online.

All 26 colleagues based at Bridport had their say and in the process have helped to

shape the company’s future.

They were joined by hundreds more in Hampshire, Dorset and Berkshire raising around £1,400 in the process

for First’s Charity of Choice Prostate Cancer UK. Results are now being compiled and will be fed back to the depots over the next few weeks.

Senior managers will then work with human resources to look at ways to incorporate changes and keep people updated in the process.

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Ear, ear! Pudsey outfit raises charity cash PORTSMOUTH Driver Rachael Mitchell dressed up in a Pudsey Bear T-Shirt and novelty ears to raise money for Children in Need.

Customers boarding the Service 7 bus between Wecock Farm and Southsea on which she was collecting made donations while all child fares taken on the bus were also passed on raising £80.36.

First Solent General Manager Driver Dervla McKay said: “I was Rachael delighted to support this Mitchell on the popular appeal and we are so Pudsey Special pleased that our customers service. entered into the spirit of the occasion and gave generously to such a worthy cause.”

PC passes PCV training

Richard Kingswell with just a few pieces from his huge model bus collection.

Childhood present sparks amazing collection ODEL bus fan Richard Kingswell’s 6,000-strong collection started with his dad and the Leyland National he was given as a Christmas present at the age of five.

Now 30 and the Engineering Administrator at Empress Road, Richard remains as fascinated now as he was then and spends about £300 a year on his hobby.

His collections fills every nook and cranny at the family home he still shares with his parents – all his buses are kept pristine in their

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boxes with their certificates.

Richard said: “My dad Roger was an Engineering Manager on the buses for 35 years so I was always going to go into the industry. My fondest memory is going with him to work as a kid and helping put the wheel nuts on a bus. I was hooked. The first model bus I was given was in the Hants and Dorset livery. Now I’ve got a house full. The last one I bought cost me £26. It’s a 13 plate Wright Eclipse in the First Hants and Dorset colours.

“One of my most valuable is a Dennis Trident KCR worth £500 which I picked up for £10. What a find that was. It’s the final pre-production model which was signed off as authentic before the production run proper started in China. I’m hugely into the Chinese stuff now. I collect mainly modern vehicles as a reminder of when I first saw them on the road. I probably buy a couple a month. My mum Linda just says ‘Oh not another one!’ when they drop through the letterbox.”

HAMPSHIRE policeman Rob Lewis, pictured above, now has his full PCV licence after First Southampton gave him intensive driver training.

It was down to Driver Trainer Trevor Chivers to put the Family Liaison Officer through his paces before Delegated Driving Examiner Nick Sutton took the police constable for his test.

Trevor said: “It’s only the second time we’ve offered training to a non employee.

The first was Wave 105 radio DJ Rick Jackson.

“Rob had already been highly trained by the police as a driver and he had to fit his bus training in between shifts. He did Module 3 and 4 with us and put in about 18 hours before he passed so that's really good.

“He picked it up pretty quickly and did really well.

When Hampshire police contacted us we were only too pleased to help.”

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Father and son honoured for family service

Great service a recipe for Superstar success SUPERSTAR winner Rob Vallance does not speak Cantonese so he used the language of good customer service instead when he came to the rescue of four lost Chinese students.

He pulled up safely between stops in Weymouth and helped direct them back to their digs – also returning a passport to one of them after she left it on the bus. The girls and their teacher waited at a bus stop the next day to ask his name and thank him. The 52-year-old, who joined in May, said: “I was only doing my job so I was chuffed. It feels good to be appreciated.”

Several other drivers have gone the extra mile for customers and picked up Superstar awards.

Darren Hall helped visitors in Portsmouth during the America's Cup sailing event while Craig Rudd in Southampton called an ambulance for a passenger in pain. Michael Wade at First Solent was commended for his welcoming attitude and customer support and Wessex Driver Roger Abbotts made a holiday couple’s day by telling them about Portland as they travelled aboard his open topped bus.

Off-duty Southampton Driver Stuart Millington was taking a bus home when a customer fell over before getting on. He helped him board, walked him home and sat with him for 30 minutes before relatives arrived to take him to hospital.

Coachbuilder Greg Lording, left, makes sure he informs Supervisor Mark Osbourne about a near miss incident in the depot.

Everyone urged to make their contribution

AFTER a career spanning 43 years, Driver and family man John Runalls is spending his retirement enjoying life in the slow lane.

The 62-year-old has driven buses at Hilsea depot since 1972 – apart from a brief stint at another transport operator in the 1970s.

A send-off was held at the depot’s mess room where John reminisced with colleagues before hanging up his Hi-Vis jacket for the final time.

Hilsea West Staff Manager Ian Woodcock said: “John has always gone about his business in a kind, professional way and has worked hard doing the job that he loves. It’s always sad to see a colleague leave but we all wish him the best in his retirement.”

Alison ties knot in style

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WINTER 2015

INTER weather advice is being issued to help all employees stay safe on the road and in the depots over the next few months.

Bad weather and dark nights can combine to make it a dangerous time of the year. The south coast brings its own set of problems, including flooding, high winds, poor visibility and frosty roads and pathways.

But by following a simple and common sense approach, all employees can help achieve the highest safety standards in all areas of the workplace.

In the depot, wearing high visibility jackets at all times and sticking to designated walkways is vital. It cuts down on collisions and accidents, particularly in the dark.

Preparation is also key, so gritting areas that are likely to be affected by frost is also very important to avoid slips, trips and falls.

Drivers are asked to be extra vigilant about motorbikes, bicycles and pedestrians. They should doublecheck their nearside lane mirrors when turning left to make sure they will not be causing problems for road users on two wheels.

And they are encouraged to pay particular attention to weather forecasts and check notice boards for any upcoming issues that could affect journeys.

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Tributes paid as John retires after 43 years

FRENCH rock band Lazuli helped to make live music the main theme of Public Relations Manager Alison Reijman’s wedding and honeymoon.

Empress-Road-based Alison, who tied the knot with research and insight analyst Martin, booked her favourite group to play at their concert-style evening reception after learning they were on tour in the UK. Afterwards the couple spent their honeymoon watching the band play gigs at Maltby, near Rotherham and in Liverpool.

All smiles as Driver Malcolm Courtenage checks his lights are clean and working.

Network Controller Andrew Attwood uses a walkway to move around the depot safely.

Driver Ian Harty adjusting and cleaning his mirror before going out on the road.

Near miss incidents should always be reported, however insignificant they might seem.

These reports can help to cut down on similar incidents in the future and avoid potentially major injury or harm.

Employee Director Dave McVie said: “Often the advice is common sense but practical steps such as these can really make a difference, particularly when winter weather is playing a part. If anyone has any doubts or needs advice based on the conditions please speak to a supervisor or manager. Never try to complete a task that would put you or a colleague at risk.”

Employee Director Dave McVie demonstrates his failsafe method of demisting a windscreen.

DAVE’S SAFETY TIPS

Simple solution to misty screens IN the first in a series of regular features, Employee Director Dave McVie shares useful advice with colleagues, starting with an effective technique for demisting windscreens and mirrors…

WINTER weather brings problems for drivers and one real nuisance is fogged or misted windscreens. One area of the glass which takes longer to clear than any other is the area close to the nearside mirror, along with the mirror itself.

For a bus driver not to have

full visibility in this vital area can prove to be a real hazard.

One way to make sure the windscreen and mirrors demist quickly – and stay clear – is to use a solution of soft hand soap from a dispenser, mixed with water.

This should then be applied to the inside of the windscreen

and mirrors using a paper towel with an up and down technique, as if you were gloss painting.

Leave it for about 30 seconds and then turn on the windscreen and mirror demisters.

The bus windows and mirrors will now clear very quickly and, importantly, should remain mist free for the whole of the shift.

I’ve been using this technique for years and everyone I tell about it is amazed by its effectiveness.

IT was a family affair when a Southampton-based father and son were recognised for 60 years’ combined service.

Yellow School Bus Driver Brian Chester has clocked up 35 years with First, while his son, Service Delivery and Performance Manager Chris Chester, is not far behind with 25 years.

Both follow in the footsteps of Brian’s father Bill, who was a Driver for Southampton City Transport based at its former Portswood depot.

They were among 29 stalwarts honoured at First’s Long Service Awards, who between them have worked for 845 years.

The longest serving staff member to receive an award was Southampton-based Inspector, Richard Wierczorek, who was presented with his 45 year certificate.

Among the other recipients were Southampton Yellow School Bus Driver Bacheter Singh who received his 40 year service award, Naresh Bansal, also a Yellow School Bus Driver, who picked up a 35 year long service award and First Southampton’s General Manager Chrissie Bainbridge who has notched up 25 years.

First Hampshire, Dorset & Berkshire Managing Director Marc Reddy said: “It was an amazing achievement to have that many years service represented in the room. It really was inspiring to be there to honour them.”

Cash raised for lifesaving kit A fundraising campaign inspired by lifesaving first aid on a Southampton driver’s father has helped buy emergency equipment to benefit colleagues and customers.

After bystanders rushed to his dad’s aid when he suffered a heart attack, and revived him using a defibrillator, Rob Marshall decided to raise the cash to provide the equipment at work.

He and workmates collected £1,740 through a Sunday Fun Day event, which was then matched

by First Hampshire.

Two defibrillators were bought – one for Empress Road depot, the other for Pound Tree Road offices – and training on how to use them has been provided by St John Ambulance.

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Father and son honoured for family service

Great service a recipe for Superstar success SUPERSTAR winner Rob Vallance does not speak Cantonese so he used the language of good customer service instead when he came to the rescue of four lost Chinese students.

He pulled up safely between stops in Weymouth and helped direct them back to their digs – also returning a passport to one of them after she left it on the bus. The girls and their teacher waited at a bus stop the next day to ask his name and thank him. The 52-year-old, who joined in May, said: “I was only doing my job so I was chuffed. It feels good to be appreciated.”

Several other drivers have gone the extra mile for customers and picked up Superstar awards.

Darren Hall helped visitors in Portsmouth during the America's Cup sailing event while Craig Rudd in Southampton called an ambulance for a passenger in pain. Michael Wade at First Solent was commended for his welcoming attitude and customer support and Wessex Driver Roger Abbotts made a holiday couple’s day by telling them about Portland as they travelled aboard his open topped bus.

Off-duty Southampton Driver Stuart Millington was taking a bus home when a customer fell over before getting on. He helped him board, walked him home and sat with him for 30 minutes before relatives arrived to take him to hospital.

Coachbuilder Greg Lording, left, makes sure he informs Supervisor Mark Osbourne about a near miss incident in the depot.

Everyone urged to make their contribution

AFTER a career spanning 43 years, Driver and family man John Runalls is spending his retirement enjoying life in the slow lane.

The 62-year-old has driven buses at Hilsea depot since 1972 – apart from a brief stint at another transport operator in the 1970s.

A send-off was held at the depot’s mess room where John reminisced with colleagues before hanging up his Hi-Vis jacket for the final time.

Hilsea West Staff Manager Ian Woodcock said: “John has always gone about his business in a kind, professional way and has worked hard doing the job that he loves. It’s always sad to see a colleague leave but we all wish him the best in his retirement.”

Alison ties knot in style

4

WINTER 2015

INTER weather advice is being issued to help all employees stay safe on the road and in the depots over the next few months.

Bad weather and dark nights can combine to make it a dangerous time of the year. The south coast brings its own set of problems, including flooding, high winds, poor visibility and frosty roads and pathways.

But by following a simple and common sense approach, all employees can help achieve the highest safety standards in all areas of the workplace.

In the depot, wearing high visibility jackets at all times and sticking to designated walkways is vital. It cuts down on collisions and accidents, particularly in the dark.

Preparation is also key, so gritting areas that are likely to be affected by frost is also very important to avoid slips, trips and falls.

Drivers are asked to be extra vigilant about motorbikes, bicycles and pedestrians. They should doublecheck their nearside lane mirrors when turning left to make sure they will not be causing problems for road users on two wheels.

And they are encouraged to pay particular attention to weather forecasts and check notice boards for any upcoming issues that could affect journeys.

W

Tributes paid as John retires after 43 years

FRENCH rock band Lazuli helped to make live music the main theme of Public Relations Manager Alison Reijman’s wedding and honeymoon.

Empress-Road-based Alison, who tied the knot with research and insight analyst Martin, booked her favourite group to play at their concert-style evening reception after learning they were on tour in the UK. Afterwards the couple spent their honeymoon watching the band play gigs at Maltby, near Rotherham and in Liverpool.

All smiles as Driver Malcolm Courtenage checks his lights are clean and working.

Network Controller Andrew Attwood uses a walkway to move around the depot safely.

Driver Ian Harty adjusting and cleaning his mirror before going out on the road.

Near miss incidents should always be reported, however insignificant they might seem.

These reports can help to cut down on similar incidents in the future and avoid potentially major injury or harm.

Employee Director Dave McVie said: “Often the advice is common sense but practical steps such as these can really make a difference, particularly when winter weather is playing a part. If anyone has any doubts or needs advice based on the conditions please speak to a supervisor or manager. Never try to complete a task that would put you or a colleague at risk.”

Employee Director Dave McVie demonstrates his failsafe method of demisting a windscreen.

DAVE’S SAFETY TIPS

Simple solution to misty screens IN the first in a series of regular features, Employee Director Dave McVie shares useful advice with colleagues, starting with an effective technique for demisting windscreens and mirrors…

WINTER weather brings problems for drivers and one real nuisance is fogged or misted windscreens. One area of the glass which takes longer to clear than any other is the area close to the nearside mirror, along with the mirror itself.

For a bus driver not to have

full visibility in this vital area can prove to be a real hazard.

One way to make sure the windscreen and mirrors demist quickly – and stay clear – is to use a solution of soft hand soap from a dispenser, mixed with water.

This should then be applied to the inside of the windscreen

and mirrors using a paper towel with an up and down technique, as if you were gloss painting.

Leave it for about 30 seconds and then turn on the windscreen and mirror demisters.

The bus windows and mirrors will now clear very quickly and, importantly, should remain mist free for the whole of the shift.

I’ve been using this technique for years and everyone I tell about it is amazed by its effectiveness.

IT was a family affair when a Southampton-based father and son were recognised for 60 years’ combined service.

Yellow School Bus Driver Brian Chester has clocked up 35 years with First, while his son, Service Delivery and Performance Manager Chris Chester, is not far behind with 25 years.

Both follow in the footsteps of Brian’s father Bill, who was a Driver for Southampton City Transport based at its former Portswood depot.

They were among 29 stalwarts honoured at First’s Long Service Awards, who between them have worked for 845 years.

The longest serving staff member to receive an award was Southampton-based Inspector, Richard Wierczorek, who was presented with his 45 year certificate.

Among the other recipients were Southampton Yellow School Bus Driver Bacheter Singh who received his 40 year service award, Naresh Bansal, also a Yellow School Bus Driver, who picked up a 35 year long service award and First Southampton’s General Manager Chrissie Bainbridge who has notched up 25 years.

First Hampshire, Dorset & Berkshire Managing Director Marc Reddy said: “It was an amazing achievement to have that many years service represented in the room. It really was inspiring to be there to honour them.”

Cash raised for lifesaving kit A fundraising campaign inspired by lifesaving first aid on a Southampton driver’s father has helped buy emergency equipment to benefit colleagues and customers.

After bystanders rushed to his dad’s aid when he suffered a heart attack, and revived him using a defibrillator, Rob Marshall decided to raise the cash to provide the equipment at work.

He and workmates collected £1,740 through a Sunday Fun Day event, which was then matched

by First Hampshire.

Two defibrillators were bought – one for Empress Road depot, the other for Pound Tree Road offices – and training on how to use them has been provided by St John Ambulance.

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Moving safety performance to the next level A major campaign to engage colleagues around the country in moving safety performance to the next level will be rolled out early in 2016.

The aim is to focus on safety and involve all employees in eliminating serious injuries and fatalities in the workplace by reinforcing and developing positive behaviour. New Head of Safety Angus Glasby said: “I have spent time visiting different sites.

“It is clear there is an enthusiasm and commitment to safety at all levels.

“I am keen to build on this and over the coming months everyone will see a greater emphasis on changing workplace behaviours. The aim is for us all to take ownership of our own safety and others’ to enable everyone to ‘Be Safe’.” ● Look out for more news of ‘Be Safe’ in the months to come.

Celebrations of success mark a

busy year T’S been another fast-paced but thoroughly enjoyable year.

We’ve overcome many challenges, and have more to face, but it’s been a year which has seen lots achieved!

Firstly, I am delighted so many colleagues felt inspired and engaged to have their say in the Your Voice survey and on what we need to do to improve the business. We are currently

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12,057 respond to staff survey SEVEN out of every ten First Bus employees took part in this year’s Your Voice survey... the biggest response ever.

More than 12,000 colleagues took time to give the company their feedback, and a response of this size helps First Bus address areas where employees said improvements were needed.

As a result of the fantastic 70 per cent response £22,715 has been donated to Prostate Cancer UK. Now the results are being analysed – they will be reported back and action to address some key issues will begin soon.

First Bus Managing Director Giles Fearnley said: “Feedback really does matter and will help us create a better business for everyone.”

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By First Bus Managing Director

Giles Fearnley Pat Bennett, Worcester Depot Garage Liaison Officer for Unite the Union, with one of the posters promoting the Your Voice survey. working through all the responses we have received.

Celebrating success at the inaugural First Bus Excellence Awards was undoubtedly one of the highlights of 2015. We received more than 1,100 nominations for outstanding individuals and teams. All of them deserve thanks and recognition.

It was an honour to attend the ceremonies and the winners all now go forward to represent First Bus in the Group’s Be First awards in January.

We’ve also celebrated a number of industry award wins in 2015, demonstrating our commitment to the business, our

people and our customers.

We are all proud that colleagues’ actions so strongly embody the company’s vision and values: being committed to our customers, accountable for performance, dedicated to safety, supportive of each other and setting the highest standards.

Within every one of our businesses, much has been achieved in 2015. We have seen very significant investment (not just in buses!), network changes designed to encourage more people to travel with us, greater use of mobile tickets and in some areas, smart ticketing – amongst

many other things.

We have continued to work hard to strengthen the all important relationships we have with our local authority partners.

It has been a good year. We do however have much more to do as we strive to our goal of delivering excellent customer service – always.

I promise therefore that 2016 will be another busy year! I want to thank everyone for their great contribution through the year and hope all colleagues have a relaxing, enjoyable Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

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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Campaign to recruit drivers of the future

17 eco-friendly buses take to Ranger routes £2.75 million fleet of 17 brand new eco-friendly buses have gone into service on one of Hampshire’s key coastal routes.

The StreetLite Max Micro-Hybrids are operating on the two Solent Ranger routes X4 and X5 that connect Fareham, Gosport and Portsmouth with Southampton.

Each bus has leather seats, CCTV and WiFi and dedicated space for wheelchair users. Their modern design reflects the historic coastal route they serve.

Each of the single deckers offers real time information so customers can track when the service will arrive, either from a screen at the bus stop or via the First Bus app.

First Solent General Manager Dervla McKay said: “It is great news for customers and underlines our continuing commitment to offer ever better bus services.

Services X4 and X5 are extremely popular with

A recruitment roadshow gave wannabe bus drivers the chance to see if they had what it takes to start a career in the industry.

People had the opportunity to jump onboard one of First’s state-of-the-art City Red buses in Southampton’s Pound Tree Road, while managers and HR staff were on hand to chat and give out information.

First Southampton General Manager Chrissie Bainbridge said: “We’re always looking for people who would like a new career challenge. Our industry-leading driver training programme equips our drivers with the key skills they need.”

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Labour of love First Solent General Manager Dervla McKay, Fareham Borough Council Leader Sean Woodward and First Hampshire, Dorset and Berkshire Managing Director Marc Reddy at the launch of the Solent Ranger vehicles. people who live in the towns and villages along the route who use them to travel to work or to go shopping.”

The new buses bring First Solent’s total investment in its fleet to more than £15 million over the past three years.

BUS fans at Weymouth depot have formed a preservation society with a First Wessex Plaxton Pointer set to be their initial project.

Heavily involved in the as yet unnamed group are General Manager Simon Newport, Driver/Supervisor Ricki Frost, Relief Supervisor Martin Berry and Driver Paul McDonald.

Question time Interim Empress Road Staff Manager Kerrie Grant sheds the spotlight on her love of 60’s fashion, music gigs and her desire to return to Nepal.

What is the best thing about your job?

Every day is completely different and I love the variety. This is my first role after completing the company’s graduate scheme so I’m enjoying learning new things pretty much most days.

How do you relax?

I enjoy going to music gigs, a good glass of wine and I have a bit of a magazine addiction. I try to get out running when I can although I’m not very fast!

What are your favourite films?

I don’t have a stand out film but like Casablanca, Pretty Woman and a good Christmas film.

Staff Which famous people Manager Kerrie Grant... alive or dead would you learning invite to a dinner party? something new The chef James Martin so every day. he would cook for me and I think comedian Michael McIntyre would be really funny to have as a guest.

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

I wanted to do something with art, I think I destroyed my house with glitter, felt tips and glue growing up.

What is your favourite place in the world?

Nepal. I went when I was 12 with an art business that started in my primary school and it was incredible – the people, the sights, the food. I would love to go back as an adult.

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

Probably the 60s. I like the fashion and wouldn’t have minded going to see the Beatles in concert.

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

Treat people how you would like to be treated.

What is your most valuable possession?

A pearl necklace of my gran’s that has a lot of sentimental value.

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Green team praised for eco-friendly successes

Nikki Young, Shirley Edwards and Deborah WaltonPerryman, who all volunteered to work during the Rugby World Cup.

World Cup winners NINETEEN Berkshire drivers are back on their regular routes after experiencing a tour of duty at the Rugby World Cup. They volunteered for the First Games Transport team to transport spectators, VIPs and media staff to and from venues. First Games Transport made 6,300 journeys, carrying more than 320,000 customers over the six week-long event.

The First Berkshire drivers transported rugby fans to and from Twickenham, where demand for services peaked on 25 October with more

than 27,500 customers using the services.

Slough Driver Deborah Walton-Perryman said: “It was a pleasure to meet and greet people from all over the world who were here to support their teams. The atmosphere was brilliant.”

Steven Tooke, Controller at Slough who helped to organise the First Berkshire team, said: “I am extremely proud of what everyone has achieved through showing enthusiasm for this event. I would also like to thank colleagues at the Hoeford depot for their support.”

Engineering passion runs in the family ENGINEERING is in the blood of Hoeford depot brothers Dave and Chris Foot as they follow in the footsteps of their granddad George Cornish who spent 35 years of his working life fixing buses.

Dave dedicated his UK Bus Awards Engineering Manager of the Year nomination to Chris Foot, George, saying “he was left, and Dave the inspiration”.

Foot. Pictured The 47-year-old, a inset right is their busman for 30 years, granddad George Cornish. said: “My granddad died at the age of 88 before I made manager two and a year years ago. He was a fleet engineer mechanic growing up but a job and was awarded an MBE for became available on the buses services to the bus industry. I used and I haven’t looked back. to go to the garage with him when “I now work with my brother I was a kid. He’d show me around Chris whose been on the buses the workshop, underneath the for 35 years. He’s Engineering buses and explain engines to me.

Supervisor here at Hoeford where “I was going to be a car we’re busy all the time. We both miss granddad. He would have

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WINTER 2015

been really proud.”

Dave narrowly missed out the Engineer of the Year title at the UK bus oscars but has thanked First Solent General Manager Dervla McKay for nominating him.

LOW utility bills continue to be the norm at Yeovil depot where staff were highly commended at the First Bus Excellence Awards for environmental excellence.

Recycling is up now there are two more bins on site and the mothballing of parts of the building is still reaping dividends.

Gas usage dropped 92 per cent in September 2015 compared to the same month the year before while electricity was down 22 per cent.

Engineering Manager Tony Grange said: “Staff are continuing to maintain low energy usage which is impressive bearing in mind the depot is up for sale and we’re looking for another site.”

Travel shop gift drop-off HUNDREDS of disadvantaged children across the region received festive gifts as First Solent helped support Wave 105.2FM’s Cash For Kids Mission Christmas Appeal.

The Travel Shop outside Fareham Bus Station was designated as a drop-off point for donations to the appeal, which encourages people to pledge a present and help make Christmas special for a child living in poverty.

Everything from games to teddies and bikes were donated, while people also pledged money direct to the appeal by texting the radio station.

Have you got news for us?

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