The newsletter of Issue 107 | January 2015 ON STAGE INSIDE Top industry awards page 4 | New German services page 6 New Stagecoach-Virgin rail franchise to deliver passenger benefits Passengers, taxpayers and employees are to benefit from the decision by the Department of Transport to award the new InterCity East Coast rail franchise to Stagecoach Group’s InterCity Railways venture with Virgin Group. Passengers can look forward to new services, faster and more frequent journeys whilst taxpayers will benefit from significant increases in premium payments to Government over the course of the eight year franchise. The groups’ venture, ICR, will transform the customer experience for around 20 million journeys ƒƒ Station enhancements “We’re delighted to have been chosen to run the a year on one of the UK’s major inter-city rail routes. ƒƒ Improved accessibility East Coast franchise. Our long-term partnership Stagecoach holds 90% of the share capital of ICR ƒƒ Community engagement with Stagecoach has seen a revolution in customer and Virgin holds the remaining 10%. Martin Griffiths, Chief Executive of Stagecoach service standards, great product innovation, The new franchise will start in March 2015 and Group, said: “Passengers using the East Coast reduced journey times and improved timetables on is planned to run until 31 March 2023. It is set mainline will benefit from hundreds of millions the West Coast mainline. We plan to deliver similar to see more than £140m invested in delivering of pounds of infrastructure investment and success on the East Coast and are looking forward an improved service and a more personalised service improvements over the next decade. to working with the team there to build on their travel experience for passengers. Trains will Together with Virgin, our innovative plans will give achievements.” operate under the ‘ East Coast’ brand. customers new services, faster and more frequent ƒƒ New schools partnership to provide opportunities Highlights for customers include: trains, and easier, more personalised journeys. for young people and an extended range of ƒƒ Faster journey times “We will be investing in the committed East Coast traineeships for 16–17 year olds. ƒƒ New trains people who will be joining our team, as well as ƒƒ Job trials scheme offering opportunity for young ƒƒ Better connections delivering major programmes to help young and unemployed people on the East Coast route ƒƒ More services people, communities and small businesses along with a guaranteed job interview at the end. ƒƒ Better value fares one of Britain’s most important routes. We will ƒƒ Unique partnership with Bad Boys Bakery to ƒƒ Investment in people match world-class customer service by giving a support ex-offenders and prevent re-offending ƒƒ New technology big boost to taxpayers with increased payments to by getting people into good jobs. ƒƒ Personalised travel Government.” Turn to page 2 to find out about the new InterCity ƒƒ Improved customer rights and support Patrick McCall, Senior Partner, Virgin Group, said: East Coast Managing Director. Nominate your 2015 Stagecoach Champions The search has begun Community; Health; Customer Service; and, passengers who use our bus and rail services for the Stagecoach Innovation. each year, inviting them to put forward their Champions of 2015 Employees from across the Group’s businesses in recommendations for their Stagecoach Champion. – and we are looking for the UK and North America are invited to nominate Their views and those of our own team of employees even more nominations colleagues who they believe are making a real will be considered in deciding the award. than ever before. difference in any of these areas. Gold, Silver and Bronze awards are presented for We are now in the sixth year of the awards and, This year, the Innovation category will continue each category and shortlisted entrants receive a so far, more than 90 employees have been looking forward and will recognise employees who trophy and a cash prize. honoured for their outstanding efforts across have ideas that could make a difference to the This year we are looking to encourage even more a number of fields. business and our customers in the future. entries from our bus and rail companies across the The 2015 awards will again recognise success For the Customer Service category we will once UK, North America and Canada and we have in the following categories: Safety; Environment; more be calling on the help of the millions of Story continued on page 2 1 Did you know? .com recently gave away 20,000 free seats on its services in the UK and Europe. ON STAGE

Continued from page 1 Categories for 2015 extended the nominating period for a month Safety Champion: awarded to employees who have What a longer than in previous years – with the deadline championed good safety or excelled in dealing with now at the end of April. a specific situation or incident. To nominate your Champion, all you need to do Environment Champion: presented to individuals Laugh! is download a nomination form from the FAQ who have championed greener working practices Spotted on Twitter: section, under ‘Media’, at www.stagecoach.com. and sustainability, such as by improving energy efficiency, reducing the company’s carbon emissions “Remembering something funny on public Then email the completed form to: or developing innovative ways to get people to transport is so annoying...looking like a [email protected] or switch from the car to public transport. psycho, laughing by yourself!” send it by post to Lindsay Reid, Corporate Communications Manager, Stagecoach Group, Community Champion: recognises employees If you have seen or heard something funny – 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth PH1 5TW. You can who have made a significant contribution to the online, in the papers, on social media or just nominate yourself or one of your colleagues. local community through charitable fund-raising while out and about – send your contributions Innovation nominations can be made directly via or volunteering. for the ‘What a Laugh’ section in the next edition the email and postal addresses above without the Health Champion: for employees who have done to [email protected] need to complete the form – all that is required is most to promote employee health within the Group. an explanation of the idea being put forward and Customer Service Champion: presented to contact details for the person submitting it. individuals who have gone the extra mile to deliver n Celebration in Nottingham Nominations for the 2015 Stagecoach Champions exceptional customer service. awards close on . Look Innovation Champion: for employees who can A three-year programme of major improvement Thursday 30 April 2015 out for updates on the awards and the shortlisted suggest the best new ideas across any area of the work to transform Nottingham’s railway station nominees in future editions of On Stage. business, whether it’s the launch of a new product, came to a fitting climax as The Honourable Sir the introduction of a new system or a way of saving William McAlpine, chairman of the Railway Heritage the company money. Trust and the Lord Lieutenant of (Sir John Peace) visited to officially open the new world-class transport hub. They were joined for the official opening by Elly Managing Director confirmed for Blacknell, a year 9 local student who aspires to be a Paralympic swimming champion, having had her InterCity East Coast franchise left leg amputated below the knee and undergone chemotherapy following the diagnosis of a rare Following the award “I feel very privileged to be given the opportunity to bone cancer in 2012. Despite this, she now walks of the InerCity East Coast lead this major new franchise. I’ve travelled on East unaided with a prosthetic limb and has gone on to franchise to Stagecoach Coast on many occasions over the years and have pick up numerous medals in national swimming and Virgin, it has been seen first-hand the level of pride the team have and competitions, competing against able-bodied confirmed that David Horne, previously Managing the focus on delivering a great service for customers.” swimmers, and has been an inspiration to her Director of Stagecoach-owned Trains, Jake Kelly has been appointed Managing Director family, coaches and teachers. has been appointed to play a leading part in the Designate of . He has previously Over £60 million has been invested in creating mobilisation and transition arrangements for the new worked as a director of the company and joins from the new transport hub at the very heart of the city, InterCity East Coast franchise which is to be operated the - Alliance where which serves more than seven million passengers by Stagecoach and Virgin from March 2015. he has worked since 2010 in the roles of Commercial every year. The station has been designed to He has now started in the role and, subject to the Director, Customer Service Director and more recently dramatically enhance the passenger experience, commencement of the franchise award as envisaged, as Development Director. improve the city’s connectivity and encourage would become Managing Director of Virgin Trains East He said: “I’m hugely excited to be taking over at East greater opportunities for regeneration, investment Coast when the franchise starts. Midlands Trains. It’s a great opportunity and I know and growth. David has more than 25 years experience in the that David will be leaving the company in the best David Horne, former East Midlands Trains Managing rail industry, having started his career in 1988 as a possible shape. There’s a very good team at East Director, said: “We now have a station that ticket office clerk in Cornwall. He has also held senior Midlands Trains and I’m looking forward to working everybody can feel rightly proud of and is fitting for positions within South West Trains and Virgin Trains. with them in driving forward further improvements for a key and important city such as Nottingham.” Speaking on his appointment, David Horne said: our passengers.”

A special thank you from the Mullen family Following the sad death of former Stagecoach funeral were overwhelming. It was great to see East Managing Director Charlie Mullen that Charlie touched so many hearts throughout last year, Charlie’s family would like to share the Stagecoach. A special thank you goes to below message. Scotland, especially the staff at “On behalf of Helen, Gillian, Claire and Louise Strathtay for the kind and continuous support that we would like to thank Stagecoach Bus for their they have given Gillian and Claire on their return Pictured L-R: David Horne, former East Midlands amazing support during this difficult time. The to work. To us he was one in a million – he also Trains Managing Director; Phil Verster, Route cards, flowers, letters and turnout at Charlie’s meant a lot to many others and is sadly missed.” Managing Director for Network Rail, Elly Blacknell, Sir John Peace and Sir William McAlpine Bt. 2 Meet the new MD for West Scotland ... find out more on page 4. ON STAGE n Charity high fliers Stagecoach supports Passenger milestone Movember for megabus.com A number of events organised by Stagecoach Group’s megabus.com has served more than 40 bus and rail companies took place during the month of million customers across North America since November to support the health charity Movember. the company began in 2006. The business To mark the awareness month, where men are is helping to make city-to-city bus travel invited to grow a moustache for 30 days to raise the fastest growing and most economical awareness of men’s health issues, more than 500 transportation mode in the US. Pictured at their jump (L–R): Stagecoach employees of Stagecoach’s buses, trams and trains across the To celebrate the milestone, megabus.com John Allan, George Kennedy & Dougie Campbell country were fitted with giant moustaches. awarded a customer with an iPad Air during In addition, megabus.com mascot Sid grew his own an event in Orlando. The company – which Three West Scotland employees took part in a moustache which can be seen on the side of some serves 32 states in over 120 cities across North parachute jump to raise money for charity. coaches. Stagecoach Supertram also fitted large-sized America – has increased sales by 13.5 percent John Allan, George Kennedy and Dougie Campbell, moustaches to a number of trams and the South West in the last year. from Dumfries Depot, successfully managed the Trains-Network Rail Alliance supported the charity “megabus.com’s is now the travel option of jump and raised £934 for “Help the Heroes”. for the second consecutive year by fitting moustaches choice for more than 40 million customers, and to trains. we’re thrilled to serve them as our customers,” n Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Martin Griffiths said Mike Alvich, megabus.com’s Vice President By royal appointment said: “We are delighted to be able to support this of Marketing and Public Relations. “As important charity and spread awareness of these customers look for ways to stretch their dollars, kinds of issues among our employees and passengers we look forward to continuing to provide safe, in this way. It’s great that so many of our staff are convenient and affordable travel options for getting on board to help raise money and awareness each and every trip.” about these devastating diseases.” 50 not out As a major supporter of the charity Transaid, North East bus driver Joe McBeth got a surprise which works to improve road safety in the recently as Stagecoach Chairman Sir developing world, Stagecoach was invited to a paid a visit to Tyneside to help celebrate Joe’s presentation held by the charity in . 50-year career milestone. The showcase event had a number of speakers, Joe joined the local bus operator in November Stagecoach staff in London line up with their including Transaid’s Patron, HRH The Princess marvellously moustached training bus 1964 as a and quickly became a driver Royal, who is pictured speaking to Stagecoach at the age of 21. Since then Joe has worked at the UK Bus Training and Development Manager company’s depot in Newcastle. Matthew Darroch. On receiving the award, Joe said: “It was a real Stagecoach has donated three buses to shock to see Sir Brian Souter in the canteen and I Transaid, which are being used in Gambia and was thrilled when he presented me with an award.” Tanzania. Neil Rettie, from Stagecoach North Sir Brian Souter, Chairman and co-founder of Scotland, has been seconded to work in Africa Stagecoach Group, said: “I’d like to thank Joe for with Transaid for over five years managing a the commitment he has shown and for all of his number of driver training projects. One of the South West megabus.com shows hard work during that time.” Trains fleet with its off Sid and his mega moustache fitted moustache n Supporting literacy Stagecoach East is part of a project by The National Literacy Trust to boost literacy levels in Peterborough and improve the life chances and employability of the city’s residents. To celebrate the launch of the Peterborough Literacy Campaign, local storytellers, Stagecoach Supertram employees also got in on sports stars and campaign ambassadors toured the the action with their own moustaches city on a dedicated Stagecoach bus, delivering fun storytelling sessions and free books to children. In addition, the scheme launched a ‘Love Peterborough’ poetry competition. In partnership with Stagecoach buses, the competition called on the whole community to write a poem about why they love Peterborough with winning poems being displayed on selected Stagecoach buses. North East employees Ray Conroy and Mark Athey showing off their homegrown moustaches Sir Brian Souter (left) congratulates Joe McBeth 3 The 200 year old men ... find out more on page 7. ON STAGE n Charity calendar n picture this Lancaster resident This edition’s ‘Picture This’ winner was taken by Lynda Braithwaite has Bob Copestake, Manager of Training and produced a charity Development, Coach USA. It shows a megabus.com calendar made up of vehicle at Anaheim in California. 12 drawings inspired Congratulations to Bob who will shortly receive his by Stagecoach drivers. prize – the equivalent of £50 in US Dollars. Proceeds from If you have any good photos for ‘Picture This’ please calendar sales will go send them to Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach towards Leukaemia Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW, or email Willie McPhail, and Lymphoma it to [email protected] Operations Manager research as well as at Lancaster and with the Neo Natal Unit at Lynda Braithwaite Lancaster Infirmary. Stagecoach in Cumbria and North Lancashire will Top industry awards also donate £1 to every calendar sold. To buy a copy please call 01524 422217. Transport operator won two honours at the 2014 Route One Operator Excellence Awards. n Christmas jumper day Stagecoach Midlands won Large Operator of the Year for its operation and Northampton based Engineering Director David Heptinstall was crowned Engineer of the Year. Stagecoach in Northamptonshire employs 530 people and has depots in Kettering, Corby and Northampton. David is responsible for the safe, reliable and efficient running of all Stagecoach Midlands’ buses and coaches. Managing Director of Stagecoach Midlands Steve Burd said, “Winning these awards is great recognition of the hard work by all staff at Stagecoach in Northamptonshire and highlights Representatives of Stagecoach in Northampton were David for his dedication and commitment to the safe presented with the award for Large Bus Operator of the Year and reliable running of our services.” by comedian Tim Vine and BBC Presenter Steph McGovern.

A collage of just some of the Christmas jumper wearing that took place across the Group Golden Spanner winners A host of Stagecoach bus and rail companies Passengers travelling with the South West Trains- The class 455 units which run on the busy took part in 2014’s Christmas Jumper Day to raise Network Rail Alliance are using some of the most suburban lines won the award for the most reliable funds for charity. reliable trains in the country after the company former British Rail electrical multiple unit while The majority of companies opted to fundraise won top honours at the Golden Spanner Awards. the Class 458s were named the most reliable new for Save the Children which has become For the tenth year in a row, the Class 158/159 generation electric units. synonymous with Christmas Jumper Day with diesel trains, which run between Waterloo, Exeter Christian Roth, Fleet Director, said: “This is a real other businesses chosing to raise funds for local and Southampton and on local Hampshire services, tribute to the hard work and dedication of our charities instead. won the award for the most reliable former British engineering team and is proof of the incredible Thanks to everyone who took part. Rail . reliability of our fleet.”

New MD for West Scotland The new managing director for Stagecoach’s West company over the past 15 years. He worked for Scotland business has been announced. , Oxford, Hastings, Canterbury Tom Bridge will take over from the previous Managing and Herne Bay before being appointed Operations Director Edward Hodgson on 1 February following Director of in August 2010. Edward’s promotion to a new post heading up the Robert Montgomery, Managing Director of buses company’s megabus.com inter-city bus operations and coaches UK and Europe, said: “Tom is a in the UK and mainland Europe. product of Stagecoach’s highly respected graduate Tom (38) joined Stagecoach’s highly respected training programme and it demonstrates the huge graduate training programme in 1999 and has held opportunities there are for personal and professional several operational management roles with the development in the business.” 4 Did you know? Local choir groups serenaded passengers with Christmas Carols at in December . ON STAGE n Top driver letters of praise driver Jeffrey Dunford has The letters below, which were sent by passengers, been awarded the demonstrate excellent service at 2014 Motor and . Coach Association (OMCA) Driver If you or one of your colleagues has received a letter of praise from a customer, please email a copy to Excellence Award. [email protected] or post it to Lindsay Reid, Senior Group Communications Manager, The award highlights Stagecoach Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW. We will publish as many as possible. Driver Jeffrey Dunford driver excellence across many different areas, with a specific focus on safety and Dear Mr White, Dear Stagecoach, I am delighted to be writing on behalf of The Royal Over the last year I have started using the bus customer service, and Jeffrey earned the honour British Legion to thank you and all at Stagecoach due to health reasons. Your staff have always through 40 years of safe driving. He also received for your support of London Poppy Day on Thursday been courteous and helpful. complimentary letters from passengers. 30 October. On Saturday afternoon my purse had fallen out The continued support from Stagecoach on both of my handbag. I didn’t realise my purse was an operational and public facing level was a key missing until the next morning. contributing factor to the success of the day On phoning your Gloucester office Sunday and achieving a total of £1.25m in just 12 hours morning, the gentleman that took my call was across London. The innovative approach taken by so helpful and as luck would have it the purse Stagecoach to promote London Poppy Day through was being handed in at the same time. They the liveried buses had a very positive impact and arranged for me to pick the purse up on the was important in raising public awareness for the next Service 23 when it came through my overall Poppy Appeal campaign. home village Bream. I really hope you enjoyed the opportunity to be Not only was I lucky to get my purse back with part of The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, its contents still there but also to deal with such n Stuart’s on the race team and look forward to continuing to work together to amazing people. uphold the memory of the fallen and support the Please pass on my thanks and appreciation Stagecoach Third Year Apprentice of the Year future of the living. to your staff. Stuart McMaster from West Scotland recently Yours sincerely, Name and address supplied became part of the pit crew at a truck racing event Charles Byrne with supplier Juratek Ltd. Director of Fundraising Juratek, which sponsors the Stagecoach The Royal British Legion Apprentice of the Year Awards, gave Stuart and other third year Apprentice Award winners James Thornborrow from Stagecoach London and Ian Dyer from the chance to Stagecoach signs Welsh Important donation enjoy the truck racing at Brands Hatch. international footballer Bryony Chamberlain, Director of Operations for megabus.com North America and Sean Former Welsh Hughes, Associate Director of Corporate n Fancy dress charity fun international footballer Affairs for North America, recently presented Kelly Isaac is Stagecoach the Wounded Warrior Project with a donation ’ newest of $18,000 from megabus.com. staff in fancy recruit, joining the team megabus.com donated $1 to the Wounded dress (from as a Commercial Officer. L–R): Sue Warrior Project for every passenger who Pettitt, Jose During her career, Kelly has rode with megabus.com on Veterans Day. Abreu, Marion won 11 Under 19 Welsh Coach USA/megabus is also now a preferred Jarrett, Pete Cups and has also won Warrior Employer. Whitmarsh New recruit Kelly Isaac the Welsh Women’s FA and Simon Cup four times with her club Cardiff City LFC as well Jarrett as participating in the Women’s Premier League and UEFA Champions League qualifiers. She was recently Staff from Stagecoach South’s Winchester bus called back into the Wales Women’s Senior squad. depot decided to wear fancy dress or onesies to work In 2008, Kelly gained a full football scholarship to in aid of Children in Need and collection buckets were the USA where she travelled all over the States and available on the buses to give passengers the chance Brazil to participate in friendly tournaments. In 2012, to donate. whilst continuing with her football, she obtained her “I’m really proud of the effort my team put into degree in International Business in Southwest Baptist fundraising for this terrific cause.” said local University, Missouri. After five years in the USA she Operations Manager Martin Gibbon. “It’s good to have then travelled to Sweden on a professional contract some fun and raise money for such a good cause.” for five months. The cheque presentation to the Wounded Warrior Project 5 Did you know? Stagecoach Group is one of the top 20 most admired businesses in the UK, according to an annual survey of corporate reputation. green scene n New Simplibus for Eco-friendly buses for North Scotland Grimsby & Cleethorpes More than £600,000 is being invested in five The new vehicles – which will be the first state-of-the-art electric vehicles for Stagecoach’s electric vehicles operated by Stagecoach – will Christmas came early for passengers in the bus operations in Inverness, with additional be manufactured by British company Optare and Grimsby and Cleethorpes area when a new funding coming from the Scottish Government’s will be built at the company’s factory in Leeds. state-of-the-art bus fleet was unveiled. Green Bus Fund. They will go into service next year. The new Simplibus service will serve two of the Scottish Transport Minister Keith Brown has Stagecoach North Scotland Managing Director busiest routes in the area and allow passengers announced that the Scottish Government is to Steve Walker said: “Our buses play a vital role to access information in its simplest form, making invest a further £477,000 from its Green Bus in keeping communities connected across the travelling easier and more accessible for everyone. Fund in the new Stagecoach buses. north of Scotland and we are committed to Stagecoach East Midlands Managing Director The new bus order is made up of five Optare Solo investing in cleaner, greener vehicles for our Michelle Hargreaves said: “This is a £4million electric vehicles. The buses – which produce zero passengers.” investment but we believe in Grimsby. This emissions – will be put into service in place of Announcing the funding award, Scottish investment is about making our services simple for existing diesel vehicles on several routes around Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “This fund customers to use. We want people to be encouraged Inverness, including: is helping our bus industry invest in the latest to travel by bus and feel confident in doing so.” ƒƒ Inverness – Raigmore emission-reducing technology and is another ƒƒ Inverness – Lochardil clear indication of our support and commitment ƒƒ Inverness – South Kessock to the bus industry in Scotland.” Investment in coastal bus route Stagecoach South’s popular Coastliner700 East Midlands staff and their Christmas jumpers route has introduced a £2million fleet of 12 in front of a festively wrapped Simplibus vehicle brand new eco-friendly double deck buses with a brand new design. The new vehicles all feature free WiFi, perfect n New buses take to the road for commuters that want to take back some of their day. An investment of nearly £3.2 million in 24 brand Mark Turner, Regional Commercial Director for new buses for passengers in Cheltenham has Stagecoach, was joined by Worthing’s Deputy been announced by Stagecoach West. Mayor, Councillor Michael Donin, at a special Passenger numbers across Stagecoach West launch ceremony in Marine Parade, Worthing. have risen by 20% in the past five years thanks to Mark said: “We hope to encourage even more continued investment in high quality services and people to try the bus for a relaxing journey, with innovative marketing. more comfortable seating and free WiFi, not The buses replace half the existing fleet and have to mention the great value tickets we offer for free WiFi and green Euro 5 specification engines. regular travellers.” The launch party unveil the new vehicles Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Martin Griffiths said: “Bus services are a key part of Cheltenham’s infrastructure, supporting the economy and connecting local communities. This is exactly the megabus.com launches new German services kind of major investment that is making the bus a real alternative to the stress of driving in congested The company now operates a route between towns and cities right across Britain.” Munich, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Cologne and Cllr Simon Wheeler, The Mayor of Cheltenham, Brussels, providing both international services said: “I applaud Stagecoach for the level of and domestic travel between German cities. investment they have made to further enhance The new route will cover some of the most the bus network in and around Cheltenham. The densely populated centres in Germany which people of Cheltenham are very fortunate to have have a combined direct population of more than access to such a comprehensive service.” 3.8million people. It also includes Brussels which is the capital of the European Union and has a population of 1.2million. megabus.com Managing Director Edward Hodgson said: “We are the only coach operator A megabus.com vehicle at the launch of the in Europe to offer €1 fares on all services across new services in Munich all routes. We believe consumers make their travel choices based on low fares and high quality Germany is now benefitting from lower fares for services over the long term and we aim to be Stagecoach Chief Excecutive Martin Griffiths and inter-city travel after coach operator megabus.com number one on both. We look forward to attracting Stagecoach West Managing Director Rupert Cox are began operating a new route which will help cut people on to our greener, smarter and better value joined at the launch by Councillor Simon Wheeker and Philip Williams from Gloucestershire County Council the cost of travel between German cities. coach services.” 6 Tribute to Sheffield City Battalion ... find out more on page 9. ON STAGE n Developing skills Claim to fame provided transport for a group of school pupils with a range of learning difficulties to take part in an exciting day of activities to develop their independent living skills. The pupils worked in groups on a broad range of activities from teeth cleaning Glynn Lowrie to using public transport – some for the first time, plus budgeting for the day and ordering their own food. n Time to tee off If you, or one of your An inter-depot golf competition is being colleagues, have a claim to Supertram employee Glynn Lowrie recently took part in held by Stagecoach Cambridge on 24 June fame – perhaps a hidden talent, the Channel 4 quiz show Fifteen to One. Glynn is pictured 2015 at the Lakeside Lodge Gold Complex in a meeting with a celebrity or above (5th from right) with his fellow contestants and Pidley, Cambridgeshire. Staff from all depots an interesting hobby – please presenter Sandi Toksvig. The show was not Glynn’s first are invited to take part. If you are interested email details to lindsay.reid@ foray into the world of TV quiz shows – eight years ago in entering a team please – at a cost of stagecoachgroup.com he also appeared on the Channel 5 quiz Brainteaser. £40 per team – email martin.stanford@ stagecoachbus.com to find out more. Deborah’s big loss Talent spotting n Gala dinner award Supertram conductor Deborah Fox recently Young people in the East Midlands are for megabus.com featured in Pick Me Up magazine after she lost getting extra help and support to start a megabus.com US was voted First Runner Up a staggering seven stones in weight. career in the rail industry. for Group Travel at a gala awards ceremony Deborah, who weighed 20st 7lbs at her largest, The rail network supports thousands of and dinner attended by the tourism, joined Slimming World in 2013 and has gone jobs in the East Midlands and the Young hospitality and transportation industries at from strength to strength, losing 7st over the Rail Professionals East Midlands Steering the Hudson Theatre in the heart of Times past 18 months. She is now well on her way to Committee aims to encourage more young Square in New . In addition to the award reaching her target weight of 10st 7lb and has people to work within the rail industry as well presentations, guests were entertained by been rewarded with the titles of Greatest Loser as helping local businesses to identify and performances from hit Broadway shows 2014 and Woman of the Year 2014 at her Slimming nurture the next generation of talent. Les Miserables and Kinky Boots. World group. Sarah Layzell, Talent Manager at East She said: “There are plenty of tasty recipes to try Midlands Trains, said: “There has never been and I’m eating more food now than I was before I a better time to work in the rail industry with joined! Only now it’s the right kind of food. Now I’ve many billions of pounds being invested in got my confidence back I enjoy going to the gym, new stations, trains, tracks and signals to going to zumba classes, boxing and swimming.” cope with growing passenger numbers.”

Taking the plunge

megabus.com driver Shaun Phillipson from Rugby depot, took part in his first ever tandem skydive The 200 Club relaxes during a break recently as a birthday present from his partner. By taking the plunge, and through a £400 n The 200 Club donation from Stagecoach Midlands, Shaun helped raised £1,000 for Children in Need. Employees Ronald Lloyd, Dudley Stow and He said: “I have always wanted to do a skydive John Williams at Stagecoach East Midlands and when one of our drivers approached me are known as The 200 Club as the trio have with a sponsor form for Children in Need and a combined age of 200 years and 120 years’ asked if I could help, I decided to do the jump service in Hull between them. for the charity.” Shaun (right) with his skydiving instructor 7 Meet UK Bus’ Graphic Designer ... find out more on page 10. ON STAGE n Broadband boost Pedal power Thousands of East Midlands Trains passengers Stagecoach Group’s rail companies have scooped can now enjoy more reliable broadband as well a series of National Cycle Rail Awards as part of the as cheaper daily and monthly tariffs. ongoing work to improve and promote cycling at train All trains to and from London St Pancras now stations across the country. offer much improved broadband connections Out of 10 awards, Stagecoach’s rail franchises for passengers. The investment will also help to won the following: reduce so called ‘black spots’ where coverage ƒƒ Station of the Year – Sheffield (East Midlands can drop out. Trains) Neil Micklethwaite, Customer Service and ƒƒ London Cycle Parking – Surbiton (South West Commercial Director at East Midlands Trains, Trains-Network Rail Alliance) said: “This £200,000 investment ensures our ƒƒ Cycle Champion – Stuart McKenna, British passengers can continue to enjoy the latest Transport Police (working with South West technology, including 4G, providing a better and Trains-Network Rail Alliance) across the network as we work hard to make it as more reliable WiFi on our London services.” ƒƒ Photography Competition – By Royal Appointment easy as possible for all passengers to travel by train.” (South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance) Phil Dominey from The Alliance added: “We work Jonny Wiseman, Route Manager for East Midlands very closely with our partners to provide the best n Blooming great Trains, said: “A lot of hard work has gone in to possible facilities for passengers and it is excellent improving for all passengers. We will news that these efforts have been recognised by A competition continue to invest in improving cycling facilities right the judges again this year.” organised by the Isle of Wight Community Rail Swindon’s Partnership, Best bus driver top bus driver: Trains and South Local bus companies in Swindon – including Stagecoach’s Stagecoach West – recently joined forces to seek John Dyer and South East Pupils from Bay Primary School out Swindon’s top bus driver. is seen in Bloom this enjoy their day out in London receiving year saw five As part of National Customer Service 2014, his well- entries from schools and youth clubs from Ryde to Swindon’s bus users were asked to nominate their deserved Shanklin to plant and decorate their town railway favourite bus drivers. The top bus drivers were prize from Acting stations. There were also entries from Island Line awarded with £100 High Street shopping vouchers. The Stagecoach winner was John Dyer who Operations Trains staff, further adding to the abundant floral Manager displays on show. was praised by passengers for his friendly James This year’s winner was Bay Primary School in and considerate approach to passengers and Carroll Sandown who won a day out to the Royal Parks excellent service. in London, travelling courtesy of South West Trains to Waterloo. North East’s calendar girls Steve’s 43-year career

n The ladies of Coach USA bus driver Steve Making a difference Stagecoach North Majofsky has announced his retirement after 43 The South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance East’s years of service. During his career he has driven charity committee has chosen Twickenham depot have stripped more than 2.5 million miles or 100 times around based charity SPEAR – which helps homeless down to their bare the globe at the equator, travelled through the and vulnerable people progress to live essentials for a Lincoln Tunnel more than 50,000 times, and independent lives – as one of its 2014 charities playful calendar all transported more than 1.7 million passengers all of the year. in the name of a without one accident during his 43-year career. A donation of £2,201.60 from the Alliance will The stars of the calendar good cause. A holiday lunch was held in his honour with go towards funding a cycle maintenance course Eleven employees friends, family and colleagues. for SPEAR clients which is part of a wider Skills created the ‘Stagecoach Sunderland Ladies and Development programme that is intended Breakthrough Breast Cancer Calendar’ to raise money to give clients self-esteem and the ability and for the national charity, which aims to stop women confidence to live independently and not return dying from breast cancer. to the debilitating conditions of sleeping rough. Bus driver Anne Seymour (54) from Sunderland is Chair of the Alliance charity committee Kat the brains behind the calendar and is also ‘Miss O’Malley said: “We already have a strong October.’ She said: “We had a fabulous day shooting relationship with SPEAR as we donate the calendar but we had to make sure the buses were abandoned bikes to the group for renovation parked in front of the depot cameras as we couldn’t so it makes sense to adopt them as one of our switch them off!” To make a donation to Breakthrough Breast Cancer charities of the year.” Suburban Transit General Manager Scott Sprengel please visit www.justgiving.com/nicola-seymour1 with Steve Majofsky 8 Did you know? Staff at Group HQ in Perth raised around £430 for Women’s Aid in Perth through a Christmas raffle. ON STAGE

This week’s recipe for Coronation East Midlands trains tribute Chicken comes from East Midlands Trains has unveiled a tribute to the Jackie Stott, head ‘Sheffield City Battalion’ at Sheffield railway station. cook at Stagecoach Ron Wiltshire is a long standing fundraiser for the head office in Perth Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, including raising – it’s one of the most over £50,000 this year alone. popular lunch fillings The Sheffield City Battalion was a ‘Pals Battalion’ among staff, and which was formed at the outbreak of war and was employees can now assigned to France, taking over a stretch of the front enjoy it at home too. line opposite the fortified hill-top village of Serre. On 1 July 1916, the Battalion were ordered to capture Ron Wiltshire, East Midlands Trains’ Ticket Advisor Coronation Chicken (Serves 6) the village, which was heavily guarded by German helps to unveil the ‘Sheffield City Battalion’ tribute Ingredients forces. This date marks the beginning of the Battle of 4 chicken breasts, 1 small white onion, the Somme. In the three days that the Battalion were recognise the significant role of the Sheffield City 2 dessert spoons of mango chutney, 1 small at the front, they suffered the loss of 513 officers and Battalion and the centenary of the Great War. Many jar of mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, men that had either been killed, wounded or were of our own employees and our customers will have 2 heaped teaspoons of curry powder (madras missing, with a further 75 men slightly wounded. had relatives who lost their lives in World War One medium), sultanas (optional) Former East Midlands Trains Managing Director, and the centenary of Great War will mark a poignant David Horne, said: “We wanted to do something to moment for many.” Method ƒƒ Cook chicken separately using any method you want (i.e. bake, fry, boil). ƒƒ For the sauce, fry sliced onion with a little oil. ƒƒ Add curry powder, sugar, mango chutney and Disney dress up Expanding a teaspoon of warm water and cook into a Disney favourites and other well known cartoon paste for 5 minutes. characters were on the move recently as Stagecoach operations ƒƒ Let it cool then mix with mayonnaise and Midlands bus drivers dressed up to raise funds for the and South Lancashire blend. Also add sultanas at this point if you British Heart Foundation. has bolstered its teams in Birkenhead and choose to include. The event, organised by bus driver David Russell at Chester by 55 people over the last 12 months ƒƒ Mix with diced cooked chicken and season Leamington Spa depot, raised £379.25, topped up following strong growth in the region and the with salt and pepper to your liking. to £600 with a donation from Stagecoach Midlands. company is continuing to recruit. ƒƒ Use in sandwiches/wraps or as part of a salad. David said: “It was great Elisabeth Tasker, Managing Director of to see how many people Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire, care and are willing to said: “We’re continuing to witness strong growth give to such a fantastic driven by continued demand for our services Training team charity.” across the region. Our focus on connecting Four of the bus drivers communities and offering a friendly, efficient and challenges who took part in the British cost effective means of travel is reaping rewards Heart Foundation charity and this has had a very positive knock-on effect event (L–R): Linda Nicholson, Dorothy Hermiston, Deputy Training & in terms of the local employment opportunities Development Manager (Engineering), has Dean James, Matt Brown and Nigel Nicholson which we’ve been able to offer.” retired from her role with Stagecoach UK Bus. Clare Willis, currently Training Co-ordinator with responsibility for engineering training, has been appointed Deputy Training & Development Manager (Engineering). Starring role for Colin celebrates Training and Development Manager Matthew Darroch said: “Dorothy made an outstanding Coach Canada the big 4-0 contribution to the training team over the Coach Canada again teamed up with the Colin past 13 years, helping implement many International Ice Hockey Federation this year Ashcroft successful training initiatives throughout the to bring the 2015 IIHF World Junior Hockey with his UK Bus Division. Championship to the ice in both Toronto and treats during his “In particular, her management of , Ontario in December and January. birthday Stagecoach’s multi award-winning modern The Coach Canada team consisted of drivers, celebrations apprentice programme for engineers, has dispatch and operation staff and on-site helped develop several hundred young management, operating motor coaches, media trainees into skilled engineering colleagues. shuttles and operations vehicles for the duration Staff at Stagecoach South’s Worthing depot The training team will miss Dorothy’s of the tournament. recently helped Operations Manager Colin amazing contribution and we all wish her a A special thanks to the above staff who Ashcroft celebrate his 40th birthday. long and happy retirement.” graciously gave up this holiday time with their Colin, who joined the company in 1994 was He added: “We would also like to families to represent Coach Canada to the world, treated to a cake along with balloons and congratulate Clare on her new appointment.” and help make this event a great success. banners to mark the big day. 9 the people page ON STAGE n Charles bids farewell Getting to know you... Michael McHugh, Graphic Design, UK Bus ■■ Who are you? ■■ Favourite music? Michael McHugh, Design and Web for Too much to choose Stagecoach UK Bus Central Marketing. from. Blink 182 ■■ What do you like most about your job? are my favourite Pretty much everything about being a designer band but I also like is awesome, but currently setting up email Ray Charles, Jamie design templates are a fun challenge. Cullum, Buddy Holly, ■■ What do you like least about your job? and the list goes Not much but tight deadlines and last second onto even Metallica. The team at Stagecoach in Cumbria say a fond amends can be a stress! ■■ Person you would farewell to Charles ■■ Favourite food? most like to have Chilli Con Carne. The hotter the better! dinner with? Cumbria and North Lancashire engineer ■■ Least favourite food? Director Kevin Smith. Clerks is in my Charles Stamper has retired after 40 years with Black Pudding! Just the idea of it is wrong. top five films. the company. His achievement was recognised ■■ What are you most proud of? ■■ First thing you would buy if you won when the team presented him with a farewell That I taught myself how to build and code £1 million? gift, wishing him all the best in his retirement. websites from scratch and also teaching Plane tickets to New York. myself how to use all the design software I use today. ‘Getting To Know You’ features in every edition n ■■ Favourite holiday destination? John Woodley Paris was pretty good! of On Stage and we want to hear from as many staff as possible. To suggest the next participant, Stagecoach Oxfordshire staff were saddened ■■ Most embarrassing moment? email [email protected] to hear of the passing of employee John Woodley Walking face first into a phone box. recently. John was a much respected and well liked colleague at the Horspath Road office and will be sadly missed by all of his friends and colleagues Super People at Stagecoach. He will also be missed by his many regular customers on Route 1 who got to Awards know him well over the years. Our thoughts and best wishes are with John’s family and friends. Supertram recently celebrated those who had completed 20 years of service and awarded special recognition prizes to people who have n North East appointments made a difference within the company. There were two fantastic events celebrating Graduate Viv Stephenson has taken on the role 70 employees and among them were 49 of Assistant Operations Manager at Newcastle’s employees who have notched up 20 years’ Supertram’s Super People with their certificates Walkergate depot with . service. Well done to all involved. As Assistant Operations Manager, Viv will oversee the daily running of the depot as she progresses with her training and development, whilst receiving support from a dedicated mentor. Meanwhile the company has welcomed Maxine Celebration of Errington as new Personal Assistant to Managing Director Phil Medlicott. Jon’s 30 years Jon Coles, a Shunter/Cleaner at Banbury depot, has achieved more than 30 years’ service after joining the company in September 1983. n Contacts In recognition of his career, Jon’s colleagues Editor: Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach recently presented him with Sunstar Routemaster Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW model Bus, which he was thrilled with. Email: [email protected] At the same time Jon was presented with his Long Service Award certificate of 30 years with If you have a story for On Stage, please contact the company. Lindsay Reid as above. The copy deadline for the next edition of On Stage will be Friday 13 Jon receives his certificate from Paul O’Callaghan, February 2015. Service Delivery Director for Stagecoach in Oxfordshire 10