Archive News 2001
Update: 13 December 2001
Redwing joins Confederation of Passenger Transport
Redwing Coaches has become a member of the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT). The CPT is the national trade association representing UK bus, coach, light rail and metro operators. Suppliers of goods and services to the industry are also members.
The CPT is the voice of the passenger transport industry and is officially recognised by the government. It is also the principal consultative body on national, local and EU legislative and regulatory matters. It is the industry's main link with the media and is regularly approached for opinions and facts about the industry. Their web site is at www.cpt-uk.org/cpt/
Update: 13 December 2001
Busy, busy, busy...
Not for the first time, Redwing carried over 2000 passengers to a major event at Alexandra Palace. We excel at organising and executing demanding assignments like this. With so many coach movements in the area we are becoming very well known in North London!
Our Christmas Corporate Party season is well under way and we are very busy taking Corporate customers to destinations such as the ever popular Marquee at Battersea Park and Vinopolis in Southwark. January is also a popular time for 'Christmas' Parties, with good deals on offer at many venues. Give us a call for some ideas and a quote for your coach travel requirements - it's not too late to give your hard working staff a good time!
We were pleased to bring the numerous performers of Cirque De Soleil in from the airports to their residence, ready for the start of their UK Christmas tour. Just a few of the varied assignments we complete, 365 days per year, 24 hours per day.
Update: 13 December 2001
Walthamstow Stadium for a great evening out
Walthamstow Stadium is famous for its dog racing events. This highly popular venue is a favourite destination for Corporate Entertainment and groups of all kinds. Redwing are very pleased to feature Walthamstow on our website and invite you to sample the delights of an evening's racing.
Walthamstow Stadium has a wide variety of impressive restaurants, lounges, bars and private function rooms catering for all group sizes and budgets. You can eat and drink in style while watching the races on the track below or following the proceedings on closed circuit television.
If you haven't visited a dog racing venue before you may be surprised by what you find at Walthamstow Stadium! And of course, when you arrange your trip, a luxury Redwing coach is the ideal way of getting there. See our Links page for a link to Walthamstow Stadium's web site.
Update: 13 December 2001
Instructor Goes Back To School
Terry Torch, Redwing's PCV driving instructor, took and passed the Transport for London Disability Awareness Course at Victoria recently. He is shown with his certificate in front of our Mobility Coach, deservedly proud of his success.
Many Redwing drivers have now passed this invaluable course, which gives them not only practical skills for assisting disabled passengers but also a deeper understanding of the difficulties facing disabled people every day. The crew of our luxury mobility coach always includes a Disability Awareness certificate holder.
Update: 7 December 2001
Twenty Brand New Coaches Arriving Soon
Contrary to speculation in the trade press, Redwing are indeed taking delivery of 20 brand new coaches as planned, despite a perceived downturn in the UK tourism market.
In a recent trade press release, Paul Campana, Managing Director of Redwing Coaches, said 'We decided to take some of our new coaches earlier in the season to promote the incoming tourism markets and to give us a leading edge with brand new coaches for our London business'.
The first deliveries are expected just after Christmas.
Update: 7 December 2001
'Excel'-ent Excursions
If you're searching for new ideas for next year's coach outings for your groups, may we suggest a visit to the 'Excursions' exhibition to be held at the new Excel Exhibition Centre in Docklands. The show is on for one day only, on Thursday 17 January 2002, so make a note in your diary. It's an event for group organisers only. You'll find full details and online registration at www.excursionsexhibition.co.uk
With 200 exhibitors there will be a host of new ideas and destinations on show. You choose the activity and we'll provide the coach. Call us on 020 7733 1124 for booking details. Incidentally, we are offering exceptional rates for January bookings, so move fast and you can get a great bargain.
Update: 7 December 2001
New Year - New Job? Drive for Redwing
Redwing will start recruiting driving staff for 2002 in February. We have a lot to offer good, professional coach drivers with full PCV manual driving licences. We also train less experienced drivers at our own Driving School. If you would like to apply, take a look at our Recruitment page and then call Redwing on 020 7733 1124 and get your name on the list.
Update: 7 December 2001
Free Entry to Major Museums
Following a welcome government initiative, entry charges to at least another 7 major London museums have now been abolished. The Museum of London, The Victoria and Albert Museum, The Science Museum, The Imperial War Museum, The Natural History Museum, The Maritime Museum and the RAF Museum at Hendon are now all free, joining the British Museum, the National Gallery, The National Portrait Gallery and the various Tate galleries. This is in line with a recent initiative to 'de-fee' admission charges for a number of museums across the country in November.
The early indications are that visitor numbers are rising steadily. What a great opportunity to get a group together and plan a visit to one or more of these marvellous establishments. We're ready for your call...
Update: 7 December 2001
Come to the Theatre in Comfort
London's theatres are involved in various schemes with the Mayor, Ken Livingstone, to encourage theatre goers back into London. Recent events mean there are plenty of tickets available for some of the finest shows. The Mayor pledged £500,000 towards 100,000 free and discounted tickets after a meeting with leading West End figures. Since London's taxis raised their fares for evening journeys the cost of getting home in comfort has soared. So get a group together and hire a coach and we'll take you there and back in total comfort with no premium. Just call our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124 to have a chat about the possibilities and prices.
Update: 14 November 2001
Seen the Crown Jewels lately?
The Historic Royal Palaces, including the Tower of London, the Banqueting House, Kew Palace, Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace, are marvellous destinations for a sightseeing trip or a corporate event. Did you know you can combine your reception or corporate event with a private viewing of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, for example? There are many unique and exciting possibilities to lift your event out of the ordinary and make it an occasion your guests will remember for a long time.
The Historic Royal Palaces have an informative web site at www.hrp.org.uk including full details of corporate hospitality opportunities at each palace. We've added their web site to our Links page. Give Redwing a call on 020 7733 1124 to find out how you can arrange a group trip to one of these historic royal palaces.
Update: 14 November 2001
ATTEEEEEEN-SHUN!
The Royal Air Force Museum at Hendon is working in conjunction with Redwing to promote travel to the museum for Air Cadets, schools and adults with an interest in aviation. Their web site at www.rafmuseum.co.uk is fascinating, but a visit to the place itself is even better.
Did you know that, since 1 January this year, accompanied children and Senior Citizens are no longer charged for admission to the Museum at Hendon? This is part of the Government's policy of providing better access to the national collections. Even more reason to put a group together and ask Redwing to organise a trip.
Update: 14 November 2001
Consort Tours Launches New Brochure for 2002
Consort Tours have just launched their latest brochure. It details all their exciting day trips and short breaks, in the UK and on the Continent, for January through to April 2002. You know you'll have a safe and comfortable journey because all the tours are operated using luxury Redwing coaches. Call Consort on 020 8657 8800 and ask for your free brochure.
Consort have recently opened a new Groups Department, kicking off with the Consort Theatre Club. Membership is free, and the club organises theatre trips with the tickets and the coach travel conveniently included in the price. Golf Days in France are also on offer with a round of golf, travel and food included for your Golf Club. Club Secretaries should call Consort on 020 8657 8800 to find out more.
All Consort's tours are available for Groups, and if you have sufficient people you can enjoy your own private coach. Just call Veronica on 020 8657 8800 and she will be delighted to answer all your questions.
Update: 12 October 2001
All Groups Welcome!
Did you know we have 45 luxury coaches available to hire for all your occasions? Weddings, school trips, WI groups, clubs, associations, sports teams, theatre transfers, corporate events, conferences, wheelchair accessible, long distance, short distance, international, half day, one month..... the list goes on. You name it - if you want it, we can almost certainly do it.
Don't hesitate to give us a call to get an immediate, friendly, no-obligation, value for money quote. We are always delighted to discuss your plans and offer sensible advice, however vague your ideas are right now. If you haven't organised coach hire before we'll be happy to explain how it all works.
Go on - make the call. You know you want to! Ask for our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124.
Update: 12 October 2001
A great new itinerary for Group Leaders
Here's a special invitation to Groups and Group Leaders to sample the delights of the Army and the Navy in South London.
As part of a collaboration between The Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich, the new Firepower museum in Woolwich Arsenal and Redwing Coaches, we are pleased to offer a very interesting day out to entice you to our famous historic buildings.
Departing around 09.30, we travel to historic Greenwich for a brief tour around the Old Royal Naval College with its magnificent Painted Hall and Chapel. Leaving around lunchtime for the short ride to Firepower, London's newest museum, we then experience the Field of Fire, as men and women who served the guns tell their story. There is an unrivalled display of Artillery through the ages. Time is available for afternoon tea (included) before we set off in our luxury coach at 1430 for a comfortable return journey, dropping off by 15.30.
A great day out, with coach travel, tour around the Naval College, entrance to the Firepower museum and afternoon tea included for just £10 per person (minimum group of 30). Call our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124 for more details.
Update: 12 October 2001
Holts Battlefield Tours
Take a look at our recently updated Links page. We've just added a new link to Holts Tours. For more than 25 years Holts have taken travellers on expertly guided tours to battlefields all over the world, as well as to many other sites of great historical endeavour. They are a recognised market leader in this field.
Their web site has details of tours ranging from Europe to the USA and many other fascinating destinations in between. Visit our Links page now.
Update: 07 October 2001
Oliver- Please can we have some more?
Bill Oliver left us in August, after 7 years of sterling service, to retire down to Poole in Dorset. The picture (right) shows Bill on his last day with us, about to set off on his final booking. We wish him well and hope he enjoys his retirement.
A bit like the musical, now one Oliver has gone 'we need some more'! Bill's son Jef works for us already and we always welcome quality coach drivers of their calibre.
If you would like to join us as a driver, or you know someone who might be interested, please give us a call on 020 77 33 1124. You might like to take a look at our Recruitment section, too.
Update: 18 September 2001
Redwing orders 20 new Iveco coaches for 2002 delivery
Once more we have decided to renew half our coach fleet for the coming season. During March 2002 we will start taking delivery of the new fleet, maintaining and enhancing our reputation for operating the newest and finest fleet of private coaches in London, totalling more than 40 vehicles.
By continual investment in our vehicles and our people we are able to offer a superlative coach hire service. Our Client List is proof of the pudding. Why don't you join them? Just call our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124 to find out more.
Update: 18 September 2001
Instant Quotations from Redwing
We always quote on the phone when you call to make a booking or enquiry. We are often surprised when customers say 'Will you call us back with a quote?'. Perhaps that is what you are used to with other coach companies, but not Redwing. We know you want a price as soon as possible so you can finalise your arrangements, so we give it to you immediately, on the phone, with no hanging around!
It's all part of Redwing's superior service. Just call our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124 for an instant quote.
Update: 10 August 2001
Mobility coach visits Lourdes
Our Mobility coach has proved a real hit with passengers. Recent trips include a trip to Bracklesham Bay on behalf of Age Concern's day centre in Reading. The photo shows the coach waiting to depart. The Centre Manager had never seen anything like our coach before, and the trip was a great success.
With the onslaught of the new football season, the Charlton FC Disabled Supporters will be enjoying the facilities on this special coach throughout the season, having made several successful trips already.
During July the Mobility coach completed two round trips from Liverpool to Lourdes in south west France, taking pilgrims to the Grotto of Massabielle. Each year more than five million people, a great number of them sick or handicapped, come to Lourdes from all over the world. Our coach enables wheelchair users to enjoy a comfortable and stress-free journey, taking advantage of the powered chair lift and the specially designed WC/washroom.
Update: 10 August 2001
Mercedes V Class chauffeur driven transfers
Tony Heath of TJ Hire has recently introduced an important addition to his company's luxury, chauffeur-driven services. Building on the success of their luxuriously appointed Mercedes Benz V Class people movers, Tony has added a stylish luggage trailer. Up to six people can now travel in limousine-style comfort, complete with a full complement of luggage.
Update: 10 August 2001
Redwing first in Canterbury
Canterbury City Council invited Redwing to be the first operator to use the newly refurbished Central Drop Off Point in Longport. The local press were present and council officials welcomed the Redwing coach, operating an Evan Evans Tour, to the city. The passengers enjoyed a leisurely lunch, as they had more time in Canterbury. The drop off point is a valuable enhancement to tourism facilities in Canterbury.
Update: 10 August 2001
Two thousand people per day
Did you know that Redwing Coaches carry over 2000 people every day in our 45 coaches? We are proud to say that 99% of our fleet runs to time every day, despite the ever increasing traffic in London. Occasionally we run into unavoidable traffic problems, but we are always there for our customers. The photo shows two of our fleet in Evans Evans livery, part of a daily departure of ten vehicles.
Update: 11 July 2001
Redwing need driving staff
Business is booming and we need more staff to join our highly professional driving team. We have vacancies for Full or Part Time drivers and new trainees are also welcome at our PCV Driver Training School. Visit our Recruitment page and then contact Redwing on 020 77 33 1124 to discuss your career.
Update: 11 July 2001
'Music of the Night 2001' Extravaganza
'Music Of The Night 2001' is a musical extravaganza which will take place on the front parade of the Royal Artillery barracks, Woolwich, London SE18 between 16th - 21st July 2001.
Visit the Music Of The Night web site at www.mon2001.co.uk for full details.
The programme of music is designed to appeal to a wide range of tastes and includes excerpts from well-loved musicals such as Phantom of the Opera, Me and My Girl, Oliver and Les Miserables.
From the truly impressive acrobatic free-fall parachute display to the breathtaking motor cycle stunts in Grease and from the dramatic fireworks finale to the haunting melodies of the Pipes and Drums, 'Music Of The Night 2001' promises to be full of excitement, guaranteed to be a spectacular evening of entertainment.
The main show commences at 8pm with an interval for refreshments, and tickets are priced at £12 and £15.
Update: 11 July 2001
What happened to the seats?
Passengers on a short touring holiday on the Isle of Wight were mystified when the seats in their coach changed colour during the night.
Unknown to them, local vandals had smashed one of the windows late the previous night. Redwing were able to get a new coach across to the island BEFORE the group had awoken and they were able to commence the day's sightseeing at 09.00 without any delay or hindrance.
This is the level of service that Redwing provides to all its customers whenever possible. Pictured is our replacement coach on the Isle of Wight Ferry on the outward journey early on a beautiful Summer's day.
Update: 11 July 2001
RAF Hendon Museum
When did you last visit the RAF Museum at Hendon? It has undergone extensive revisions and is a very worthwhile and exciting place to visit for the day.
You'll find full details on their web site at www.rafmuseum.com
Rachael Burns is the Group Visitor and Marketing Manager. You can contact her on 020 8358 4863, or by email at rachael.burns@rafmuseum.com, to find out more about the possibilities for your group visit, banquet, meeting, conference or product launch.
Update: 11 July 2001
Vandalism plagues the coach industry
At Redwing we don't just concern ourselves with company issues, but as a major player in the coach hire industry we take on industry issues too.
Vandalism of coaches (as in the story above) is endemic throughout the land. Our letter about this issue was recently published in Coach and Bus Week, as their Letter of the Week, for reaction and comment.
Update: 11 July 2001
New Consort Tours route proves popular
Consort Tours' new pick up route (Route C) in South London is taking off well following an extensive campaign in the locality. For further information contact Consort Tours on 020 8657 8800, or visit their web site at www.consort-tours.co.uk (closed Dec 2006). The photo shows the new sign on Consort's shopfront, helping to entice more customers into the shop.
Update: 11 July 2001
Victory at Wimbledon
Redwing had a very successful fortnight at Wimbledon, even if Tim Henman didn't. We carried 22,000 enthusiastic tennis fans on the Park and Ride shuttle from Motspur Park to The Courts, so they could watch their idols battle for glorious victory (or defeat). Either way, the Park and Ride operation was a great success.
The mast in the background of our photo is 'The Crow's Nest', extending over a hundred feet into the sky to provide aerial shots of the tennis courts. They always came back to earth when it rained - but who can blame them for that?
Update: 11 July 2001
Happy Travellers
Here's a group of Happy Travellers who went to the Tramway Museum
at Crich in Derbyshire last month. They particularly wanted us to have this picture as a memento of their day out with Redwing, and we're delighted to display it here.
If you are planning an outing for your company or group - celebration, conference, Christmas party etc - why not give our Sales Manager a call on 020 7733 1124. It's never too early to book to ensure you get the dates you want.
Update: 11 June 2001
New Pick Up Points for Consort Tours from 1 June
Consort Tours has operated value for money Day Trips and Continental Excursions using Redwing vehicles for many years, collecting passengers from more than 20 pick up points across South London. Starting on 1 June they have increased the number of pick up points to over 30 for selected tours, with a third new pick up route taking in Camberwell, East Dulwich, Forest Hill, Brockley, Catford, Lee, two locations in Eltham, Avery Hill, Sidcup Station and Sidcup. A new brochure has been specially produced for this route and four new and very eager agents have been appointed in Lewisham, Blackheath, Eltham and Lee. For full details contact Consort Tours on 020 8657 8800.
Consort is also pleased to welcome new employees Sarah, Rick and Michelle to the company. Their friendly dispositions will be an asset to the company and they welcome your enquiries.
Update: 11 June 2001
Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Fortnight
Through one of our associates, Redwing are operating five coaches on the daily 'Shuttle' service for the Wimbledon Fortnight. If you are attending please be careful not to drop your strawberries and cream on the upholstery and we look forward to seeing you!
Update: 11 June 2001
Mobility Coach Takes Off...
Our new Mobility coach has really taken off (metaphorically speaking) and is in great demand. On a recent outing a party of children from Ravensbourne School (a special needs school in Harold Hill, Essex) went for an exciting river trip from Walton on Thames.
The day was a great success and Goldman Sachs, who organise the trip, were kind enough to email us to say: 'Just wanted to pass on my thanks for our Community Team Works Day. The Disabled coach was a huge success, with the charity never having seen anything like it. So even a ride on the coach was a treat for them. Please pass on our thanks to all the drivers/helpers. They did a really great job and by having such a good sense of humour kept everyone amused.'
Update: 11 June 2001
Another starring role...
Redwing coaches are regular TV stars - you may have seen our coach prominently featured in a bizarre incident on Channel 4's Trigger Happy TV recently, and in a commercial for a newspaper. Both these appearances happened quite by chance - we have so many coaches on the streets of London it is difficult NOT to spot one during a typical day! But keep an eye out for the new Times Sport Section advert on TV in the next few weeks. We were talent-spotted for this role and provided a nice shiny red coach to feature in the advert.
Update: 11 June 2001
Busy, Busy, Busy...
Here's the Redwing yard in Dylan Road photographed on a typical afternoon at the beginning of June. Despite the troubled times with foot and mouth restrictions Redwing have kept abreast of the situation by finding other markets. Our fleet is being kept busy and, as you can see, although we have a fleet of more than 40 vehicles there are NO coaches in the yard!
Update: 11 June 2001
New Joint Partnerships
Redwing have recently developed a number of partnerships with leading leisure groups. Currently under development are links with The London Imax, The London Dungeon, Brighton Sealife Centre, The Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich and an exciting new venture at the recently re-opened Woolwich Arsenal which includes their exciting 'Firepower' experience. In addition we have good contacts with Folkestone, Lingfield and Windsor race courses. Watch out for the web links from our Links page in the near future.
Update: 10 May 2001
Evan Evans Tours - London sightseeing since 1933
Redwing Coaches have operated coaches for Evan Evans Tours, London's leading sightseeing operator, for many years. The coaches are dedicated and specially liveried, as shown in the photo.
Evan Evans Tours joins the list of interesting web sites featured in our own Links page.
Update: 10 May 2001
Euros welcome here
Did you know that we accept payment in Euros? We first offered this facility more than a year ago and although it is not often used at the moment, it is there for our European customers to make life a little easier. If you would like to investigate further then call our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124 for full details.
Update: 10 May 2001
Have you seen our Links page?
If you haven't visited our Links page, perhaps now is the time? You'll find a varied selection of web sites on offer, each with an informative description. Sometimes it's interesting to web surf almost at random - you never know what useful information you might find until you take a look.
If you think your web site ought to be added, let our Sales Manager know on 020 7733 1124.
Update: 10 May 2001
No 'Desk Drivers' at Redwing...
At Redwing, nearly all our managerial staff go out and actually drive coaches from time to time, or spend time in the field supervising complex coach movements. We don't just drive desks week in, week out. It keeps us in touch with the realities of the job so we're always learning, always improving.
A recent example was the Fleet Show at Alexandra Palace (see photo) where several managers, including Keith Payne, our Sales Manager, spent three days driving a six coach shuttle service around the car parks to and from Wood Green Station.
In another complex operation on 3 May, we moved nearly 1000 people from the new Excel exhibition and conference centre. Every one of our coaches was involved, and Steve Hillier, our Commercial Manager, was out in the field keeping tabs on them.
Update: 09 April 2001
Help wanted!
Our wheelchair accessible Mobility coach is attracting lots of interest, so we are starting a special page listing selected venues that are fully wheelchair accessible. Do you own or operate such a venue? We need feedback from owners or managers.
Please call our Sales Manager for a chat on 020 7733 1124.
Update: 09 April 2001
Redwing at the London Marathon
Large numbers of Redwing coaches will be out and about supporting The Flora London Marathon on 22nd April. Early on we'll be carrying athletes from all over the world to the start at Blackheath. Not everyone can stand the pace, unfortunately, and during the event we'll have two coaches following the runners through the whole of the Marathon, one in Evan Evans Sightseeing livery and one of our own coaches on behalf of British Airways. These coaches will pick up the walking wounded and other worn out runners whose Marathon has come to a brave but premature end.
Update: 09 April 2001
Success at the NEC
Our new Mobility coach was a popular exhibit at the recent British Travel Trade Fair, held at the NEC. We operated our stand in conjunction with the Coach Drivers Club of Great Britain, who kindly supported us. Many industry figures took the time to visit the coach and watch the chair lift operating. The show resulted in plenty of new business, plus some very positive leads for the future.
Update: 09 April 2001
New 32 seater midi-executive coach available
Recently introduced to our fleet, our new Berkhof 32 seat midi-executive coach features a spacious servery (see photo), WC and washroom, hot drinks machine, fridge and a rather special, industry-leading DVD player. We believe this is the first time a DVD player has been installed on a private hire coach, and if the trial proves successful we may extend it to other vehicles in our fleet.
This coach gives Redwing a leading edge in the smaller-coach luxury market, along with our Neoplan Executive and our 35 seater standard Berkhof.
Update: 09 April 2001
New drivers climb aboard
The Redwing Driving School is going from strength to strength. Four more new drivers have recently passed their tests and are working for us full time.
If you are considering a career as a coach driver, or if you are returning to the industry, get in touch with the school. You'll find full details on our Driving School page.
Update: 09 April 2001
Redwing joins South East Tourist Board
Redwing Coaches has recently joined the South East England Tourist Board as a member to promote and expand our business within the UK.
Update: 08 March 2001
Major Press Launch for Mobility Coach
The mobility coach has a major press launch at the Charlton Athletic Football Ground on Thursday 8th March, with BBC and Sky television crews present, as well as the local press.
Update: 08 March 2001
Mobility coach on show at NEC, 21-22 March
Our new, wheelchair-accessible mobility coach will be on display for the duration of the British Travel Trade Fair at the NEC in Birmingham, which takes place from 21-22 March 2001. If you are visiting the show please make a point of inspecting our mobility coach. Our Sales Manager will be there to answer your questions.
Update: 08 March 2001
First Outing for New Mobility Coach
Our new mobility coach took to the road last week with a group from the Charlton Athletic Disabled Football Supporters Club travelling to Middlesborough. Seven of the supporters brought their wheelchairs and all boarded the coach quickly and safely using the power lift.
On this occasion four of the supporters remained in their wheelchairs during the journey. Their wheelchairs were secured by the full Unwins safety strapping wheelchair restraint system, while the occupants were protected by three point seat belts. Whether able bodied or disabled, Charlton Athletic's supporters will now be arriving at matches in vehicles offering similar levels of comfort to the team itself.
Alan Milner, from the club, said 'This is a breakthrough for us, and we are all very grateful to Redwing Coaches for taking on this important project.'
The photo (left) shows the coach configured to carry 4 wheelchairs and 24 seats on this trip.
Update: 08 March 2001
Tours Brochure Available Now...
New Consort Our sister company Consort Tours has launched their new brochure, which includes a marvellous selection of Day Excursions, Short Breaks and Holidays. All the tours are operated using Redwing's fleet of luxury coaches and professional drivers. The tours depart from a range of pick up points in south east London and the Croydon area.
To get hold of your copy call Consort Tours on 020 8657 8800. Alternatively you can request a brochure online from their web site at www.consort-tours.co.uk (closed Dec 2006).
Update: 08 March 2001
Coming Soon - New Mobility Coach Web Site Section
We will shortly be adding a major new section to our web site devoted to the new wheelchair accessible mobility coach. You will be able to see the chair lift in action and look around inside the coach, including the very spacious and wheelchair-accessible washroom.
Update: 08 March 2001
More Redwing Driving School Successes
Two more drivers have successfully completed their PCV training at Redwing's Driving School. One gentleman will be running his own coach company, while the other driver has already begun working for us.
We offer training to new drivers, lapsed drivers, potential employees or independent drivers.
Update: 09 February 2001
Redwing Teaches Old Dogs New Tricks
Redwing take the initiative again. We are encouraging holders of PCV driving licences who may not have driven a coach for a while to undertake a Confidence Restoration course. This is designed to help those drivers who need a bit of a boost to get back behind the wheel of a PCV vehicle so they can re-enter the industry for gainful employment once more.
There are many coach drivers who have changed course and not driven for a while and we are finding that drivers are coming to us and enjoying the experience. Journalist Tony Pattison from 'Coach Drivers' Monthly' magazine recently undertook this course himself and details of his experience are reported in the latest issue.
Update: 06 February 2001
See Redwing Coaches on Display
Two dates for your diary - you can see us 'in action' at the following locations during February:
Whitgift Centre, Croydon: We will be at the North End of the Shopping Centre on Wednesday 14 February between 10.00 to 16.00 in a joint promotion with our sister company Consort Tours. There will be a Redwing coach on display to launch the new Consort Tours Day Trip brochure. Consort staff will be on hand to assist you, and Keith Payne, Marketing Manager of Redwing Coaches, will be available to give information about coach hire, our new mobility coach and our PCV Driver Training School. We hope to see you there.
South East England Day Out Fair: Held at The University of Kent at Canterbury on Saturday 17 February, this fair is run by the South East England Tourist Board and Canterbury City Council. We will have a Redwing coach on static display outside the centre where you can obtain information about all aspects of our company and collect literature about Redwing Coaches, Consort Tours, Evan Evans Tours and TJ Hire. We are also providing local excursion coaches to show the locality off to its best advantage. A good day out and well worth a visit.
Call our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124 if you need more information about these events.
Update: 06 February 2001
See us at Confex, Earls Court
Our corporate customers have the chance to collect information about Redwing at Confex from 27 February to 1 March. You can find us at the 'Maritime Greenwich' stand incorporating the Old Royal Naval College, to whom we are the official supplier of coaches. The Old Royal Naval College incorporates the outstanding conference facilities of the Painted Hall and Chapel at Greenwich.
Update: 06 February 2001
Wheelchair Accessible Venues
To complement the imminent arrival of our wheelchair accessible, luxury Mobility Coach we plan to add a new section to the web site. This will include a page detailing selected Wheelchair Accessible Venues. If you have a suitable venue please let us know by calling our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124.
Update: 23 January 2001
Redwing Driving School Success
Several successful candidates have already passed through our Driving School. Andy Heath was the first driver to complete his training, and now drives for us full time. Steve Mott passed his Manual Coach driving test in January and is delighted to be joining us as a part time driver.
Andy Heath (left) and Steve Mott (right) after successfully passing through our Driving School
Our driving instructor, Tony Cooke, is very pleased with his candidates so far and anticipates many more successes in the future.
Update: 11 January 2001
Dedicated coach for Driver Training
Our Driver Training School is taking off very well. We have recently bought a Mercedes Benz Jonckheere coach specifically for training purposes. It is a delight to use and allows us to schedule PCV training sessions efficiently without requiring coaches from our passenger fleet.
You'll find more details in our Driving School section.
Update: 11 January 2001
Disability Awareness Training
Mindful of the imminent arrival of our custom-built mobility coach, five of our staff recently went on a Disability Awareness Course held at the Disability Unit of Transport for London. The course carefully considered several types of disabilities, including Hidden, Visual, Temporary and Social. Our staff members found the course interesting and thought-provoking combining, as it did, conceptual topics and practical skills. Our picture shows Mick Packman with his course certificate.
The mobility coach, with accommodation for up to 12 wheelchairs, plus an additional 24 seats and featuring a power chair lift, disabled toilet facility, air conditioning and video, should be available for hire in early February.
Update: 11 January 2001
Pantomime Season
The main Christmas and New Year celebrations may be over, but the traditional Pantomime season is still in full swing. Have you booked your pantomime transport yet? It's not too late. Next week we will be moving 3000 people to the Peacock Theatre in London for a large firm of accountants. On New Year's Day we operated eleven coaches to the New Year's Day Parade in central London for a client. We are very experienced with large scale transport arrangements - just call us on 020 7733 1124 for a competitive quote.
