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The newsletter of Group Issue 104 | July 2014 ON STAGE INSIDE Bumbling for charity page 2 | mega telly win page 7 mega new ways to visit Europe .COM has introduced a new low-cost route between the UK, France and Spain.

Travelling by to France and Spain is now easier than ever thanks to megabus. com’s low- cost . Going green for sixth year ECO-FRIENDLY Stagecoach has celebrated its sixth annual Green Week. With THE daily service links to welcoming local people on board.” lots of environment-based events – from litter picking to green giveaways Toulouse and Barcelona, further Meanwhile, megabus.com has called and school visits – there were lots of green goings-on across the Group. expanding the popular budget coach for a change to current ‘cabotage’ service, which already carries more regulations which restrict people n FIND OUT MORE IN OUR GREEN WEEK SPECIAL FEATURE ON PAGE 6. than 15 million passengers a year using its low-cost coach services in the UK, Europe and the US. for point-to-point trips solely within rules,” Ms Esnouf continued. set to be introduced on the European “Our innovative coach service has France. “At present, we can take people network. transformed in other parts The move follows recommendations from Toulouse to other European megabus.com already offers French, of Europe and North America, from the French competition countries such as the UK, Spain, Dutch and German language providing new and affordable authority the Autorité de la Belgium, Netherlands and Germany. websites – allowing customers to travel options as well as creating Concurrence that the rules should But we are restricted in taking book and pay in Euros – and a new new jobs,” said megabus.com be modernised to give French coach passengers from the south to the Spanish-language site is now online. Managing Director Elizabeth Esnouf. travellers better value and choice. north of France.” The success of megabus.com’s “We are delighted to bring our “We could do so much more to Last year, megabus.com introduced services has seen it create more well-recognised brand of high- improve travel in the south-west of a fleet of 10 new 72-seat coaches than 400 jobs over the past decade quality travel to Toulouse and France and other parts of the country to operate on its network in Europe. in the UK and Europe and a further Barcelona and look forward to if we were not blocked by outdated A further six new coaches are now 1,000 jobs in North America. Employees key to results Big benefits for passengers AN £18 million station improvement “This is great news for our stations Chief Executive Martin Griffiths has programme has brought huge benefits and we’re sure passengers thanked staff across the company for their hard work for rail passengers. will welcome this significant over the past year as the Group published its financial Thanks to this massive investment, 30 investment,” said Arthur Pretorius, results for the past 12 months. stations across the - Customer Services Director for the The results show the company’s operations in Network Rail Alliance network now boast South West Trains-Network Rail the UK and North America are continuing to do well. more modern facilities, including new Alliance. The Group has a strong set of businesses that are lifts, footbridges and accessible toilets. “We’d like to thank our partners at improving services for customers, supporting the There’s also some 1,100 extra cycle the Department for Transport, the economy, and connecting local communities. spaces, increased car-parking capacity Community Rail Partnerships and at a number of sites and brand new all the local county councils for their stations at Wokingham, Fleet, Overton ongoing support in delivering these n READ MORE ON PAGE 4. and Templecombe. improvements for our passengers.” Did you know? Trains is sponsoring ‘Dick Whittington’, this year’s pantomime at the Lyceum Theatre in . ON STAGE

What a Super-special book delivery Laugh! SUPERTRAM Man completed an extra-special A WOMAN talking to her friend at mission to deliver a treat to kids in hospital in a in Boston was overheard to say: Sheffield. “Two things I don’t run for – a bus or a man … The colourful superhero brought 30 of the cause they’re both gonna leave you!” Stagecoach-produced charity book ‘A Very If you have seen or heard something funny – Special Family Party’ to the city’s Children’s online, in the papers, on social media or just Hospital. while out and about – send your contributions for Claire Ansley, Supertram’s Head of Customer the ‘What a Laugh’ section in the next edition to Service, said: “The Children’s Hospital Charity is Supertram Man was a big hit at Sheffield’s Children’s Hospital. [email protected] very close to our hearts and we're delighted to be able to donate these books which we hope many “We’d like to express our thanks to Supertram n children will enjoy. for donating these wonderfully visual and Ron’s poppy support “The charity and hospital do a fantastic job entertaining books. CHESTERFIELD-based treating children from all over the country.” “They have already put smiles on lots of the kids’ employee Ron is calling for the public to Charity Director David Vernon-Edwards added: faces throughout the hospital wards.” support this year’s Poppy Appeal and help him hit an ambitious target. STAGECOACH Group’s children’s book ‘A Very Special Family Party’ Ron has raised £75,000 for the British Legion’s is selling well and has had good feedback from young and old. Poppy Appeal over the past eight years. The paperback book, priced at £4 (plus postage) online, as well as in This year, which marks the centenary of the start several Stagecoach travel shops across the UK. of World War One, he has set his sights on raising It’s also stocked in the London Bus Museum, the a further £25,000, including through the sale of Museum of Transport, the Transport Museum, and the commemorative British Legion badges which can Riverside Transport Museum and Kelvingrove Museums in . be bought from Chesterfield, , To order your copy, simply search for ‘A Very Special Family Party’ on and St Pancras ticket offices for a minimum eBay or Amazon. donation of just £2. “I’ll be hanging up my collector’s boots this year but, before I finish, I’ve set myself a target to take the total up to a huge £100,000,” said Ron. Muddy mayhem n SIX ladies from Stagecoach in Oxfordshire Top of the cops took part in Cancer Research UK’s Pretty TWO South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance Rail Muddy 5K race recently and raised over Community Officers (RCOs) were honoured at £700 for the charity. British Transport Police’s Complimentary Policing The team – who called themselves ‘Running Awards. on Time’ – encountered muddy obstacles Tim Joy won the Railway Safety Accredited including hurdles, a spider web and a mud Scheme Member of the Year award for the work bath but were still smiling as they finished he and his team do through the Off the Rails the course. project, sponsored by the Alliance and The intrepid squad (pictured right) Football Club. comprised Rochelle Clare, Emma Fellow RCO Phil White won the Special Constable Wilberforce, Joanne Cleaver, Melissa Lock, of the Year award for his involvement in an Caroline Harvey and Carole Stevens. initiative on the Isle of White to increase front-line visibility of officers by using bikes. Putting the fun into fundraising A NETWORK-WIDE fundraising drive has boosted two great causes. South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance helped support National Carers Week and The Honeypot Children’s Charity by arranging a special day of fundraising. Passengers were challenged to spot and tweet a selfie with the Honeypot House mascot Bumble the Bee. Honeypot – one of the Alliance’s charities of the year – offers long-term, consistent respite and support to young carers and vulnerable children aged 5-12 years. Assistant Chief Constable Steve Thomas, RCO Tim Its Regional Fundraising Manager, Emma Larter, said: “Relationships with Joy, RCO Phil White and Security & Crime Prevention organisations like these are very important to our work and help us to support as Manager Alessandro Finistrella. many vulnerable children as possible.” 2 Passenger praises ‘brilliant ’ ... find out more on page 5. ON STAGE n Proud achievements On board with Youth Zone BRITAIN’S biggest youth club has received strong IT was a successful night for Stagecoach at the support from Stagecoach Wigan. 2014 Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Stagecoach Wigan has become an official patron (CILT) North West Awards for Education and of Wigan Youth Zone, which gives local young Excellence. people the chance to enjoy a range of activities, won the Award for from climbing and outdoor adventure to arts, Environmental Improvement in Passenger fashion and design. Transport while retired Christopher Bowles, Managing Director of Operations Director Les Burton received the Stagecoach Wigan, visited the centre recently to Lifetime Achievement Award. present a £10,000 donation. Christopher Bowles (second right) hands over the Manchester Managing Director Christopher Bowles “We believe in supporting the communities which cheque to Wigan Youth Zone. said: “We put our environmental credentials at the we serve,” said Christopher. hard work of the team. heart of our business because it’s improtant to “Wigan Youth Zone is a fantastic facility for young “We hope that our donation will enable staff to customers and their communities – and continually people in our region and we’re proud to support the further develop the centre’s offering.” work to improve these, encouraging passengers to choose greener transport options.” Les Burton, whose career in the industry spanned 47 years, added: “This has come as a complete Key to marketing success surprise and I am delighted to receive such a prestigious award from my fellow members of the CONNECTING with customers CILT”. has never been more important, so Stagecoach has strengthened its marketing n Stub it out power with a series of new COACH USA has been helping employees stop appointments in its regional UK smoking through its Quit for Life programme. Bus companies. The scheme helps staff develop a customised Sarah Maluila has been plan to achieve their goals, offering expert appointed as UK Bus Assistant coaches, a printed workbook to help employees Marketing Manager, working stick to their plan, a smoking cessation aide alongside UK Bus Marketing and access to an online community. Manager Jodine Milne- Reader, to oversee and implement the UK bus division’s n A helping hand long-term marketing strategy and to continue to strengthen STAFF at Newcastle’s Walkegate depot recently Making the connection: A new team of marketers are donated a box of food for the city’s West End Food and support the marketing teams within each helping to break down the barriers to . Bank. regional bus company. The company also provided two megarider tickets has a new Marketing Manager For the first time, a marketing-focused graduate for a raffle to help raise funds and maintain the in Alex O’Loughlin while Stagecoach Manchester development programme is also being delivered service which gives emergency food parcels to appointed Gillian Woodford as its new Marketing and Jamie Kind has been appointed as UK Bus people suffering financial hardship. Manager earlier this year. marketing graduate development trainee. He will David , Operations Manager at the Emma McNae has also returned as Marketing work across various businesses during the two- Walkergate depot, said: “We had an excellent Manager at , a role year programme to gain experience of marketing response to the food bank collection on-site. Our which she previously held, while Claire Burt and commercial functions. staff were delighted to support such a valuable has taken on the role of Marketing Manager at UK Bus Marketing Manager Jodine Milne-Reader and much-needed cause by bringing in a whole Stagecoach North Scotland. explained: “Our marketing teams are well placed host of food.” New Marketing Assistant Mark Middleton has to work closely with other departments to been appointed at while develop the connection between our business has appointed Rebecca and our customers, ensuring we deliver a joined- Day as Marketing Analyst. up and professional service across all functions Marketing Assistant Charlotte Potter has been to help attract people on to our services.” appointed at Stagecoach West while Stagecoach The UK Bus design team has also been Oxfordshire also has a new Marketing Assistant strengthened with the appointment of Design in the form of Emma Wilberforce. Emma will Assistant Laura Thomson who works alongside work alongside Stagecoach ’s Business UK Bus Senior Designer Alan Sawyers. Development Manager Karen whose As regional bus companies develop their social role demonstrates the emerging role of a more media involvement, with an increased focus on strategic form of marketing within the business engaging with customers through Twitter and Stagecoach Newcastle’s Katie Graham hands the food in terms of having greater involvement in Facebook, Gemma Toolan has taken on the role donation to Matthew King from Newcastle West End commercial strategy and business decision- of Social Media Manager and is supported by Food Bank. making. Social Media Agent Greer Robertson. 3 Did you know? The South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance has more than 100,000 Twitter followers. ON STAGE

n PICTURE THIS

OUR Picture of the Season slot has now changed to Picture this. Photos no longer need to include a bus, train or but should be transport- related in some way. This edition’s winner is taken by Chris McCrady, General Manager of Lakefront Lines in the USA. It shows a coach that took part in the St. Patrick’s Day parade In Columbus, Ohio. Congratulations to Chris who will shortly receive his prize of $85 (equivalent of £50). employee Tracey Brooks gets to grips with the grill at one of the Safety Week events. If you have any good photos for Picture This please send them to Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW, or email them to [email protected] n Great service COACH Canada celebrated Safety Week across its eight facilities recently, marking each with a BBQ gathering, prizes and safety information sessions. Women in Rail Each day began with a safety message, reminding WOMEN working in the rail industry travelled from staff of the various ways to ensure safe operations. across the country to attend ’s first Women in Rail event at East Midlands Trains Academy. The new Baroness Susan Kramer, Minister of State for open-top Transport, was invited to give the keynote speech at vehicle in the gathering hosted by East Midlands Trains. St Andrews. Women in Rail steering group member and Human Resources Director of East Midlands Trains, Clare Women in Rail founder and General Counsel at Angel Burles, said: “The best way we can help to encourage Trains Ltd Adeline Ginn (centre), joined by Baroness more women to work in rail is by working hard to get Kramer, Minister of State for Transport, and David Horne, Managing Director of East Midlands Trains. into the mindset of our future engineers from an early age. exciting opportunities waiting for them out there, “By influencing girls whilst they are still at school we can help provide a more diverse and skilled and college and helping them realise there are lots of workforce.” n Low floor on the open top Going Dotto A DRIVE round the Home of Golf has been made PASSENGERS went dotty for the Dotto at even more accessible thanks to a new low-floor the Eastbourne Carnival this year. double-decker. Stagecoach ran the Dotto mini train to the The St Andrews Open Top Tour bus has been fully delight of sightseers. refurbished into an open top vehicle. It boasts “The Dotto Train is all about working with distinctive branding, a new speaker system and, the community and getting everybody most importantly, is now fully wheelchair and buggy involved,” said Stagecoach South East accessible. Managing Director Philip Norwell. Andrew Jarvis, Managing Director of Scotland, said: “The Visit Scotland 4-star rating we were awarded last year confirms the route as Teamwork drives company success an excellent tourist attraction in St Andrews and we look forward to welcoming people on-board this n CONTINUED FROM P1 “The size of our business means it is not easy. season!” Martin Griffiths said: “I want to pay tribute to the But, we have a great team of people at all hard work of our 35,000 employees at the many levels of the business who want to make things n Run’s in the family local companies that make up our wider business. happen. “Their commitment is vital in making our “It is also important that our staff have the tools engineering clerk Tracey Mickle company one of the leading international transport to do their job. Training and development is one recently completed the Race for Life with her groups. of my top priorities. daughter Danielle Frith to raise money for “For me, the fantastic response of our staff to “As we report another good set of results, Cancer Research UK. challenges shows how crucial it is to have a team I would like to thank you for your personal The mother-and-daughter team took part in the of committed people and how central they are to contribution to our success over the 12 months race in memory of Tracey’s dad who passed any company’s success. and look forward to working together to deliver away last year. “The past year too has been about putting our for our customers in the year ahead.” So far, they have raised more than £450 and customers first. We have reinvested our profits More details about the Group’s annual results further donations can be made at and built on our success to deliver even higher can be found here www.stagecoach.com/ www.justgiving.com/traceymickle quality services to our passengers. media/news-releases/2014/2014-06-25.aspx 4 Poppy’s ‘Salty the Seasider’ is a winner ... find out more on page 7. ON STAGE

This letter was sent to Group HQ, praising a n Cocoa-loco Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire driver. A TASTY sum was raised in an unusual charity auction. Dear Stagecoach, Bidders competing for a huge South West Trains- I wish to let you know about the brilliant bus driver who helped us shaped chocolate fudge cake raised £800 for the whilst on holiday in the Lake District. National Literacy Trust. We boarded the bus at Keswick and wanted to get off at The auction, Bassenthwaite. We were unsure what would be the best route. organised by LETTER OF PRAISE The driver used his map on his telephone to locate where we were Allison Dunn at If you or one of your colleagues has staying, to enable him to let us know which was the best stop to get the South West received a letter of praise from a off. Nothing was too much trouble. Trains-Network Rail customer, please email a copy to He was very polite and friendly and a pleasure to meet. He drove the Alliance, was won lindsay.reid@stagecoachgroup. bus with great care – fantastic. by the Alliance’s com or post it to Lindsay Reid, Please would you thank him from us as we arrived at our Fleet team who Senior Group Communications accommodation with ease. There are many complaints and negativity generously donated Manager, Stagecoach Group, 10 in today’s world, therefore felt I had to write a compliment. Other bus it to the Theodora’s Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW. We drivers could follow his example. Children’s Trust. Fudge Class: Brian Tucker, Head will publish as many as possible. This wonderful of Fleet Performance, eyes up Donna, cause organises the huge cake. visits from the Giggle Doctors charity which brings entertainment to youngsters who are unwell. Rail of two cities The auction itself raised £401 which was matched by Stagecoach Chairman Sir . A HISTORIC milestone for the Derby to Nottingham rail line was marked with a special celebration. n Outstanding contribution Derby City Council, East Midlands Trains and THE South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance Network Rail joined forces to celebrate 175 years was recognised at the launch of the Learning since the first ever passenger train ran between Disabilities Work Experience Week Awards 2014. the two cities. Dennis Horgan, Train Presentation Manager, The Counties Railway, which officially Waterloo, and Mark Lovett, HR Business Partner opened on Thursday 30 May 1839, ran the first Resourcing, were presented with Outstanding journey, greeted by hundreds of people who Contribution Awards by Jim Dobbin MP. turned out to applaud the ‘flying wonder’ on its The awards recognised their individual contribution inaugural outing. while working with Mencap during the work To mark the anniversary, passengers and guests A commemorative plaque marking 175 years of Derby experience week in 2013. at Derby station were treated to music from to Nottingham train travel is unveiled by Justin Page, Area Director for Network Rail (left); the Mayor of South West Trains was also awarded the Platinum the Melbourne Brass Band and complimentary tarts. Derby, Councillor Fareed Hussain (centre), and David Employer Award for its role in championing the Horne, Managing Director of East Midlands Trains. first work experience week, and its ongoing They also witnessed the unveiling of a commitment to continue working with Mencap on commemorative plaque by Derby’s Mayor, from East Midlands Trains and Justin Page from this initiative. Councillor Fareed Hussain, with David Horne Network Rail. n Bus awards in the City A MOUNTAINOUS task was made a little easier, thanks to staff from Stagecoach in Lochaber STAGECOACH’S London bus business scooped two Ain’t no mountain recently. top honours at the 2014 London Bus Awards. Stagecoach provided a shuttle bus service for The company won the Best Vehicle Care award for high enough Fort William’s biggest weekend event of the year, its Bromley Garage, which has achieved an annual the UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup. year-on-year reduction of 42% in engineering lost Drivers from three depots – John Friel, Justin mileage thanks to improved inspection standards Littlewood and Sandy Gunn (Lochaber); Paul and rigorous garage supervisors’ audits that Fenner, Richard Nicholson, Donald Nicholson, enhance the maintenance process. Alan Macdonald, Ian Beaton and Neil Campbell Dan Moule, an Engineering Fitter from Plumstead (Portree), and Stevie Ross and Alex Flanagan Garage and part of the depot’s green team, was () – shuttled over 18,000 spectators named the Environmental Campaign Champion. safely between Fort William and the Nevis Range Dan set up an account with a local scrap dealer venue during the two-day event. and began to segregate different types of scrap All of the drivers carried a donation bucket and within the depot to maximise the garage’s recycling raised £1400 to support Macmillan Nurses at opportunities. the Belford Hospital in Fort William. This takes has now set up similar Some of the Stagecoach driving team for the their total to over £10,000 over the past few schemes for every London garage. Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup. years. 5 GREEN SCENE ON STAGE n Star performance has become the first bus operator in Scotland, and one of only two in the UK, to be awarded a coveted five-star rating for its environmental performance. The company was assessed under the ECO Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme run by Dundee City Council. “This is testament to the efforts of our local team, from the safe and efficient driving on the roads to the senior management investment decisions,” said Andrew Jarvis, Managing Director of Stagecoach East Scotland. Children from a primary school in Arundel were visited by Banchory Primary School youngsters with North Scotland Stagecoach South employees and given recycled plastic snack boxes. Marketing Manager Claire Burt (back) The greener the better during Stagecoach’s Green Week COMMUNITY spirit was at the heart of Stagecoach’s sixth annual Group-wide Green Week. A PROGRAMME of fun events encouraged employees and customers to continue driving forward the green agenda, with particular focus on Eco-driver Simon Holmes (left) receives his voucher activities involving local communities. from Brian Hadden, Operations Manager at Kettering Green Week 2014 incorporated World Environment depot. Day on Thursday, June 5 – a widely celebrated n Green’s the way to go global day for positive environmental action when people from all walks of life come together GREEN Week saw rewarding to ensure a cleaner, greener outlook for future the top-performing ‘eco-driver’ at each of its seven generations. depots with a £50 M&S voucher. Events included school activities, green giveaways, Winners were chosen using Stagecoach’s hi-tech competitions, litter-picking and a host of other Wellington Primary School in was visited by a bio-bus. eco-driver monitoring system which measures the initiatives across the UK and North America. driver’s performance when accelerating, braking, Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Martin Griffiths We are working towards a new set of environmental cornering and idling. said: “We have made excellent progress on our targets for our companies and our annual Green Greenest drivers were Nuneaton’s Trevor Jones, sustainability strategy over the past five years and Week helps us to continue the momentum by Simon Holmes at Kettering, Kevin Parsons in our people have made a real difference in reducing engaging with customers, communities and our Northampton and Alan Strachan at Corby. The the environmental impact of our business. employees on how we can all have more sustainable winning driver at Leamington Spa depot was "But there is a lot more we still want to achieve. lives." Dariusz Pawelec, with Brian Lambert from Rugby and Stratford Upon Avon’s Tom Grant also coming out tops.

Stagecoach West employees out and about with mascot Mike the Monster.

Hartlepool depot cleaner and recycling champion Maggie Sprintall. Youngsters in Cumbria and North Lancashire were Eastbourne Operations Manager Bill Weatherley (left) delighted with their and Assistant Operations Manager Andy Jelley present Stagecoach East Scotland staff took part in a tidy-up at free basil seed pots. competition winner Gill Rigluth with a year’s free travel. South Queensferry. 6 Cook up a spicy twist on a classic soup ... find out more on page 9. ON STAGE n Top telly award Scary celebrity spot MEGABUS.COM, along with its North American PR TWO Stagecoach employees spotted firm Hanser & Associates, was awarded a 2014 ‘Scary Spice’ Mel B at Manchester Telly Award. recently as she took up her Its ‘Welcome Aboard’ video, shown to customers place on the ‘X Factor’ judging panel. upon each megabus.com departure in the US, Mel B The former Spice Girl even managed scooped the Safety Video award. to look glamorous before 8am. The Telly Awards There are no reports to suggest that is a premier she took a bus from the airport … international but you never know! award honouring If you, or one of your colleagues, have a claim to fame – perhaps a film and video hidden talent, a meeting with a celebrity or an interesting hobby – productions and please email details to [email protected] Mel B (Picture by Eva Rinaldi). a total of 12,000 entries were received from five continents. Poppy’s Seasider

The 2014 recently unveiled the Telly Award. ‘Skegness Seasiders’ – its very own characterised open-top . The first five were named Rocky, Sandy, Pierre, n Family fun Candy and Shelly, but the sixth bus was left blank while a kids’ competition decided its seaside design. A FAMILY Open Day drew the crowds to The winner was Poppy Bagnall (8), a pupil at Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire’s Seathorne Primary School in Skegness, with her Willowholme depot recently underwater theme and name ‘Salty the Seasider’, The annual event allowed visitors to see behind earning her a £100 gift voucher and the joy of the scenes and enjoy a display of buses past and seeing the bus decked out in her design. Poppy Bagnall aboard her creation, Salty the Seasider. present and see their name in lights. Two new Seasider story books ‘Salty Gets Stranded A vintage bus ride through and a falconry Out at Sea’ and ‘Sandy’s Friend Fergie Gets Stuck Wish Upon A Star and Skegness Lifeboat charities. display added to the attractions and staff raised on the Beach’ are on sale for £2.87 including Call 01522 522255 or email eastmidlands. over £2000 in a raffle to support the local Eden postage, part of which will be made to the When You [email protected] to buy one. Valley Hospice. Gary’s on the run SOUTH East driver Garry Warren, who ran the London Marathon in April, recently raised over £2,900 for Pilgrims Hospices. Garry, who completed the race in 4 hours 39 minutes, said: “The support has been so amazing it’s taken me quite a while to collect all the sponsorship money! Incredibly I’m still receiving donations through my Garry and his colleagues proudly show off their JustGiving page. I am very grateful to everyone who charity donation. has donated and helped me support this great charity.” Staff on hand at the Family Open Day. Swanage Samaritan n Pier to Pier challenge A SPECIAL charity train trip for Samaritans was a real team affair. A TEAM of South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance East Midlands Trains, South West Trains and Network employees recently took part in a bike ride from Rail joined forces to run an excursion between Pier to Portsmouth Pier as part of the ‘50 Sheffield and Swanage to raise a five-figure sum for for 50 Challenge’. the cause. The challenge was devised by Woking Guards The event marked the first ever visit of an HST train to The Swanage Samaritan train with the team of volunteers. Depot Manager Paul Wade to mark his 50th Swanage and involved a team of East Midlands Trains (Picture by Richard Gennis) birthday. He plans to cover 50 miles – either volunteers. and local stakeholders for some time to help in the running, cycling or swimming – every week for 50 The rail industry works closely with Samaritans to reconnection to the mainline at Wareham. weeks to raise money for charity. help protect vulnerable people from harm on the A grateful Samaritans spokesperson said: “It was To find out more visit: railway. an incredible day and the Samaritans team were http://prwade.wordpress.com The South West Trains - Network Rail Alliance has genuinely overwhelmed by the generosity, support also been working with the Swanage Railway and enthusiasm shown by everyone.” 7 Did you know? Around 4,500 Stagecoach buses across the UK now use a greener 30% biofuel blend. ON STAGE n Marathon man Forum meet SOUTH West Trains’ Revenue Protection Assistant Ibrahim Jalloh plans to run eight marathons to raise money for Cancer Research UK. and greet The charity is very close to Ibrahim’s heart, as his sister has been diagnosed with the condition, and HUNDREDS of passengers recently met with he plans to take part in marathons across Europe, managers from the South West Trains-Network Rail including Rotterdam, Antwerp and Copenhagen. Alliance for the third Passenger Forum at London Ibrahim’s marathon efforts have already raised Waterloo. money for several charities including Oxfam, Great Representatives from Samaritans, Passenger Focus, Ormond Street Children’s Hospital and The Railway British Transport Police, London Travel Watch and the Alliance Charity Panel were all at the event. Children. Support his campaign at The Giggle Doctors charity raised a smile and some www.justgiving.com/ibrahim-jalloh “This was a very important opportunity for us to funds at a recent Passenger Forum. hear first-hand the issues affecting our customers,” explained Arthur Pretorius, Customer Service The Alliance Charity Panel also had a stand at the Director for the South West Trains-Network Rail event to publicise their work. Alliance. Volunteers from the Small Steps charity attended “There was a host of questions about a large along with puppy trainers and puppies from Canine range of issues, including train capacity, station Partners and representatives from charity The information, timetables and ticket queries.” Giggle Doctors. Retail therapy

Ibrahim Jalloh is EAST Midlands Trains and have launched running a gruelling a combined rail and bus ticket for shoppers visiting eight marathons for the East Midlands Designer Outlet. charity. “We want to offer fully joined-up transport opportunities for our customers and the new integrated train and bus ticket will allow our customers an easy, simple and convenient way of enjoying the great shopping available at the East n Midlands Designer Outlet,” said Neil Micklethwaite, On your bike Customer Service & Commercial Director for East A NEW Cycle to Work scheme is offering Midlands Trains. discounted bikes for Stagecoach’s UK Bus Neil Micklethwaite from East Midlands Trains and Alex Horby from trentbarton launch the new ticket. employees. Almost 1500 people took advantage of the first “It was quite an honour round of the programme and benefited from ‘Dupe hot-foots it for me to raise funds for around £1 million worth of new bikes. A FIERY challenge raised a cool £685 for charity such a worthy charity as The scheme is now running for a second time recently. the DSS,” said ‘Dupe. and is open to all UK Bus drivers, engineers and Group Assistant Company Secretary Modupeola “I’d like to say a huge support staff, as well as employees at the Group Ogutuga walked across hot embers in thank you to everyone headquarters in Perth. to support Down’s Syndrome Scotland (DSS). who supported me and Under flexible pay and benefit arrangements, the the DSS through giving company is offering employees a bike to use for generously financially cycling to and from work. and/or giving words of This means savings of hundreds of pounds on the encouragement.” retail price of the bikes through bulk discounts, Stagecoach donated £200 to the cause, and and employees can also make savings on tax and further donations can still be made at national insurance. www.justgiving.com/Modupeola-Ogutuga Through the scheme, which is delivered by ‘Dupe before the challenge (above) and the hot -based Cycle Solutions, staff can choose embers she walked over. from more than 140 cycle brands including mountain bikes, hybrids and road bikes, up to a Quizmasters total value of £1,000. Stagecoach UK Bus Managing Director Robert CALLING all eggheads! The National Passenger Transport Sports Association (NPTSA) is on the lookout Montgomery said: “The first round of the Cycle to for teams to take part in its annual Sport and General Knowledge Quiz at the Transport Club, Tudor Street, Work scheme proved very popular with employees , on Sunday, October 12. and it’s great for our staff that we are able to offer Four-person teams are invited to take part, with a maximum of three teams per depot, and the entry is £10 the scheme to them again.” per team. To enter, text QUIZ followed by your name and address to 0772 588 7566 or for more information visit www.nptsa.co.uk 8 Did you know? Stagecoach North East bus driver Norman Fullard is celebrating a fantastic record of 40 years of safe driving. ON STAGE

THIS issue’s Tributes for recipe comes from Gus Charlie Beveridge, TRIBUTES have been paid to former Stagecoach TOP RECIPE Operations Managing Director Charlie Mullen who died last Manager at month. Perth depot. Charlie joined the bus industry in 1986 at Scottish Omnibuses. He joined Stagecoach in 2005 when the Group acquired the Group and held the role of Managing Director at , Stagecoach Highlands and Greener, Smarter, Spicy Chicken . Charlie Mullen. & Noodle Soup In 2009 he was appointed Managing Director of Stagecoach East Scotland where he remained until colleagues. Our thoughts and sympathies are with To serve 5-6 you will need: he retired in October 2013. Charlie’s family at this time.” Ingredients Stagecoach Regional Director Scotland Sam Greer At his final MDs meeting before retiring, Charlie Big glug of sesame (or other suitable) oil; 2 big said: “During his time with Stagecoach, Charlie – who was a self-confessed ‘Guinness drinking cloves garlic (crushed); 8 whole spring onions played a crucial role in delivering high-quality bus dedicated follower of Celtic’ – was given a hospitality (chopped); 1/4 Savoy cabbage (sliced); 2 heaped services for thousands of people every day and we trip to watch a Champions League match involving handfuls of cooked shredded chicken; 2 litre benefited greatly from his experience. Celtic. chicken stock; 2 cups boiling water; Big piece of “He was also very well-liked and respected among He will be missed by all those who worked with him. ginger (thickly sliced); Handful of fresh coriander; 2 red chillies (chopped) or 1 tbsp of crushed chilli flakes;2 big handfuls of noodles; 2/3 tbsp of dark soya sauce. Hail to the Chiefs! • Put a large saucepan on medium heat and add STAGECOACH was happy to help kick off the oil. celebrations after ’s premier rugby league • Add the chicken and garlic and let sizzle while team, the Chiefs, won this year’s LV= Cup. stirring. A big victory parade took place through the centre • Add the spring onions, fry until they start to of Exeter and provided a soften, and mix with the oil and garlic. vintage open-top bus for the special occasion. • Pour in the stock and boiling water then add Rugby champs the Chiefs parade through Exeter on a the cabbage, soy sauce, ginger, coriander and Stagecoach bus. chillies. • Bring it all to the boil then simmer for approx. 15 minutes. A trip to the circus • Add the noodles, bring back to the boil, and KIDS at ’s Circus Day Nursery had simmer for a further 5 to 10 minutes. an exciting afternoon when they were visited by • Serve in bowls with chopsticks, sprinkle with Stagecoach West’s Classic London Red Bus. some coriander, and add a few extra slices of Staff and children enjoyed exploring the bus, chilli to garnish for the “fire” lovers. ringing the bell and having their photos taken in the driving seat throughout the afternoon. n Hero bus back on the road A delighted driver tries out the big red bus. A BUS named after a hero of the 1953 floods is back on the roads of West Norfolk. In January 2013, Norfolk Green named a vehicle Wings around the world A welcome for a hero in honour of Reis Leming, who was awarded the STAGECOACH Midlands recently supported the A D-DAY veteran was given a hero’s welcome George Medal for his single-handed rescue of 27 Wings for Life World Run. thanks to megabus.com US driver Peter O’Brien. people trapped by the tidal surge. The global event took place in 32 countries on six The ex-serviceman boarded Peter’s bus in the The bus was recently withdrawn from service continents at exactly the same time and was held USA while travelling to France for the recent 70th following a road incident, but has now been in aid of the Wings for Life Foundation, a charity anniversary of the Normandy landings. repaired and re-launched. dedicated to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. The man’s platoon was one of the first to land Norfolk Green Managing Director Andrew Dyer Stagecoach provided 13 vehicles for the UK event, on Utah beach and, while in France, he was to said: “The storm surge and floods of 1953 which started and finished at the Silverstone receive the French Legion of Honor Medal from the had a devastating impact on the people in our Circuit and involved nearly 900 runners. President of France. local communities and we are very pleased to Jim Mortimore, Operations Director for Stagecoach The driver was so taken with this ex-soldier’s charm help in commemorating the many people who Midlands, said “It was a highly successful and that, before setting off, he introduced him to the rest showed incredible bravery that night, as well as enjoyable event, which will have raised a great of the passengers – prompting a very deserved and remembering those who sadly lost their lives.” deal of money for the Wings for Life Foundation.” enthusiastic round of applause from both decks. 9 THE PEOPLE PAGE ON STAGE n APPOINTMENTS n GETTING TO KNOW YOU... DAVID Parker has taken a step up to a new position Jenny Harris, Travel Shop Clerk, Aldershot. as commercial manager at Stagecoach North East. After 17 years with the company, David (38) from ■■ Who are you? Jenny Harris, Travel Shop Clerk, ■■ First thing you Newcastle is now responsible for leading the Aldershot with 50 years’ service. would buy commercial team and implementing its strategies, ■■ What do you like most about your job? if you won including service Meeting and helping people. £1million? A planning and ■■ What do you like least about your job? Rude cruise around scheduling. customers (not that I can’t handle them!). the world David said: “I have ■■ Favourite food? Pasta or rice with homemade (however, my been at Stagecoach curry. husband doesn’t all my working ■■ Least favourite food? Anchovies. like cruises!). life, straight from ■■ What are you most proud of? My long service Northumbria with the company, and helping the elderly in my University, where spare time. Getting To Know You features in every edition I studied business The new North East Customer ■■ Favourite holiday destination? Austria or Italy. of On Stage and we want to hear from as many and finance, with a Communications Team. ■■ Favourite music? Cliff Richard. staff as possible. To suggest the next participant, specialist focus on transport management. So to be ■■ Person you would most like to have dinner email [email protected] offered the opportunity to work at this level in the with? Probably Cliff Richard. commercial environment is fantastic.” Meanwhile, Stagecoach North East has employed n LONG SERVICE a new Customer Communications Team at its head office in . WITH a combined total of 590 The team is made up of Rebecca Ellis, Dawn years under their belts, loyal Storey, Cheryl Thompson and Phil Atkinson. Stagecoach East Midlands “Customer contact and liaising with the general staff and retiring employees public is important to the company as we take our were treated to a celebratory customer services and reputation very seriously,” dinner recently. said Marketing Manager Helen Martin. Those who attended were presented with a long service KAM Gill has been appointed award certificate by Managing Long-serving and retiring employees from East Midlands. Operations Manager at Director Michelle Hargreaves. Nuneaton. A GROUP of He joined the Company in employees were given a big thank 2011 on Stagecooach’s you as they celebrated clocking up graduate programme and more than 1500 years of service was previously Operations between them. Manager at Stagecoach’s At a special awards event, Preston depot. New Nuneaton Stagecoach paid tribute to the loyal Kam said: “I was born and Operations Manager members of staff who have all Kam Gill. brought up in the Coventry dedicated their careers to working area. My family has lived here since the 1960s and for the company for more than 20 so I know the Coventry, Nuneaton and Bedworth years at its depots. Retirees from the areas very well. last 12 months were also invited to Yorkshire’s long service award recipients and recent retirees. “In my new position, it is only natural that I want the event. to provide the best possible bus service for local people, ensuring we meet the high standards that n IN MEMORY OF... Top of the class Stagecoach sets across the board.” STAGECOACH East Scotland sadly lost a NORTH East Assistant Operations long-serving member of its travel shop Manager Carl Trodden has achieved n CONTACTS team when Colin Tullis (pictured) passed a Level 3 Institute of Logistics and away. Transport qualification. Editor: Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach Colin began as a parcel boy in the Carl, who works at the Walkergate Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW depot in 1985 before becoming depot in Newcastle, studied for two Email: [email protected] an Administration Clerk at Kirkcaldy bus years in his own time using distance If you have a story for On Stage, please contact station, where he remained until his final days. learning, completing online tutorials and Lindsay Reid as above. The copy deadline for Beyond his admin duties, Colin researched and planned the homework. the next edition of On Stage will be Friday, 15 company’s coach tour programme for many years and became He said: “As a result of achieving this August 2014. well known by the local coach tour travellers as a result. qualification I hope to move into a Colin’s sudden death at the age of just 46 was a shock to both management role on a permanent colleagues and his regular customers. basis.” 10