Issue 98 | July 2013

onThe newsletter stage of Celebrating our champions Employees across the Group Eighteen honours were up for grabs Helen Mahy said: “The standard of who have gone the extra mile for – gold, silver and bronze awards in each nominations this year was extremely excellence have been honoured in the category – and more than 160 nominations high and we are delighted to award our 2013 Stagecoach Champions Awards. were received. champions who are an inspiration to us all This year’s accolades were presented The judging panel – consisting of Non- and thoroughly deserve their awards. at the Group’s recent management executive Director Helen Mahy, Stagecoach “Thanks to everyone who took the time to conference, recognising outstanding co-founder and Non-executive Director vote for a colleague. Again this year’s awards employees in the categories of Health, Ann Gloag, and Director of Corporate outlined the quality of our workforce.” Safety, Customer Service, Environment, Communications Steven Stewart – had a Turn to page 3 to find out who won Innovation and Community. tough challenge to select the winners. this year’s awards... Busway gets Double royal seal of award approval HER Majesty The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh chose to travel in style during a recent visit to success Cambridge as they took a trip on the Stagecoach Guided Busway. co-founder and The royals were in Cambridge to open the Group Chairman new Birth Centre at The Rosie Hospital, Sir boarding the to take them from Cambridge was recognised Station to the Addenbrooke’s campus. as the company Stagecoach was delighted to welcome them collected two on board. top honours at the 2013 Scottish Business Awards. Sir Brian was Sir Brian Souter (centre) receives the presented with the Outstanding Contribution Outstanding Contribution award. Award while Stagecoach Group was named winner of the Green Business of the Year contribution of many talented people across Award. Former US President Bill Clinton was our group. This honour largely goes to them keynote speaker at the Edinburgh ceremony. too, and I’d like to pay tribute to my team at Speaking about the transport business Stagecoach Group, led by Martin Griffiths, he has helped shape for over 30 years, Sir and at Souter Investments, led by Andy Brian said: “I’m very fortunate to work Macfie.” in an industry that I care about and enjoy Delighted by the Green Business Awards, being part of. Group Chief Executive Martin Griffith added: “Transport affects the lives of millions of “It’s great to be recognised for our efforts to people every day. For more than three decades, make transport greener and more sustainable. Stagecoach has transformed public transport “Providing greener, smarter travel is at the heart through new ideas and continued investment. of what we do, which makes this award even The Queen enjoyed a tour of Cambridge’s “This has been achieved thanks to the vital more special for everyone within the Group.” Guided Busway.

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Important pension changes OVERHEARD THE UK Government has introduced 2013 and the end of October 2013, depending Overheard in New York automatic enrolment legislation which on their individual circumstances. Membership Person 1: “Hello. Where is may affect you. of a pension scheme is not compulsory and the subway?” This means that employees aged between employees may choose to opt out once they Person 2 : “What subway?” 22 and State Pension Age, who do not have been automatically enrolled. These choices Person 1: “Any subway.” already belong to a pension scheme, must be will be explained when further information is Person 2: “Well, where automatically enrolled and pay contributions sent out. are you going?” along with their employer. Western Trains met Person 1 : Stagecoach has decided to adopt automatic its automatic enrolment duties on 1 May “The subway.” enrolment across all UK and Bus 2013 and will comply Can you beat that? businesses from a common automatic with automatic enrolment is a similar way Send your weird and enrolment date on or around 1 November on 1 October 2013. The earliest automatic wonderful overheard 2013. enrolment date for light rail employees comments to More information about automatic enrolment at Stagecoach Supertram is 1 April 2014 lindsay.reid@ and the contributions to be paid will be sent to and these employees will receive separate stagecoachgroup.com employees affected between the end of August information nearer that time.

Put on your In the zone dancing shoes STAGECOACH in Cumbria has shown its commitment to the DRIVER Stuart Russel has raised continued success of Carlisle Youth more than £13,000 for the Mary Anne Zone by presenting organisers with a Evans Hospice in Nuneaton. £10,000 cheque. Sponsored by , Stuart The donation is part of a £30,000 took part in a ‘Strictly Learn to Dance’ agreement over the past three years and fundraiser where he and a group of 24 ensures young people in Carlisle continue novice dancers performed at a charity event to have a recreational facility in the city. to raise the cash. Midlands Managing Director Steve Burd said: “We are delighted to have supported Stuart and Lisa in their fundraising efforts for Stuart Russell and dancing partner Lisa this incredibly worthwhile local charity.” Standen. The good old days A TRANSPORT rally celebrating On your bike the of the past and present was Controller recently hosted by Stagecoach South’s Darren Armstrong is embarking on Depot and the a 400-mile bike ride from Paris to Bus and Coach Preservation Group. London in aid of kids cancer charity Stagecoach Managing Director Nigel Public were invited to see behind the scenes Clic Sargent. Winter presents a cheque to Youth Zone of the current company before stepping back Commercial Manager Clare Muir. Darren, who is a keen cyclist and in time with the Stagecoach Heritage Fleet, commutes over 100 miles each week to which includes the very first Dennis Trident, West Ham Garage, has also raised money and vehicles from the National Bus Company. through two other charity events. Andrew Dyer, Managing Director of You can sponsor Darren by visiting Take up the Stagecoach South, said: “This was a great www.justgiving.com/Darren- opportunity for people to experience four Armstrong1974. decades of bus travel while also finding out how Challenge we run services throughout the city today.” TRANSAID, a charity strongly Keep on supported by Stagecoach, has invited staff to take part in its fundraising running challenge events later this year. Chorley Driver Activities include a London to Amsterdam Tracy Clugston cycle and a bike and white water rafting recently competed challenge in Uganda. in the 10k Race for Transaid is an international development Life at Moor Park charity which aims to improve the quality in Preston. of life of those in the developing world by Tracy raised £1,500 making transport more available and affordable. for Cancer Research and would like to More details are available at Darren Armstrong is to cycle 400 miles thank everyone who for Clic Sargent. www.transaid.org. supported her. Tracy with her medal. 2 group on stage You are the Champions Stagecoach has celebrated its fourth annual Champions Awards, with a total of 18 awards being handed out at the Group’s recent management conference. Group Chairman Sir Brian Souter and Non-executive Director Helen Mahy presented the awards at the special event held in Venice. Gold Champions

Environment Health Safety Champion Champion Champion Gold Award – Cem Davis, Shift Station Gold Award – Paul Ward, Gold Award – Ian Manager, London Bus Driver, Chorley, Astle, Fleet Engineer, Waterloo, South West Stagecoach UK Bus. Etches Park Depot, East Trains-Network Rail Received recognition Midlands Train. Awarded Alliance. Awarded for his for introducing a local corporate gym for instrumental work performance in managing membership and healthy in the design of a brake cleaning and waste option meal plan. controller, improving removal at Waterloo. reliability and safety. Community Customer Service Innovation Champion Champion Gold Award – Coach USA North East Champion division, New York Sightseeing, . Gold Award – Owen McGuire, Bus Driver, Gold Award – Alan Walker, Electrician, com and . Praised for their Newcastle, Stagecoach Bromley, Stagecoach UK Bus. response to Hurricane Sandy. UK Bus. Acknowledged Awarded for the design and build of for his commendable new equipment, including an ‘air leak tact and patience and sniffer’ and an on-board battery status receiving positive monitor. (Alan was unable to attend the feedback from customers. presentation ceremony). Other winners Safety Champion: Health Champion: Community Champion: • Silver award: Nigel Carlisle, Station Route • Silver award: Phil Kettle, Garage • Silver award: Lyn Morrow, Maintenance Manager, Lincoln, East Midlands Trains Supervisor, Romford, Stagecoach Administrator, Peterborough, Coach Canada Nigel spearheaded the programme to ensure UK Bus Lyn has raised $110,000 for charity in the all East Midlands Trains stations have a winter Phil has lost 14 stone in weight since past decade. weather plan. November 2011 and encourages others to • Bronze award: Stewart Legg, Support • Bronze award: Michael Shanks, Driver, adopt a healthier lifestyle. Clerk, and Southsea, South Dunfermline, Stagecoach UK Bus and • Bronze award: Elaine Gale, PA, West Trains Robin Goodfellow driver, Dunfermline, Gillmoss, Stagecoach UK Bus Stewart works with a school in Portsmouth, Stagecoach UK Bus Elaine works in partnership with local both as a mentor and assisting the PE Awarded for bravely stopping a youth from community health organisations, promotes department. boarding a school bus in Fife with a knife. healthy social activities and arranges annual Wellbeing Days. Customer Service Champion: Environment Champion: • Silver award: Maria Atfield, Meet and • Silver award: Michael Corcoran, Fixed Innovation Champion: Greet passenger assistance, London, Assets and Facilities Manager, Shared • Silver award: Nick Allen, Enterprise The – Network Rail Service Centre, Stockport Architect, Stagecoach Group Alliance Michael has taken the lead in seeking to Nick led a team to re-develop the retail Maria has worked at Waterloo for a number reduce the footprint of both the company’s system for the megabus.com business in the of years and has received numerous letters of car and non-commercial bus fleet. UK and North America. praise from customers. • Bronze award: Matt Stennings, Bus • Bronze award: Alan Woods, Garage • Bronze award: Steve Wilkinson, Train Driver, Manchester, Stagecoach UK Bus Manager, Bow, Stagecoach UK Bus Driver, Norwich, East Midlands Trains Recognised for rolling out the GreenRoad Awarded for developing a tool to identify Awarded for putting his passengers first and eco-driving system at Stagecoach’s Sharston drivers who may be more likely to have going beyond what was expected of him depot in Manchester. driving standards issues. during two incidents.

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A big breakfast All go for Nottingham THE South West Trains-Network EAST Midlands Trains has started Nottingham Railway Station, and will open in Rail Alliance employees, based at work on a £100m project to completely early 2014. Friars Bridge Court, raised £295 by renew the railway around Nottingham. David Horne, Managing Director of East baking an array of tasty breakfast Network Rail is re-laying more than a mile Midlands Trains, said: “This is a very exciting treats in aid of The Big Breakfast. of track and a series of junctions, constructing and significant scheme for Nottingham and The nationwide event raises funds for a new platform, closing three signal boxes and one that will create a better, more reliable The Railway Children, which looks after two level crossings, and erecting more than railway for passengers. homeless young people living by railways 140 new signals. “Our priority in creating the timetables has worldwide. The work will bring a faster and more been to run as many trains as we can, whilst reliable railway infrastructure to complement offering a comprehensive and efficient bus Sharon joins the Nottingham Hub project. This will operation on those routes where we are unable the Alliance deliver bigger and better station facilities at to offer a train service.” THE South West Station adoption Guiding the way Trains-Network Rail Alliance has NATIONAL Volunteer Week saw East appointed Sharon Midlands Trains thank the 105 station Vye Parminter as adopters across the network who help its new Safety and to make train stations more attractive to Assurance Director. customers. Sharon has 19 years’ Head of Stations for East Midlands Trains, experience, which Andy Moore, said: “We have more than 100 includes delivering adopters across our network whose input is a safe railway for passengers on various invaluable. We’re proud to be associated with routes across the country. many award-winning adopter teams who make “I am thrilled to join the The South West their stations so welcoming for rail customers.” Trains-Network Rail Alliance and welcome It is hoped even more people will offer the challenge to make an already excellent a small amount of their time to add to the safety record even better,” said Sharon. company’s efforts. Managing Director Tim Shoveller (left) tries the new guided walkway. Green challenge CLAPHAM Junction has become DIRECTORS from East Midlands the first station in the UK to be Trains recently joined the company’s equipped with a guided path for station management team for a blind or partially sighted passengers. gardening challenge in a bid to improve Managing Director of the the South West Cromford station for customers. Trains-Network Rail Alliance, Tim Shoveller, Their tasks for the day included cutting was blindfolded to try the new guided back overgrown shrubs and removing weeds walkway with the assistance of a guide dog. and brambles, which were replaced with Tim said: “This is the first time a UK attractive plants, bulbs and wildflower seeds. station has been equipped with a guided HR Director Clare Burles said: “We Station adopters at Kidsgrove show off their path and it will make a real difference to know how important it is that we handywork. many of our passengers.” offer our customers the best possible environment in which to catch their train. We therefore threw down the gauntlet to our stations team to see who had the greenest fingers and who could make the Fully trained for success best improvements to Cromford station.” NVQ qualifications have been awarded to The qualification has been developed as 18 train drivers and guards by The South a result of a unique collaborative project West Trains-Network Rail Alliance as part by the Alliance, City and Guilds, and of its commitment to Investors in People. Bracknell & Wokingham College.

The Cromford gardening challenge team. The newly qualified employees withA lliance managers and directors.

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Catch the On the run for a good cause Bus Week JOHN Fletcher of Midlands plans to raise funds for STAGECOACH joined forces with The team Cerebal Palsy Sport (CP Sport) by sustainable transport group Greener promoting Catch the Bus Week. taking part in the Great North Run Journeys and other local bus providers to on 15 September. promote the benefits of bus use during John only took up running 18 months the UK’s first ever ‘Catch the Bus Week’. ago and was inspired to take on the Throughout the week, Stagecoach – which challenge by one of his relatives who is a offers the best value bus fares and has the trainer with CP Sport. highest customer satisfaction rate of any major UK Bus operator – highlighted the environmental and financial benefits of using Generous donation the bus more often through a programme of Balloon artist Matt Austin boarded promotional activities. buses in South West during the week. FORMER employees’ General Robert Montgomery, Deputy Managing Motor Carrying Company (GMCC) Director of Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “There Social and Recreation Club has are obvious environmental benefits of taking donated its remaining funds, the bus instead of the car – but bus travel can totalling £7,700, to Kinross based also save people money and reduce the stress hospice Rachel House – one of the of driving and parking in busy towns and establishments run by Children’s cities.” Hospice Association Transport Minister Norman Baker (CHAS). launched ‘Catch the Bus Week’ in London Charlie Mullen, Managing Director, alongside Greener Journeys Chief Executive Employees out and about promoting , said: “The Claire Haigh. bus travel in Cheltenham. generosity of the members of the club is unbelievable and it is wonderful to see such a large sum of money go to such an Louise goes Famous five important cause.”

moonwalking Clean bill of health LOUISE Foord, a Controller at TOMMY Pilkington, a Deputy depot, took part in the Duty Manager at Stagecoach North Moonwalk London raising £385 East, has reported a clean bill of for a breast cancer charity which health for 35 years, having never taken Stagecoach rounded up to £500. a day off work due to illness. Louise said: “Although it was very cold “I just come into work and do my job and windy it was a fantastic night and the no matter how I’m feeling,” said Tommy atmosphere was amazing.” who joined the Walkergate depot in 1978. “It’s a pleasure coming in every day. I The five lucky passengers who feature on don’t drink or smoke and I stay fit by Stagecoach buses. playing golf so I suppose that helps me stay healthy. There’s no big secret!” STAGECOACH North East surprised five competition winners by putting their pictures on buses as Employee benefits part of a competition which centred on how people make the most of their A NEW benefits programme concessionary bus passes. has been launched for Stagecoach Poems, heartfelt tales and interesting employees in its UK Bus division. anecdotes were submitted and five worthy Employees are to benefit from thousands winners were selected, each receiving a £100 of retail discounts from high street stores shopping voucher. as well as money-saving leisure deals and a Brian Sleightholme, Operations Manager at 24/7 assistance programme. the South Shields Depot, Stagecoach North Stagecoach UK Bus Managing Director East, said: “We were overwhelmed at the Robert Montgomery said: “We are response from the public, and the effort so fortunate to have a committed and many people put into their entries.” professional workforce. We hope this Meanwhile, two students from Newcastle programme of benefits will be of use to University were also immortalised on them as well as demonstrating that we buses after taking part in a photoshoot for value their contribution in helping to Stagecoach North East on behalf of Tyne deliver greener, smarter bus services to Louise and a fellow walker after Tees Models. millions of people every day.” completing the Moonwalk.

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Tram rails investment Drive to succeed LONDON SUPERTRAM network owner will be replaced by a dedicated bus service to bus driver South Yorkshire Passenger Transport ensure minimal disruption for passengers. Feisal Usso Executive (SYPTE) and system operator Supertram Managing Director Margaret has added a Stagecoach Supertram are funding a Kay said: “These are essential works for the Master’s degree major programme of rail replacement Supertram network and for everyone who uses from Birkbeck, works on the network. our trams. This project is vital in helping us University of The engineering work will replace worn out to continue providing a high quality transport London, to his sections of the tram track and is essential to option for people across Sheffield. We are impressive CV. protect the city’s tram network for the future. also pleased that the joint investment being Feisal, who The first phase of replacement work is undertaken now will benefit customers and drives the 158 now under way. During the work – which the city of Sheffield many years after the end route from is expected to take around 12 weeks – trams of our current contract to operate the system.” Chingford Mount to Stratford, graduated in April with a Merit for his postgraduate degree in Development Phil of fun Studies and Social Anthropology. His love of learning is such that he is PASSENGERS at Sheffield station already thinking of possibly studying for a recently had the chance to compete PhD or using his qualifications to enhance against famous darts legend, Phil his career prospects. Before becoming a “The Power” Taylor, while helping bus driver, Feisal, originally from Ethiopia, to raise funds for Sheffield Children’s worked as a freelance interpreter for Hospital. solicitors carrying out immigration work. The 16 times world darts champion, and current face of East Midlands Trains adverts New open top tours promoting unbeatable fares to London, visited Sheffield to take on passengers in a ‘Challenge Phil’ style event. Jason Cocker, Station Manager, said: “It’s a great way to raise some valuable funds for the Sheffield Children’s Hospital, a charity that we closely support.” Darts champion Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor.

Funds raised for hospice LONDON’S Lleyton garage has Big bus pull donated £500 to St Joseph’s Hospice A TEAM from Skegness depot took following its win in the most recent part in a challenge with local people ‘Big Switch-off’ event. to pull an open top bus the full length The open top tour bus on the Isle of the main street. They raised money of Skye. to buy a specialised wheelchair for local resident Steven Huckle who has STAGECOACH Highlands has Muscular Dystrophy and Osteoporosis. launched two new open top bus routes for the summer season, taking in two of the most popular Highland tourist destinations on the Isle of Skye in Lochaber. Steve Walker, Managing Director of Stagecoach Highlands, said: “The incredible scenery on the Isle of Skye and in Lochaber is outstanding, and what better way to enjoy it than from the top deck of Kevin Hollingshead presents the cheque an open top bus.” to Anita Brien from the hospice. The Skegness team raise money for local resident.

Picture of the Season shortly receive his prize of £50 of M&S vouchers. WIN A This edition’s winning Picture of the If you think you have a picture that £50 Season was taken by Shayne Howarth, captures one of the four seasons, please VOUCHER who works for send your image to Lindsay Reid, On at the Chesterfield depot. It shows an Stage, Stagecoach Group, 10 Dunkeld Optare Solo in Newton Heath. Road, Perth, PH1 5TW, or email it to Congratulations to Shayne who will [email protected]

6 the green scene Fifth annual Green Week is a big success STAGECOACH recently held its fifth annual Group-wide Green Week which proved to be the biggest and busiest yet. During the week-long programme of activities, the company encouraged employees and customers to continue driving forward the green agenda. This year’s event also incorporated World Environment Day on Wednesday 5 June – a widely celebrated global day for positive ’s Bill Priday uses A delighted customer enjoys a green giveaway environmental action. in Hastings along with local employees. Events held during Green Week included: an Ultrasonic Air Tester to check for leaks in compressed air equipment at the • Green initiatives held in partnership with a company’s depots. number of local schools • A series of green giveaway events and roadshows at bus and rail companies across the UK where employees handed out thousands of eco giveaways to passengers • Competitions within the company’s UK Bus and Coach Canada operations for customers to win free travel on their local services • Employee energy awareness events at The East Scotland green team Stagecoach employees take part in a bus sweep in . many of the Group’s businesses taking part in a local beach clean. East Scotland • Paper amnesty schemes at many Marketing Assistant companies to encourage recycling Maree Chisholm • Stagecoach green teams getting involved (right) with green competition winner in local environmental projects Larraine Gunn. • ‘Leave your car at home’ days held at depots and offices • Staff green quiz competitions with top prizes for employees Stagecoach North East staff pay a • ‘Wear something Green’ on World The South East green team with Environment Day with proceeds going to visit to a local primary school with winners of the company’s Green Week a bus in tow. local environmental projects design competition. • Lunchtime walks and cycling into work events for employees Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Martin Griffiths said: “We have been widely recognised for our efforts in becoming a greener business. But there’s a lot more we still want to achieve. Green Week helps us to continue the momentum. We will also continue to work hard all year round to Alan Tucker from Cwmbran depot West Scotland green champion Jim takes part in a green giveaway in attract more people to public transport as McMenemy ran 13 miles to kick-start the area. well as taking further steps to become a more the week. sustainable business ourselves.”

buses for Stagecoach operations in double-decker buses, costing £10.5 More green buses Manchester and Sunderland. million, will go into service in Manchester The £13.5 million investment is part-funded by 2014. on the way by grants totalling £2.3 million from the latest Seventeen Scania/ADL Enviro 300 A MULTI-MILLION POUND round of allocations from the Department for single-decker biomethane gas buses are to investment will procure dozens of Transport’s (DfT) Green Bus Fund. be introduced in Sunderland at a cost of hybrid, electric and biomethane gas A fleet of 38 ADL Enviro 400 hybrid electric £3 million.

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Magic 25 million Award-winning PR PR firm Hanser and Associates has won three awards in the American Marketing for megabus.com Association-Iowa NOVA awards competition as a result of its work with megabus.com in the US. The three awards recognised the launch of the Texas Triangle in the categories of integrated marketing campaign (media relations, social media, events and advertising), public relations and advertising. Megabus Matt BASEBALL fan Matthew Well found one way to get the best value during a recent whistle-stop challenge. Matthew used megabus.com to travel to 25 major league parks in 25 days, earning him the name Megabus Matt. Matt bought 22 megabus.com tickets for his trip at $1 each, helping him to complete his entire trip for under $700. New stop for Amanda Brown (left) was the 25 millionth passenger to travel with megabus.com US. She is pictured with the company’s Managing Director Bryony Chamberlain. Minnesota MEGABUS.COM US has added a new stop at St. Paul’s Midway MEGABUS.COM US has now carried service. Passengers heading west can hop a Shopping Centre in Minnesota, more than 25 million passengers in Megabus in New York and travel to Dallas via allowing passengers to take the North America since its launch in 2006. Pittsburgh, Detroit, Chicago and Memphis and coach on to Madison, Milwaukee Managing Director Bryony Chamberlain those travelling east can board in Los Angeles and Chicago. congratulated the company’s 25 millionth and travel directly to Las Vegas. “Adding another arrival and departure customer, Amanda Brown, by presenting her Colm Lynch, Assistant Director of location in this market gets us closer with an iPad. Megabus.com, explained that much of the to Concordia University students “Megabus.com is now the travel option of company’s growth has been made possible and provides more options for our choice for more than 25 million people, and with the expansion of the Coach USA customers,” said Mike Alvich, Vice we’re thrilled to serve them as our passengers,” companies back into Texas, Atlanta and President of Marketing and Public said Mike Alvich, megabus.com’s Vice California. He added: “This gives us access Relations for Megabus. President of marketing and public relations. to drivers, garages and local experience “Our customers continue to look for ways that helps develop services. Of course, to stretch their hard-earned dollar and we there is the entire mountain-time region look forward to providing them with a safe, where we have very little presence so far, Steve steps in convenient and affordable travel option.” so the challenge in bridging the West Coast COACH USA IT Manager Steve About 1,216 miles separates megabus.com operations with the rest of the network Cameron stepped in to help when from being able to boast a coast-to-coast remains wide open.” a driver experienced a medical emergency. Steve, who was on board testing wi-fi Shane delivers supplies solutions at the time, called 911 and assisted with passengers injuries, keeping SHANE Simpson, IT Analyst for order and calm on the bus until the Coach USA, showed great community Safety Manager could attend. spirit travelling 200 miles to provide valuable aid to tornado stricken Moore in Oklahoma. Top commerical The IT Analyst, who is based in Dallas, A PROMOTIONAL advert used personal time off work to deliver created by Coach USA Wisconsin much-needed supplies to the area which Coach Lines for its airport service had been devastated by the tornado in May. has received 1st place recognition. Food, water, clothing and landscaping tools The advert was awarded Best TV were among the essential aid items which commercial in a large media market by had been collected through donations from Shane amid the devastation caused by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association. organisations in the North Central Texas. the tornado.

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Award for heroic Ray Chad’s a lifesaver COACH USA bus driver Chad Spry has been credited with saving a teenager’s life after a car crash. Chad said: “I noticed two rows of carpet laying on the road and, as I got closer, I saw the car and I said ‘oh my God, there’s bodies there!’” The quick-thinking coach driver was the first to call 911. He then parked his bus and worked with the operator to see if one of the victims was alive, opening his mouth so he could breathe. “I opened it up and he kind of gasped and then I said ‘he’s breathing!’,” said Chad. Emergency Operator Krystynn Reinart added: “For Chad to have stopped and helped, that probably saved this guy’s life.” Karate champion WATERLOO train driver John Marchadier won a bronze medal at the Karate World Championships in Bucharest, Romania. Fire rescue hero Ray Wallace (left) receives his Service to the Community award from Operations John, who trained five days a week Manager Geoff Reed. prior to the competition, is also an international karate referee. HEROIC bus driver Ray Wallace, who “I could see someone in the house and, saved a neighbour from a house fire, has when I reached it, I realised it was locked so I Trading places been commended for his bravery by started banging on the door to get the owner’s Stagecoach North East. attention while my stepson phoned for the YORKSHIRE bus drivers recently Ray, who was presented with a special emergency services. attended an event to help them Service to the Community Award, said: “I “We eventually got through the door and better understand the barriers that was just sitting at home watching TV when I managed to help an elderly gentleman out. He blind and partially sighted customers spotted the fire across the street. was extremely dazed and confused.” face when travelling on buses. The event was held by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and drivers took part in tasks Off with his hair such as trying to board a bus and paying A piece A CHARITY chop saw a for a ticket blindfolded. Supertram employee parting Stagecoach Operations Director Sue company with something he was Hayes said: “We are keen to gain a of cake rather attached to. better understanding of the challenges Bob Beechill cut off the pony tail he’d that blind and partially sighted people COLLEAGUES from Dover sported for 11 years to help raise money as face when using our buses, and make depot raised over £150 for Pilgrims part of a charity cycle challenge by colleagues a positive difference to their public Hospices by holding a cake sale Treana Hudson and Lindsay Horsfield. transport experience.” during the charity’s ‘It’s a Piece of His efforts raised a fantastic £250 and Cake’ fundraising week. he also donated his hair to a cancer charity which makes real hair wigs for Loyal service cancer patients. STAGECOACH South held its Long Service Awards Dinner recently in Cwmbrân, celebrating the loyal service of a number of employees.

Dover depot employees (from left) Andrea Hayes, Sara Clements, Alan Wright, Brenda Law and Karen Freer tuck in for Pilgrims Hospices. Bob Beechill’s ponytail was a real hair-raiser! South Wales’ long-serving staff.

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New appointments New MDs announced STAGECOACH Midlands has announced the appointment of three THE APPOINTMENT of two new alongside Paul in the role of Managing new Operations Managers. Managing Directors at Stagecoach’s UK Director (Designate) from 1 June 2013. Peter Knight, who started in the Bus division has been confirmed. Michael Watson, currently Operations Stagecoach Graduate Programme, has Philip Norwell, currently Commercial Director, Stagecoach North East, was been promoted to Operations Manager at Director, Stagecoach East, will take on the appointed Managing Director, Stagecoach the Nuneaton depot following a successful role of Managing Director, , with effect from 1 July 2013. As two years as Assistant Operations Manager. South East, from 1 September following previously announced, current South West Stagecoach in Northampton has the announcement that current South East Managing Director Michelle Hargreaves took welcomed Tony Simmons as Operations Managing Director Paul Southgate is to retire up the post of Managing Director, Stagecoach Manager, who has been with the company on 1 October 2013. Philip began working East Midlands, on 1 July 2013. for 14 years, having previously held the post at Lemington Spa and Stratford. – Owen McGuire And Jayson Smith is the newly The quickfire round appointed Operations Manager for Worst Job? I was meant Lemington Spa and Stratford. He has  Who are you? Owen McGuire, to be a trainee gardener been with Stagecoach for 12 years and Bus Driver at Stagecoach North East but spent the first 12 is moving from his previous role as Walkergate depot. months as a litter picker Operations Manager in Nuneaton.  What do I like about my job? Meeting and toilet cleaner. members of the public. I have made lots of Most embarrassing new friends whilst in my job. moment? Whilst cleaning leaves out What do you least like about your of the lake in the park I worked at, I job? Time spent away from my family but slipped and fell in the lake. that makes my time off work more special. Dream Job? To be an MD for Favourite TV Show? Mrs Brown’s Boys. Stagecoach.  Biggest achievement? Winning my Favourite animal? Horses. award (Stagecoach Customer Service Most like to be stuck in a lift with? Champion 2013). I have never won A lift repair man. anything in my life, not even the egg and One of the new Operations Managers, spoon race! Tony Simmons. Senga’s new role Long service Jimmy bids farewell LOYAL service and commitment to MERSEYSIDE Driver James STAGECOACH Group’s Coaches passenger transport was recognised with Dickinson, known as Jimmy, has and Special Activities business has awards marking 359 years of service at retired 46 years after starting his announced that Senga Crosby, Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire. career as a conductor in 1967. previously Stagecoach UK Bus Ronald Skelton, from the Carlisle depot, Jimmy had a local presentation on Marketing Coordinator, has been is one of the longest serving members of his last active day in service as well as a appointed Marketing Manager of staff achieving a commendable 48 years with special dinner which was well deserved Stagecoach Coaches and Special Stagecoach. following almost a half a century of Activities. Nigel Winter, Managing Director, said: “It tremendous service. He will be sorely Senga has taken on marketing responsibility is with great pride that I presented so many missed by colleagues. for the company’s megabus.com (UK and awards to so many dedicated staff.” Europe) operations as well as the business which is a joint venture between Stagecoach and international transport group ComfortDelGro.

Editor: Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW Jimmy’s last day in the driving seat. Email: Staff are awarded for their long service. [email protected] During his long www.stagecoach.com Celebrating 41 career, Tommy has If you have a story for On Stage, please years’ service become a well-known contact Lindsay Reid as above. A CELEBRATION was held at friendly face on the bus depot for 64-year-old buses to many of The copy deadline for the next edition Tommy Tsoi marking an impressive 41 Worthing’s passengers. of On Stage will years of service. be Friday 16 Tommy, from Worthing, joined what was August 2013. then Southdown Motor Services in 1972 Worthing Conductor Tommy is recognised as a Conductor and subsequently trained for his long service. as a driver. 10