Archive News 2003
Update: 05 December 2003
Get married in style
Are you getting married next year?
We can take all your guests to the wedding and reception. Just hire as many coaches as you need. There are many advantages: everyone arrives at the right place at the right time. No one gets lost. Parking is not a problem and drink-driving is avoided. In addition, there is always a happy, upbeat atmosphere amongst the passengers.
It's no fun for your guests trying to find a remote country church in an area they've never been before - and then discovering there's only parking for five cars! Cities can be even worse. Eliminate the hassle by providing your own luxury coach transfers from a convenient location. Your guests will thank you for it!
The bride and groom will probably prefer to travel in a shiny Mercedes Benz S-Class. We can help there too. For many years we have worked with T J Hire who operate exactly such a service.
Any questions about wedding travel arrangements? It's never too soon to call our Sales Manager at Redwing on 020 7733 1124.
Update: 05 December 2003
Redwing go on the piste
When the weather gets tough, Redwing get going! We don't let snow and ice put us off - we fit snow chains to our coaches and off we go.
Our photo was taken in Spain, shortly after driver Mark Hamilton (who also took the photo) had succeeded in washing his coach in sub-zero conditions. Not an easy thing to do, but we won't let standards slip.
Many of our drivers have extensive experience of coach driving in severe conditions. It means we can offer safe, comfortable journeys all over Europe during even the depths of winter.
If you want to go somewhere cold this winter, just tell us where and we'll give you a quote. Call our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124 right now.
Update: 05 December 2003
See Redwing at Excursions 2004 on 10 January
Come and meet us at Excursions 2004 on Saturday 10 January 2004 at Alexandra Palace. We have a stand there and also a Redwing coach operating to and from the local stations. Our photo shows two Redwing coaches in front of Alexandra Palace.
We look forward to seeing you and discussing your requirements for the coming year.
Update: 05 December 2003
Redwing - 365 days including Christmas Day
The trains grind to a halt at Christmas and New Year, causing inconvenience to millions of people. But we don't. We keep on going 365 days per year including Christmas Day.
Bear that in mind when you're working out how to organise a get together at Christmas. Groups arriving at the airport? Parties? People without cars? If you have a group to move around then hire one of our luxury executive coaches to do it. Even on Christmas Day.
Book early, please, by calling our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124, and have a happier Christmas as a result.
Update: 05 December 2003
The Travelling Mug Mystery
Where do all the coffee mugs go? Answer: the length and breadth of Europe and the UK.
We are often forced to replenish the stocks of drinking mugs in our staff canteen. Our staff grab a cup of tea, then dash out to their coaches - and the mugs stay on board. Our tea lady is left pulling her hair out in frustration.
We have already identified a large collection of stray Redwing mugs in Meribel. Where all the others end up is a mystery.
Update: 07 November 2003
Mark Hamilton takes America by storm
One of our drivers, Mark Hamilton, was recently invited to America by Jeff Zorn, a longtime Redwing customer who owns the Little British Car Company based in Detroit, Michigan. Mark traditionally drives Jeff Zorn's group of car enthusiasts when they visit the UK every year to tour interesting Motoring related factories and museums.
Mark jumped at the chance to sample life Stateside. Starting in Detroit, he later visited Nashville, Washington DC, Maryland and several other destinations, thanks to Jeff and his group of car enthusiasts.
As you can see (photo above), the trip turned out to be a busman's holiday! But as the bus had no power steering Mark came back to us again. Our photo (left) shows Mark (with the steering wheel) flanked by Jeff and Jan Zorn and other members of the enthusiasts group in Nashville. We look forward to seeing Jeff and his group again next year in the UK.
We are always pleased to quote for any type of specialised UK or European tour. If you're not based in the UK don't worry - we have lots of experience arranging trips for clients from countries all over the world. Don't hesitate to call our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124.
(Pictures by Courtesy of Jeff Zorn - Little British Car Company USA)
Update: 07 November 2003
Mick Basford retires after 40 years driving
Mick Basford retired at the end of October after driving coaches and buses for over 40 years. He spent well over half that time driving for Redwing. Our pictures show Mick washing down his coach for the last time, and also doing what he did best in the company of passengers, welcoming them aboard his coach.
He has driven more miles than we care to think about and used enough water while washing down to fill a reservoir.
We wish Mick a very happy and healthy retirement and thank him most sincerely for his loyal service.
Update: 03 November 2003
Redwing at the World Travel Market
Redwing have more than 20 coaches servicing the World Travel Market which runs from Monday 10 November to Thursday 13 November 2003 at Excel in London.
Keith Payne, our Sales Manager, and Steve Hillier, our Commercial Manager, will both be at the World Travel Market. They are available for appointments from 12.00 to 15.00. Please email or phone us on +44 2077 33 1124 to arrange an appointment.
We welcome new International Tour Operator enquiries for the 2004 season and look forward to seeing you there.
Update: 24 October 2003
Faster than a speeding bullet...
Concorde paid a final visit to Redwing's depot earlier this afternoon. Three Concordes thundered over, one after the other, on the approach to runway 27L at Heathrow airport.
Concorde will not fly again commercially, so this is truly the end of an era. More than two million people have flown on the plane. Everyone at the depot ran outside to watch, and we managed to take this photo to record the event. Faster than a speeding bullet - just like Concorde - we uploaded our photo just after the final plane landed at Heathrow.
It's the first time we've managed to take a picture with Concorde and a Redwing coach in the same frame and it's sad to think we won't have a chance again.
Apparently it is unlikely the planes will fly again with passengers on a regular basis as the Type Certificate expires at the end of the month. The remaining aircraft will be dispersed to museums around the country.
Update: 14 October 2003
Gothic at the V & A
The Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington is holding a spectacular exhibition called Gothic: Art for England 1400-1547. This was one of the most dramatic periods of English history and the exhibition brings together over 300 rare and sumptuous treasures by some of the greatest artists of the day.
The exhibition is open now and runs until 18 January 2004. For full details visit the V&A's Gothic exhibition microsite.
If you have a group who would like to visit the Gothic exhibition call Keith Payne on 020 7733 1124 to arrange a luxury coach. There is plenty to do and see in South Kensington in addition to the V & A so this is an ideal opportunity to organise a really full day out for your group.
Update: 14 October 2003
Seeing double in Italy
Several of our Mercedes Touro coaches are painted in the livery of tour operator Globus, as part of a long-standing contract.
So one of our staff, on holiday in Italy, was surprised to encounter a Globus liveried Mercedes Touro roaring past Lake Maggiore, as he didn't recall any Italian tours on the schedule. (Talk about a 'busman's holiday', you'd think he'd just ignore it!)
On closer inspection it turned out to be left hand drive - a Mercedes Touro almost exactly like our own, but operated by an Italian coach company. Brief mystery solved, and our staff member put his tourist hat back on.
If you want to go to Italy we'll be delighted to take you. For help and advice about planning your trip call our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124.
Update: 14 October 2003
Setra owners - save some money!
Please will someone buy this Setra 250 Special front end from us.
It's not a dummy, it's the real thing, with all the correct parts fitted (lights etc). You could use it for spares or install it as a complete unit. It would cost a small fortune if you ordered it via the usual channels. It has never been fitted to a coach - we originally commissioned it for use at an exhibition, and more recently it has been on display in the offices of Consort Tours, one of our sister companies, as shown in the photo.
Do you want to buy it? We are open to sensible offers around 2,250 Euros (that's about £1,575). Call our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124 for more details.
Update: 09 October 2003
Free passports for World War Two D-Day veterans
Next year the UK Passport Office is issuing free passports for World War Two veterans attending the D-Day Celebrations on the Continent.
This promises to be a very big event and we understand that a considerable amount of accommodation has already gone. Contact us if you want to take a group of veterans there. Sadly, unlike the Passport Office we can't offer our services for free, but we will do the best we can.
Don't forget that in addition to our core fleet of luxury executive coaches, we also operate a full size, luxury Mobility coach. This is fitted with a powered wheelchair lift and a spacious, fully wheelchair accessible WC/washroom. The seating configuration can be adjusted to offer a combination of wheelchair places and conventional seating.
The mobility coach is ideal for tranporting a mixed party of able-bodied travellers and wheelchair users in perfect comfort. Call our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124 to discuss the possibilities.
Update: 09 October 2003
Bye Bye Concorde, Farewell QE2
We say goodbye to Concorde later this month. The final scheduled flight is on Friday 24 October.
It has thundered over our depot several times a day for more years than anyone can remember, rattling the coffee cups. A truly amazing sight, and always worth an upwards glance.
The QE2 is also nearing the end of its final season. Two sixties icons. If you always intended to do one of those 'New York on Concorde, back on the QE2' trips you've quite literally missed the boat.
Can we tempt you with a coach tour round the Lake District instead? No, perhaps not...
Update: 09 October 2003
Farewell Peter Anderson
As if the departure of Concorde and the QE2 wasn't enough, another 'Sixties icon' is leaving us. Peter Anderson has been with Redwing for 14 years - and that's a lot of miles on the clock.
He is planning a new start overseas and getting married too. We'd like to thank him for all the hard work he's put in with Redwing Coaches, and we wish him every success for the future. Our picture shows him getting his coach ready for a tour, one last time.
We sometimes have vacancies for excellent coach drivers like Peter. Let us know if you would like an interview.
Update: 08 October 2003
Visit a French beach and do some shopping
Our webcam picture shows the beach at Wissant in Northern France, between Cap Gris Nez et Cap Blanc Nez. That's how it looked today, 8 October 2003, at 16.52.
Next time you hire a coach for a shopping trip try to be a bit more adventurous - combine a visit to Wissant with your usual French hypermarket shopping frenzy. A bracing walk on that magnificent, smooth flat beach will do you a power of good.
Check out their beach-cam at www.wissant.com/php/html_webcam.php. The website is in French, but that won't put you off, will it? The UK has been in the EEC since 1973, hasn't it? And you learned French at school, didn't you? No problem then!
Update: 24 September 2003
Coach and trailer success
If your idea of fun is manoeuvring a forty foot coach with a twenty foot trailer backwards round a corner on a busy public road then we have just the course for you!
Redwing's Driving School will teach you how to drive a coach and trailer combination, using our own dedicated training coach and twenty foot trailer.
Yet another student recently qualified to operate this configuration following a course of instruction with our experienced trainer, Terry Torch.
Update: 24 September 2003
Christmas Parties
Only 13 weeks to Christmas! It's time to get your mistletoe ready and organise your Christmas party transportation. Hiring a coach ensures that everyone arrives at the right place at the right time and, more importantly, that they get home safely too after a hard night's partying.
Recent developments in the law mean that party organisers shoulder more responsibility for the actions and welfare of partygoers than in days gone by. You just can't be too careful, especially where alcohol is involved. Be smart, be professional and hire a coach.
Update: 24 September 2003
A new pair of trainers
We've added another coach to the Redwing fleet, this time for driver training. Surprisingly, this is the third time we have bought this particular Mercedes Benz 0303 coach! Firstly when it was new, in 1983; secondly in the late eighties; thirdly just now, for use as an additional training vehicle.
When it first arrived new in 1983 it was regarded as the very best available, with full air conditioning and traditional Mercedes Benz quality. It is still in excellent condition and promises to be a valuable addition to our Driving School. Our photo shows the 'new' coach (on left) next to our other dedicated training coach.
By using dedicated coaches for driver training our core fleet of latest model, top of the range luxury coaches is always available for customer hire.
Update: 24 September 2003
Another Redwing TV appearance
You never know where we will turn up. We recently made an unintentional TV appearance when one of our large, bright red coaches filled the TV screen while slowly cruising past the the Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand during the filming of a documentary in the street.
Our coaches have appeared in the media quite frequently over the years, sometimes by chance and sometimes hired for the job. Being bright red they certainly make a colourful backdrop. If you need to hire a coach for a photoshoot, film or TV appearance give our Sales Manager a call on 020 7733 1124.
Update: 24 September 2003
600 years experience
Recently unearthed, this rare photograph shows our PCV driving instructor Terry Torch when he worked for National Coaches 'some years ago'. Our Sales and Marketing Manager, Keith Payne was on the road with National Coaches at the same time.
Most of our managers have many years of hands on experience in the coach industry. That's why when you ring us up and ask for advice or information we know exactly what to say. Altogether, our managers and drivers have over 600 years experience in the coach industry.
Next time you have a complex logistical requirement, or just need one coach for a Christmas party, please bear us in mind. Don't hesitate to call our Sales Manager for advice and information on 020 7733 1124.
Update: 24 September 2003
Channel soap opera
Ferry company P & O recently announced lower profits on the short sea route from Dover to Calais, blaming part of the downturn in business on the lower number of coaches making day trips to Calais.
A day trip to France for your group is easy to organise, and very economical. Some of our customers go to France just to buy huge boxes of soap powder. Many items at the hypermarkets are much cheaper than in England. If you plan sensibly you can pay for your trip with the savings. So be Bold, create your own soap opera and get a group together. You'll have a great day out, save lots of money and keep P & O off the breadline. Everyone wins!
Call our Sales Manager now on 020 7733 1124 to find out how much it will cost to take your group to France for the day.
Update: 08 August 2003
Spot the difference!
Who operates this coach? It certainly looks like a Redwing coach. But look carefully and you'll see this coach has 'Reliance', not 'Redwing', written on the side. We haven't changed our name, though - Reliance Travel is part of the Redwing group of companies.
Reliance operates out of Gravesend in Kent, with a brand new fleet of luxury coaches in the same livery (apart from the name) as our own Redwing coaches.
Reliance Travel's primary business is a successful commuter service from the Gravesend area to London and back. Commuting by coach has many advantages over the train - as hundreds of Reliance's regular commuters will confirm. It's not just the lower price, it's the comfort, reliability and cleanliness that passengers enjoy.
In addition to their commuter services, Reliance Travel also operates a full Private Hire service for businesses, tour groups, schools, sports clubs, associations and individuals.
You'll find full details, including prices and schedules of the commuter routes, on Reliance Travel's website at www.reliance-travel.co.uk.
Update: 14 July 2003
75% of FTSE 100 use Redwing Coaches
Sitting down with a red Biro and a copy of the Financial Times, we confirmed that at least 75 of the top 100 companies listed on the FTSE share index use or have used Redwing Coaches for their corporate and social coach hire.
Why do so many of the country's top businesses choose Redwing Coaches? There are hundreds of coach companies in Yellow Pages - and with a name starting with 'R' we're listed near the end! Why choose us?
The answer, probably, is because these top companies know they can trust us to do what we say we'll do, and do it to the highest possible standards.
But you don't need a multi-billion turnover to get the best service from Redwing. Whether you're an international banking giant planning a huge conference or a day care centre arranging a trip to the seaside, our service is the same, the coach is the same and the driver is the same. First class all the way, for everyone.
Why not follow these high-powered FTSE 100 companies and add our name and number to your Contacts list? Our Sales Manager is looking forward to hearing from you on 020 7733 1124.
Update: 14 July 2003
UK£4.4 million puts Redwing fleet amongst youngest in Europe
With the acquisition and delivery of 23 brand new coaches in 2003 so far, Redwing's fleet of over 45 luxury coaches is one of the youngest and most highly specified in Europe.
Our investment in new coaches this year exceeds UK£4.4 million. As a scan through our News Archives shows, we have operated a policy of regular, planned renewal for a number of years. Coaches are purchased brand new, built to our own specifications. They are maintained to the highest standards at our own on-site, Ministry approved workshop and testing station. Whilst still only a few years old they are sold and replaced by brand new coaches.
It's all about Quality. Quality Equipment plus Quality Staff equals Quality Service. All the ingredients must be present or it just doesn't work.
That's why we operate one of the youngest fleets in Europe.
If you would like to discuss hiring one of our coaches, don't hesitate to contact our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124.
Update: 14 July 2003
Palace gate failure
We went to Prince William's birthday party at Windsor Castle with some catering staff from London, but were stopped at the castle gates.
If only our driver had worn a bushy beard and a pink frock...
Update: 14 July 2003
Two new Ivecos join the fleet
In addition to the 21 new Mercedes Touros that now make up nearly half our fleet, we've just taken delivery of 2 brand new Iveco Beulas EuroRider C35A coaches configured with 49 seats.
The new Ivecos will be used primarily to operate Evan Evans sightseeing tours.
Update: 11 July 2003
'Musical Nights' Spectacular at the Royal Arsenal
'Musical Nights' is this year's all singing, all dancing, open-air musical extravaganza at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich.
Designed to appeal to all ages, the show features a cast of 700 performing well-known numbers from a wide range of music, including West End shows, Broadway hits, opera, classical music and popular films.
With music from the Royal Artillery Orchestra, dazzling fireworks displays, breath-taking stunts by motorbike display teams and loud salvos from the guns of the Royal Artillery the evening promises to be spectacular.
Musical Nights takes place from Monday 14th July to Saturday 19th July in the spectacular, river-side setting of the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich. Although gates for the show open at 6pm, there's a whole day of entertainment for all the family to enjoy. Firepower, the Royal Artillery’s new, interactive museum, will be open and HM Bark Endeavour, a sailing replica of Captain Cook’s ship, will also be at the Arsenal for the public to visit.
You'll find full details about the event at www.musicalnights.com. Redwing Coaches are proud to be a preferred supplier for this event, so please call our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124 to arrange a coach for your group.
Update: 19 June 2003
London Shopping Trips in Style
It's Summer! What a great time for a shopping trip.
Leave your car at home, get a group together and hire a luxury Redwing coach to take you shopping in London.
No parking fees, no Congestion Charge, no traffic wardens, no getting lost, and no struggling home on the Tube with your purchases. When you travel by private coach the journey becomes part of the fun - a relaxing, social occasion.
We'll drop you off in your chosen shopping area and pick you up later. The possibilities are endless. Where would you go?
Call our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124 to find out how little it costs to hire one of our luxury coaches for a trip like this.
Update: 19 June 2003
Concorde's Retirement
Do you still stop and point at Concorde when it flies over? We do, as it passes right over our depot on its way back to Heathrow. Such a beautiful sight, and such a shame it is being taken out of service in October.
You may be surprised to hear this, but people point at Redwing coaches too! We talk to lots of people in the course of a week and it's surprising how many people suddenly say 'Oh, you'll never guess where I saw one of your coaches last week...' and then mention an obscure part of Wales, or a village in Provence. It's nice to be recognised. Being bright red probably helps!
Update: 19 June 2003
Get Out Your Glad Rags
Traditionally, June ushers in a flurry of society events. This year was no exception. We took lots of smartly dressed people to the Chelsea Flower Show and the Epsom Derby. Royal Ascot week has been very busy too, with lots of glamorous racegoers entrusting their amazing hats to our overhead storage areas.
Next on the jetsetters' list is the world famous Henley Regatta. So dust off your boater and blazer and organise your luxury 49-seater 'limousine'. But do it soon, because time is running out fast!
Our Sales Manager has the answers to your questions on 020 7733 1124.
Update: 19 June 2003
Ragtime - The New West End Musical
We've seen Ragtime and it's an unquestionably good musical. But don't take our word for it. Here's what Charles Spencer had to say about Ragtime in the Daily Telegraph: 'The singing is among the finest I have ever heard in the West End, this is a show that leaves its audience genuinely stirred.'
Sheridan Morley, writing in the International Herald Tribune, said Ragtime is 'the best musical in 20 years', while John Peter in the Sunday Times described it as 'A big powerful musical. Worth waiting for.'
The show is on at the Piccadilly Theatre, and we'd be more than happy to take you and your friends there in one of our luxury coaches.
(Sadly, Ragtime has closed since this story originally appeared.)
Update: 19 June 2003
Third Generation Globus
Redwing has operated coaches for Globus Tours for six seasons now. We've just taken delivery of the third batch of new coaches in Globus livery during that time. In 1998 we used Noge coaches. In 2000 we upgraded to Setras. In 2003 we've introduced five stunning Mercedes Touros in Globus livery.
Globus are celebrating seventy five years of operation in the USA, so we are delighted to contribute to their continuing success with the launch of the five new Touros in dear old London, England.
Update: 27 May 2003
New Fleet Popular With Passengers
We have brand new Mercedes Touros all over the yard at present. Our latest order of twenty built-to-order Touros has been arriving, a few vehicles at a time, for several weeks now.
The Touros are replacing the Setras in our fleet, as part of our continual fleet renewal process.
The Touros are already proving a great success with drivers and passengers alike. Coaches don't come better than this, as you'll discover when you hire one!
Call our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124 to find out how affordable it is to travel in the best coach on the road.
Update: 27 May 2003
Five Times Round the World - One Careful Owner
W212UGX, one of our Evobus Setra S315GT HD coaches, joined us, brand new, in April 2000. There it is (photo, right) outside St. Paul's Cathedral on its first day in service.
After 240,000 kilometres, or five times around the equator, it's time to say goodbye. We're replacing our Setras with brand new Mercedes Touros (see story above). W212UGX is heading off to a new home. It has spent its time with us touring the length and breadth of the United Kingdom and Europe. It is still in top class condition and has many more years of service to contribute.
For details of this and other vehicles we have for sale, take a look at our Vehicle Sales page.
Update: 21 May 2003
Mariah Carey Fans Take to the Road
One dynamic group of Mariah Carey fans aren't content to sit at home listening to the diva's songs. They've arranged a fun-filled day out for Mariah fans on Margate beach, right next to the amusement park.
It will certainly be a comfortable journey - they've booked a luxury Redwing coach departing from Central London. There will be Mariah videos and music on the coach, competitions, activities, and a video of the trip will be sent to Mariah Carey.
Update: 21 May 2003
Midi Coach Wins Award at Brighton Coach Rally
Our latest Midi coach won the award for Best Iveco at the 49th British Coach Rally in Brighton, recently. The trophy cabinet is filling up nicely!
We call it a Midi coach because the full name - Iveco Beulas Midi-Star E MidiRider - is a bit of a mouthful. It's fitted out to an Executive specification. The 32 seats recline and are equipped with airline-style folding tables, whilst a rear servery and a WC provide the essential creature comforts.
It's a beautiful coach, comfortable, luxurious and absolutely ideal for a smaller group, offering big-coach comfort with a more intimate ambience. If this sounds like the coach you've been searching for then call our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124 and find out how much it will cost for your next trip. Don't be shy!
Update: 21 May 2003
Lakeside Shopping Centre signs up with CPT
Lakeside shopping centre has taken the unusual initiative of joining the CPT (Confederation of Passenger Transport), the trade organisation for bus and coach operators. Lakeside are keen to encourage coach traffic and customers to their shopping centre, one of the first in the South East and a roaring success since it opened ten years ago.
You haven't visited Lakeside? It's a great day out for all the family. Does that sound corny? Well it's true - you won't believe how many shops and restaurants they have all in one place until you pay a visit. Take a look at our Links page for more details about Lakeside.
Update: 21 May 2003
Terry Torch Shines in Brighton
Terry Torch, Redwing's PCV Driving Instructor, trounced the opposition during the driving competition at the Brighton Coaches Rally recently. Sixty experienced drivers entered and Terry beat fifty seven of them, romping in third. The competition, held on the beach front at Madeira Drive, involved arduous driving and handling tests.
Terry is a driving instructor who really can walk the talk. We're proud of him. If you learn to drive coaches at Redwing's own Driving School, award-winning Terry is the man who'll be instructing you.
Our photo shows Terry (left) receiving his award from the Traffic Commissioner, who regulates the coach industry.
If you're interested in a career as a professional coach driver take a look at our Recruitment page to see what we can offer you.
Update: 15 April 2003
New Coach Starts Modelling Career
Our brand new Mercedes Touro executive coach, the first of twenty new deliveries, was in great demand at the British Travel Trade Fair for its good looks and clean lines.
Several groups asked if they could use the new Touro as a scenic backdrop for various events and photo sessions. Naturally we were happy to oblige.
The Tourism Partnership of North Wales used our stand at the BTTF to launch their Coach Driver of the Year award. Our photo shows members of the Tourist Board posing enthusiastically with their daffodils flanked by (far left) Phil Buston of the Coach Drivers Club of Great Britain and (far right) our own Keith Payne, Sales and Marketing Manager of Redwing Coaches.
Our vehicle also featured in the launch of Southport's new brochure. All this attention, and it hadn't even carried a passenger yet!
Within the next few weeks we'll have taken delivery of twenty brand new Mercedes Touros. If you have any questions about hiring one don't hesitate to call our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124.
Update: 09 April 2003
'Musical Nights' Spectacular at the Royal Arsenal
'Musical Nights' is this year's all singing, all dancing, open-air musical extravaganza at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich.
Designed to appeal to all ages, the show features a cast of 700 performing well-known numbers from a wide range of music, including West End shows, Broadway hits, opera, classical music and popular films.
With music from the Royal Artillery Orchestra, dazzling fireworks displays, breath-taking stunts by motorbike display teams and loud salvos from the guns of the Royal Artillery the evening promises to be spectacular.
Musical Nights takes place from Monday 14th July to Saturday 19th July in the spectacular, river-side setting of the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich. Although gates for the show open at 6pm, there's a whole day of entertainment for all the family to enjoy. Firepower, the Royal Artillery’s new, interactive museum, will be open and HM Bark Endeavour, a sailing replica of Captain Cook’s ship, will also be at the Arsenal for the public to visit.
You'll find full details about the event at www.musicalnights.com. Redwing Coaches are proud to be a preferred supplier for this event, so please call our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124 to arrange a coach for your group.
Update: 09 April 2003
First New Mercedes Touro Coaches Now In Service
We showed off the first of our twenty brand new Mercedes Touro coaches during the British Travel Trade Fair at the NEC Birmingham recently. The rest of the new fleet will arrive over the next few weeks.
It's a very impressive vehicle and it attracted much attention from tour operators and group organisers. Many coach operators took the opportunity to have a good look too. Such is the importance of the new model that Tony Walton of Mercedes was on hand answering questions.
If you have any questions about this new coach don't hesitate to call our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124.
Update: 09 April 2003
Twenty Redwing Coaches at the London Marathon
More than twenty Redwing coaches will be out and about supporting The Flora London Marathon on Sunday 13 April. With over 30,000 runners it promises to be a spectacular event.
Early in the morning we'll be carrying athletes from all over the world to the start at Blackheath. But as the miles roll on not everyone can stand the pace, so during the event we'll have coaches slowly following the runners along the whole of the Marathon route. 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 2003
Redwing Coaches: The New Eddie Stobart?
We were delighted to receive a huge accolade from Jackie Robertson at one of London's finest venues - the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. Her email (quoted with permission) reads:
'Would you accept it as a compliment if I said for me, Redwing Coaches have the same instantly recognisable, classy image as Eddie Stobart Lorries have in the world of cargo?'.
Yes, Jackie, of course we would accept it and we're honoured that you think so!
If you want to know more about The Royal Botanic Gardens - always a fascinating experience, whatever the season - visit our Links page which includes a link to their detailed website.
Update: 09 April 2003
Busy Times For Our Coach Painters
You may have noticed by now (...you mean you haven't?!) that Redwing is officially the Best British Coach Operator 2003. This means plenty of work for our coach painters. They've been hard at work painting the good news - discreetly, but not too discreetly - on our 45 coaches.
Update: 18 March 2003
Amazing 'Flat Pack' Offer for PCV Drivers!
We're recruiting coach drivers! And we have an exceptional offer...
If you are an experienced manual PCV coach driver not only can we offer you a position driving one of our first class vehicles, but we can probably fix you up with accommodation too, in one of our company flats not far from our Herne Hill yard.
For the right person this offer eliminates most of the hassle of moving to a new job or a new area. Don't delay - call us right now and we'll give you the details.
A final note: you may have noticed that Redwing has just been selected as Best British Coach Operator 2003 and Best Coach Operator Over 40 Coaches - and that's a nice little footnote to add to your CV, isn't it?
Call Redwing on 020 7733 1124 for all the details. You might want to take a look at our Recruitment page too.
Update: 18 March 2003
'They're Changing Guard At Buckingham Palace...'
Apparently there is a debate going on at the moment about replacing the Guardsmen's Bearskins with a new style: what do you think - should it remain, true to fashion, 'real' bearskin or would you be happy to have an inferior copy?
There's only one way to make your decision, and that's to see the original item in all its splendour. For that you need to hire a coach or two and come and visit the capital with your group! Make sure your guide takes you down Whitehall or to Buckingham Palace for a good look at the immaculately turned out Guardsmen. Only then can you make up your own mind on the matter (and do let us know what you think)!
Call our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124 to find out more about hiring a coach.
Update: 14 March 2003
Gravesend - London Commuter Service
If you are a commuter travelling between Gravesend and London we think you'll be interested in the service offered by one of our sister companies, Reliance Travel.
Reliance operates a well-established executive commuter service picking up from a number of locations in the Gravesend area of North Kent and dropping off at various London locations, including Tower Bridge Road, London Bridge, Cannon Street Station, Blackfriars, Temple Station and Embankment Station/Charing Cross.
The service operates from Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays. You'll travel in comfort as Reliance Travel operates top quality executive coaches with experienced drivers.
Timings of the various departures to and from London are designed to suit the work patterns of the vast majority of City commuters. Ticket prices offer excellent value for money, particularly if you opt for a weekly, monthly, six-monthly or annual season ticket.
Tickets are available on the coach or can be ordered from Reliance Travel's office.
If you would like to find out more about Reliance Travel's commuter service from the Gravesend area to London, including fares, timetable information and pick up points, give them a call on 01474 322002.
Update: 07 March 2003
Redwing Team Wins Top Awards
We were absolutely delighted to win the coach industry's highest awards - Best British Coach Operator 2003 and Coach Operator of the Year Over 40 Coaches - at the British Coach Awards held at the London Hilton recently.
All our 70+ staff members played an important part in winning these accolades. We'd like to show them all here, but there just isn't room! Our picture shows members of Redwing's management team surrounding Managing Director Paul Campana as he displays the awards.
Our picture shows, clockwise, from top right:
Dave Hunt (Operations Manager), Paul Frankland (Transport Manager), Suzanne Jones (Accounts Manager), Paul Campana (Managing Director), Merle Alaras (Assistant Accounts Manager), Barry Nunn (Administrative Assistant), Jef Johnson (Reservations Manager), Keith Payne (Sales and Marketing Manager), Robbie Hodgkiss (Chief Engineer).
Picture by kind permission of Coach and Bus Week.
This is the team of people you'll deal with when you call us to organise a coach. They're friendly and helpful. They don't bite. If you want to deal with the Best British Coach Operator then call our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124. He'll answer all your questions and give you a price.
Update: 03 March 2003
Stop Press: Redwing Wins Major Coach Awards
We are very proud to inform you that Redwing Coaches has won two major awards, including Best British Coach Operator of 2003.
At the British Coach Awards on Saturday night, 1st March, held at the London Hilton, Paul Campana, Managing Director of Redwing Coaches was delighted to receive two top coach industry awards:
- Overall Best British Coach Operator 2003
- Coach Operator of the Year Over 40 Vehicles
Our pictures show Paul Campana (at centre) receiving the Best British Coach Operator 2003 award from Mike Morgan (photo, left) and Coach Operator of the Year Over 40 Vehicles (photo, right).
An excellent result for Redwing and proof, if proof were needed, that we achieve the high standards we aspire to.
Update: 19 February 2003
Cathedrals, Hymns and Concerts
The best way to travel to events at St. Pauls Cathedral, Southwark Cathedral, the Royal Albert Hall and similar venues is to hire a coach for your group. We often take groups to concerts, memorial services and other religious events in London and throughout the UK.
Fifty people all travelling independently is a recipe for chaos, with everyone turning up at different times and slightly different places - and sometimes not at all! It's much easier when you all arrive at the same time in the same place - and our coach driver will make sure it's the right place, too. Best of all, everyone benefits from greatly reduced stress levels and a much more enjoyable time.
For example, the BBC's Songs of Praise takes place at the Royal Albert Hall on 30 March - details at www.bbc.co.uk/songsofpraise/. That's going to be an exciting event for thousands of people. For those arriving by coach the day will be particularly enjoyable.
Our picture (right) shows how your coach might look outside the Albert Hall. If you have a group that needs to arrive somewhere on time, in comfort and style, then call our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124 and ask him how much it costs to hire one of our executive coaches.
Update: 19 February 2003
Drive Time at the RAF Museum
On 24 February the Royal Air Force Museum at Hendon hosts a major sale of collectors' motor cars and automobilia, organised by Bonhams the auctioneers.
Museum visitors can gaze at a selection of stunning classic cars displayed amongst the aircraft.
Included in the auction display are a 1901 Renault Type E 7.5 hp Sporting Two-Seater Voiturette; 1935 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Phantom II Sedanca Coupe; a 1923 Vauxhall 14/40hp Princeton Tourer; a 1903 Martini 14/18hp 4.1-litre Type 'Rochers de Naye' Racing Two-Seater; a 1963 Ferrari 250GT 'Lusso' Belinetta and a Mors 18hp Four-cylinder 4.6-litre Model N Rear Entrance Tonneau. Cars don't have names like these anymore!
Auction viewing is on Sunday 23 February with the sale on Monday 24 February. To view or take part in the auction, a catalogue (£18) must be purchased at the Museum reception desk.
Update: 13 February 2003
Large Quick Movements in London
During the last week of January we carried over 5,000 people to a pantomime sponsored by one of the major global accountancy firms. The task on each occasion involved moving 1,000 passengers away from the Peacock Theatre in just under twenty minutes, thus reducing traffic disruption to a minimal level.
In case you don't know, the Peacock Theatre is on Kingsway, smack bang in the centre of a very busy part of London. An operation like this involves careful planning and efficient execution - it's not for the faint hearted!
We have a lot of experience with complex transfers like this. If you're planning a conference, exhibition, or any function that needs a lot of people moved quickly from A to B then please give us a call to discuss your requirements. Our Sales Manager has all the answers on 020 7733 1124.
Update: 13 February 2003
Snow's No Problem
The snow came and went earlier this month, but we didn't let it affect us. We maintained 100% service levels despite adversity, non-gritted roads and a blocked M11 from London through to Stansted Airport, to mention just a few of the potential problems. It's amazing what contingency planning and determination can achieve - just two of the hidden bonuses when you travel with Redwing Coaches!
Update: 28 January 2003
This is Plan B
Plan B is a fabulous new music bar and restaurant in Brixton, bringing cutting edge style, fine food and top DJ's to South London.
With a late night licence, capacity for 300, a thoughtfully-chosen food and drinks menu, art displays and a state of the art sound system, Plan B is an ideal meeting place, just a stone’s throw from the Brixton Academy.
Plan B is part of a new venture by Redwing Coaches, run to the same exacting standards we apply to the rest of our business.
Check their website for special events, glance through their imaginative menu of cocktails and food, then call up your friends and fix a date! Opening hours are noon to very late. You'll find full details at www.plan-brixton.co.uk.
Update: 28 January 2003
Sixteen Million Pounds
We thought you might be interested in the economics of running a coach company?
Since 1999 Redwing has invested more than £16 million pounds acquiring new luxury coaches, and by the time our latest Touro coaches arrive in March 2003 we will have completely replaced our 45-strong fleet of coaches - twice over!
Why? Our aim is to offer safe, comfortable travel for you and your group in the hands of expert drivers, backed up by highly professional managers and technicians. By investing heavily in the best equipment and the best people we think we've hit the winning formula.
Put us to the test - use us for your next event. Call our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124 to find out everything you want to know.
Update: 28 January 2003
Experienced Drivers Wanted
We will be recruiting experienced PCV Coach drivers very shortly to start work in March. If you have held a manual PCV for a minimum of 12 months and have a good geographical knowledge then give us a call. We offer an excellent employment package. Call Redwing on 020 7733 1124.
Don't forget we have a Recruitment page with more information about job opportunities, both now and in the future.
Update: 10 January 2003
Beat The Congestion Charge
The Congestion Charge for using your car in central London starts on 17 February. Motorists must pay £5 to use the roads between 07.00 and 18.30 Monday to Friday, excluding Public Holidays. Penalties for late or non-payment are severe. It's tough out there!
But the Congestion Charge doesn't apply to coaches. So you may find it advantageous, if the circumstances are right, to hire a coach to take your group into central London. For example, rather than asking a group of people to all find their way individually to a theatre or exhibition in central London, hire a coach instead. Hiring a coach to take the whole group in one go eliminates the hassles of parking, timekeeping, congestion charging, drink-driving issues, getting lost, last trains, packed buses and general stress. We could go on...
The next time you are arranging a central London visit, balance up the pros and cons of hiring a coach. Compare the cost of hiring a coach with the individual costs that would be incurred by group members travelling individually, and also bear in mind the considerable benefits that coach travel offers in terms of comfort, convenience and reduced stress.
If you want to know how much your particular trip will cost, give our Sales Manager a call on 020 7733 1124 and he'll tell you straight away. Then you can get back to your calculator and crunch the numbers! But if you don't ask, you'll never know...
For full information about Congestion Charging, visit the official www.cclondon.com website.
Update: 10 January 2003
Coaches For Sale, One Careful Owner
With the imminent delivery of our new Mercedes Benz Touro coaches, we now have a number of quality, low mileage Setra S315GT-HD coaches for sale. You may have seen them advertised recently in the trade press (photo, right).
David Waterman at Regency Sales is handling the sale for us. You can contact David on 01725 514409.
You'll find full details of the coaches for sale on our Vehicle Sales page.
Update: 10 January 2003
New, Improved Computer Systems
We're currently introducing a sophisticated new computer system to handle many aspects of our operations.
Bookings for Redwing Coaches and our sister company Consort Tours will be managed using the new system, and we anticipate significant improvements in efficiency once it is fully implemented.
We're still getting used to the new system, and it's still getting used to us, so please bear with us during the introductory period.
