Archive News 2004
Update: 08 December 2004
Happy Christmas and a Prosperous 2005!
Everybody here at Redwing Coaches would like to wish you a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year for 2005. Doesn't time fly?
We hope we can be of service to you next year. If there is anything you would like to know, don't hesitate to call us.
And don't forget that, whilst other coach companies shut up shop, Redwing Coaches keeps on going 365 days per year, including Christmas Day. It's not too late to sort out your Christmas holiday coaches.
Call Neil Bourne on 020 7733 1124 to make your reservation or ask for advice.
Update: 08 December 2004
Redwing invests Six Million Pounds on 30 new coaches
We have increased our order for new coaches to thirty brand new vehicles for delivery in Spring 2005, representing a six million pounds investment in our ongoing fleet renewal programme.
In addition to our order for 20 brand new Iveco Beulas EuroRider coaches, we have ordered an additional 10 brand new Setra S315 GT HD coaches. All the new coaches are built specially for Redwing to our own specifications.
This is the largest UK order for new coaches in many years and continues our policy of frequent, planned fleet renewal to ensure we always offer you the best and newest fleet of luxury coaches in Europe. We currently operate 45 luxury coaches, two thirds of which will be replaced by brand new coaches in Spring 2005.
The photo shows one of our new Setras under construction at the factory in Ulm in Germany.
Update: 08 December 2004
Tea Towels versus Dishwashers
It's a little known fact that annual sales of Tea Towels have dropped dramatically owing to the growing popularity of Dishwashers. But analysed month by month the figures show a different story. At this time of year sales of Tea Towels rise significantly, whilst relatively few people buy Dishwashers.
What is the reason for this intriguing blip in the statistics? Surely people don't buy Tea Towels as Christmas presents any more? How boring is that? No, the reason is more obscure...
Here's the answer. All across the country, thousands of mums buy thousands of stripy Tea Towels to tie round the heads of thousands of Wise Men, Innkeepers, Shepherds, Josephs and assorted fidgeting Onlookers. Yes, it's Nativity Play time again!
Probably the best way to take a large group of children, parents and proud grandparents to a Pantomime or a Nativity Play is by coach. Everyone arrives in the right place at the right time. Everyone has a great time. No one gets lost. No one can't park. What could be better?
Call Neil Bourne our Commercial Manager, on 020 7733 1124 to find out how little it will cost for your outing.
Update: 08 December 2004
Five Hundred Go Mad in Holland Park
We do a lot of work for schools in London and across the region. At the moment we're providing transport for more than twenty schools in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea so they can take their pupils to their annual Christmas Carol Concert in the borough.
The Christmas Carol Concert will take place at Kensington Town Hall and we'll be providing 10 large coaches to transport 500 enthusiastic singers there and back. We've already provided a similar service for their rehearsals earlier this month, dropping them off at Holland Park for the short walk to their rehearsal rooms.
Unlike some other coach companies, we don't offer a second class service for school children, with second rate coaches that have seen better days. At Redwing, school children travel in the same coaches that all our passengers travel in, and they're the newest, safest and most comfortable luxury coaches that money can buy.
If you're responsible for organising group travel for your organisation, call Keith Payne, our Sales and Marketing Manager, for full details of how we can meet your requirements efficiently and affordably.
Update: 02 December 2004
Tony Shiels
Tony Shiels, pictured on the left of our top photo, sadly passed away after a short illness.
Tony spent many years with Redwing as a Tour Driver and was a very popular driver amongst his colleagues and passengers.
Our middle photo shows Tony competing in his Setra S315GT HD in the Brighton Coach Rally in April 2000. Tony and his coach scooped the coveted Best Touring Coach 2000 award. The bottom photo shows Tony receiving his award.
The funeral service will be held on Thursday 9th December 2004 at Enfield Cemetery.
The Management and Staff of Redwing Coaches send their condolences and best wishes to his family.
Update: 16 November 2004
World domination for Redwing Coaches
For the third year running, Redwing Coaches operated a high profile shuttle service for delegates travelling to and from the prestigious World Travel Market, held at the magnificent Excel exhibition centre in London's Docklands from the 8th to 11th of November.
We carried everyone from captains of the tourism industry to trainee travel agents let loose for the day.
Our photo shows one of our coaches picking up at the nearby Sunborn Yacht Hotel, a purpose built hotel ship that is something of a local landmark.
This type of 'mission critical' operation requires detailed advance planning and preparation, and expert supervision on site. For this project we used 11 coaches running a shuttle service to and from various hotels, the Excel centre, and London City Airport.
It's not a job for amateurs or small fry. Redwing Coaches should be your first choice for complex, large scale transfer operations like this.
If you require a lot of people to be moved a lot of times to a lot of places please call Neil Bourne on 020 7733 1124 to find out exactly how we can help you.
Update: 16 November 2004
Memory like a sieve? We have the answer...
If you can't remember our web address, just take a wild stab at it and the chances are you'll strike lucky.
We know how irritating it is to try a sensible guess for a company website address and get a 'Page Cannot Be Displayed' message. All because you've included or not included a hyphen, or used dot com instead of dot co uk. Why do these companies assume you're psychic?
Not Redwing Coaches. We've made sure this won't ever happen to you when you look for our website.
Although our main web address is www.redwing-coaches.co.uk, we answer to all these addresses:
- www.redwing-coaches.co.uk
- www.redwing-coaches.com
- www.redwingcoaches.co.uk (no hyphen)
- www.redwingcoaches.com (no hyphen)
So just take a guess and you can't go wrong.
It's the same with email: you can email us at any of these addresses and your message will get through.
In fact you don't even need the 'www' bit. The laziest and quickest way to reach our website is to tap in redwingcoaches.com and hit Return. That's a massive 28% saving on our regular www.redwing-coaches.co.uk address. Just our small contribution to reducing the scourge of Repetitive Strain Injury!
Finally, if you can't even remember our company name, let alone our web address, just type the obvious search term coach hire london into Google and out of 600,000+ search results you'll find us right at the top of page one!
Update: 16 November 2004
Hitting the right notes with the Royal Choral Society
The Royal Choral Society was formed for the opening of the Royal Albert Hall in 1871, and the present Music Director, Richard Cooke, took over the baton from his distinguished predecessors in 1995.
The RCS takes on many engagements outside the traditional repertoire, enabling singers to experience new, and sometimes surprising, musical opportunities.
A recent highlight was performing at the naming ceremony for QM2. The RCS continues to go from strength to strength in its performances of the core choral repertoire. Works as varied as Mahler's Symphony of a Thousand, Berlioz' Te Deum and Grande Messe des Morts and Beethoven's Missa Solemnis have all been features of recent seasons. In 2002 the choir performed Elgar's Dream of Gerontius in Massachussetts; closer to home, there were two highly successful performances of Bach's Mass in B Minor, in Peterborough and Winchester Cathedrals, and Vaughan Williams' Dona Nobis Pacem and Elgar's Coronation Ode in Salisbury Cathedral, in celebration of the Golden Jubilee of H M The Queen. Most recently, the choir performed Walton's Belshazzar's Feast and the Holst Hymn of Jesus in Peterborough Cathedral.
Like many arts organisations, the RCS receives no official funding or grant of any kind and is always looking for sponsorship to enable it to extend its range of both music and audience.
With its prestigious history, wealth of experience in organising large scale events, long list of contacts at the UK's top venues and excellent working relationships with some of the country's acclaimed orchestras, the RCS can offer a unique, accessible and high profile product that can enhance the good name of any sponsoring company and attract large audiences.
If you would like to know more about membership or sponsorship opportunities, contact Helen Body at the RCS. You'll find details of their comprehensive website on our Links page.
Update: 26 October 2004
Late Availability: World Travel Market, Excel, 7-11 November
Have you booked your coaches for the World Travel Market at the Excel exhibition complex in London's Docklands? This prestigious event runs from the 7th to the 11th of November and is a must-see for anyone in the industry.
We still have some availability over this period, but please contact us very soon as capacity is limited.
Not only can we offer you the finest and newest fleet of luxury coaches in London, but also the best drivers and the most professional management. Don't settle for less. Wouldn't it be embarassing to turn up at this premier industry event in someone else's old boneshaker of a coach? This is not the time for second best!
We offer the perfect solution for transferring your group from their hotel or meeting point directly to the World Travel Market and back again. You might like to include a sightseeing tour for your group as well - we'll be happy to make all the arrangements for you.
Call now to get the ball rolling. Neil Bourne is waiting for your call on 020 7733 1124.
Update: 22 October 2004
New craze sweeps London - move over, Eddie Stobart
In an idle moment - and we don't have many of those, honest - we wondered how long it would take to spot a Redwing coach on one of London's many live action internet WebCams.
The answer was: not too long. We captured this smart Redwing coach in Trafalgar Square (see screen shot, right).
So here's an exciting new pastime for you. Instead of spotting Eddie Stobart lorries on the M1 try spotting Redwing coaches via webcams on the streets of London from the comfort of your own PC. A great way to while away those lazy afternoons when the boss isn't looking.
The BBC Jam Cam web page is a good place to start, with a network of over 80 live webcams in London and many more across the UK. Redwing Coaches, with the largest independent fleet of luxury private coaches in London, offers you the best chance of webcam spotting success. With 45 bright red coaches on the roads at least you have a fighting chance.
Here are some pictures of our coaches so you know what you're looking for. If you successfully spot a Redwing coach please send us a screen shot!
Update: 22 October 2004
Pot of gold in Redwing yard
When a picture perfect rainbow touched down in the Redwing yard the other day we got out the shovels and started digging. Nothing so far, but it must be there somewhere...
Notice how this rainbow's colours match our coach livery particularly well - surely another auspicious sign?
Teams are digging round the clock. We'll let you know...
Update: 22 October 2004
Meet the neighbours: JLC service and repairs for luxury cars
At our depot in Herne Hill, South London, we share an access road with JLC Limited, a leading independent provider of service and maintenance for executive cars.
They specialise in all leading luxury makes including Land Rover, Jaguar, Mercedes, BMW, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin, Porsche and Ferrari.
JLC has just been appointed an Official Service Centre for all Land Rover and Jaguar vehicles. This is a considerable feather in their cap, as this status is only awarded after the most rigorous investigations.
They operate from a smart, spacious, purpose built workshop and office complex. The workshop floor is white, which tells you something about the way they approach their profession.
Herne Hill railway station is a short stroll away, with direct connections to central London (just 9 minutes to Victoria, 14 minutes to Blackfriars).
If you own a luxury car it's well worth contacting JLC to find out what they can do for you. See our Links Page for contact details.
When you drop off or collect your car, why not pop in and say hello next door at Redwing Coaches? We'd be delighted to meet you informally and answer any questions you may have about coach hire. Just pop in to Reception and ask for Neil Bourne, our Commercial Manager.
Update: 22 October 2004
Out and about at London Fashion Week
What would a fashion show be without photographers?
Redwing performed a crucial function at the London Fashion Week 2004. For the duration of the September event we transported the official press photographers to and from the numerous designers' shows so they could take the pictures that appeared in your newspapers and magazines.
Our drivers made sure the photographers arrived at the right place at the right time, every time.
Laden with bulky cameras, flashes, laptop computers and various other paraphernalia, our photographer passengers certainly work hard for their living. The coaches were in action for twelve hours a day.
And what were our coach drivers wearing? They were smart and professional - as our drivers always are - in white shirt, tie, dark trousers and sensible shoes. Nothing too extreme...
If you want to hire the smartest coach with the smartest driver call Neil Bourne, our Commercial Manager, at Redwing Coaches on 020 7733 1124.
Update: 22 October 2004
Down on The Farm with Redwing
You may have seen 'The Farm' on Channel 5, the reality TV programme in which celebrities were forced to do unspeakable things with farm animals.
The farm was in Wiltshire and we were asked to transport members of the production crew back to London.
It's not all limos and champagne on the celebrity circuit. We do a lot of work for production companies moving showbiz people around, often to very demanding deadlines and very early in the morning.
If you need a coach company that works 24/7, 365 days per year (including Christmas Day) then call Neil Bourne, our Commercial Manager, on 020 7733 1124 to find out more.
Update: 22 October 2004
More Redwing TV appearances
You can't get away from our coaches. Eagle eyed viewers phoned us to report two separate appearances of Redwing coaches in the first episode of 'The British Isles - A Natural History', presented by Alan Titchmarsh. Apparently we were filmed from the London Eye and again in Princes Street, Edinburgh, at the other end of the country.
With a large and distinctive fleet of bright red, late model luxury coaches on the roads every day we're easy to spot! If you want to make a great impression on your passengers Redwing is your coach hire company of choice.
Update: 27 September 2004
Large scale sightseeing tour expertise with Redwing
In August we turned up at the prestigious Hilton London Metropole with ten of our bright red luxury coaches. Five hundred Daily Telegraph readers climbed on board and we took them on a comprehensive guided sightseeing tour around London. Of the many landmarks and historical sites we visited Buckingham Palace proved to be the most popular.
Our passengers were staying at the Hilton London Metropole as part of an Historic London sightseeing weekend. It's a huge hotel, with more than 1,000 luxurious rooms on 23 floors, located just five minutes walk from Oxford Street and Hyde Park.
Any event involving large groups of passengers requires careful forward planning and military style efficiency on the day. This is something we're very good at, having acquired considerable experience over the years in organising transport for events ranging from the large to the truly enormous.
If you have hundreds or even thousands of people who need to be moved from A to B then Redwing Coaches should be your first choice for a smooth, efficient job. Call Neil Bourne on 020 7733 1124 for help and advice about organising large transfers.
Update: 20 September 2004
Redwing order 20 new coaches for 2005
We are buying twenty new Iveco Beulas Stergo EuroRider coaches for the 2005 season, continuing our longstanding policy of regular fleet renewal. The new coaches will replace twenty of our existing fleet of late model vehicles.
Built to our own exacting specifications, these superb new coaches will ensure that our fleet of 45 luxury coaches continues to be the youngest large fleet of luxury coaches in Europe.
Why rattle around in someone else's ancient boneshaker when you can travel in style and comfort in our state of the art luxury Redwing coaches? We're proud of our coaches, and proud of the excellent service we provide. If you want proper service, skilled drivers and the best luxury coaches then please call Neil Bourne on 020 7733 1124 to discuss your requirements.
Update: 20 September 2004
Redwing Restoration
Our picture shows Severndroog Castle at the top of Shooters Hills in South London, one of 21 entries in the BBC's recent Restoration competition hosted by Griff Rhys Jones. It is a folly built in 1784 by the widow of Sir William James, to commemorate his capture of the pirate fortress of Severndroog on the Malabar coast of India on the 2nd April 1755.
Now derelict, its supporters planned to convert the ground floor into a cafe and hire out the unique building for weddings and other functions. Sadly it failed to reach the final eight, so its future is uncertain.
Redwing made the final, however, as we were asked to transport the finalists' supporters to the BBC's special studio at Hampton Court Palace for the final vote, live on BBC Two, hosted by Natasha Kaplinsky.
We move in famous circles. You can too. Hire one of our luxury coaches for your group and you'll experience the same skill, reliability and efficiency that our many high profile clients have come to expect. Call Neil Bourne on 020 7733 1124 for complete details.
Update: 20 September 2004
Redwing is biggest customer for coach builder
With 68 brand new EuroRider coaches ordered since 1999, Redwing Coaches is now the biggest customer of coach building company Beulas.
Beulas is a major player in the luxury coach building industry, with a range of superb vehicles on offer. Based in the warm sunshine of Northern Spain, near the village of Arbucies between Barcelona and Girona, Beulas has been building coaches since 1934.
In the earliest days they built wooden coach bodyworks to fit onto lorry chassis. Over the years they have continually expanded and innovated and now sell their state of the art vehicles all over Europe. Current production tops 200 units per year, with a skilled workforce of 190 craftsmen and women.
Our picture shows a futuristic-looking Beulas design from the 1930s.
We're delighted to continue our close relationship with Beulas with our most recent order of 20 Iveco Beulas Stergo EuroRider coaches.
Update: 20 September 2004
Visit Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace has been in the news lately for all the wrong reasons. It's almost too late in the season to take a tour through the State Rooms - though Batman did his best to take a look - but you can still visit the Queen's Galleries and the Royal Mews.
The Royal Mews has a permanent display of State vehicles, including the magnificent Gold State Coach used for Coronations and many other vehicles. For much of the year several dozen carriage horses are also in residence.
We take lots of visitors on trips to the palace - Redwing coaches have even graced the famous forecourt on a number of occasions. If you're planning a group trip to the Royal Mews and the Queen's Galleries then a private coach is the best way to get there and back. No travel worries, no stress, no confusion and no lost group members. You arrive in comfort and depart in comfort, perhaps practicing a regal 'wave' as you peer down on the hoi polloi shuffling along the pavement below you!
The last day for visiting the State Rooms is 26 September, but the Royal Mews remains open until 31 October and the Queen's Gallery is open all year.
Update: 03 August 2004
Here is the Pneus
Naturally, being worldly-wise European citizens, you already know that 'pneus' is the French for 'tyres'... we just thought you'd enjoy the dreadful pun. But stick with us - it's relevant to this story.
Our drivers take great pride in the appearance of their coaches. One driver has taken this admirable trait about as far as it's possible to go. He's carefully filled in the letters on the sidewalls of his coach's big Michelin tyres using a special whitening compound normally used by car restoration enthusiasts. It's certainly distinctive, and adds a certain 'je ne sais quoi'.
Even the fat little Michelin man has received the whitening treatment and he now becomes noticeably fatter when he's upside down at the bottom of the tyre. Isn't science fascinating?
Most of our coaches are equipped with top quality Michelin tyres, though this is the only one that advertises the fact so boldly. Top quality tyres, top quality coaches, top quality drivers, top quality service - what more could you want from your coach company?
Update: 03 August 2004
Coach lover to sell story for £1 million
Shock! Horror! An interesting headline spotted in the press, but nothing at all to do with us, as it happens. Something happening in the world of sport, apparently...
We love coaches too, but we'll spill all the juicy details for a lot less than £1 million. In fact Neil Bourne, our Commercial Manager, will happily talk to you about coaches for as long as you like - free, gratis and for nothing! Neil is on 020 7733 1124 and can't wait to hear from you.
Update: 03 August 2004
More new coach deliveries
We recently took delivery of two brand new Iveco Plaxton Paragon coaches, the latest model from Plaxton.
The new coaches seat 53 passengers in fully air conditioned comfort and are now in service on behalf of Evan Evans, the leading tour operator.
Feedback from tourists has been highly complimentary.
For more information about Evan Evans tours contact them on 020 7950 1770, or visit our Links page for a short write-up and a clickable link.
Update: 03 August 2004
Big boys' toys in the Redwing yard
Last month we doubled the capacity of the diesel storage tanks at our depot by installing an additional unit.
The new diesel tank, a large and heavy piece of kit, arrived on a rather impressive low-loader trailer.
After separating the tractor from the trailer the driver activated an enormous hydraulic crane, built in to the frame of the low-loader, to lift our diesel tank off the trailer.
Nothing unusual about that, you might say - we've all seen cranes on the back of lorries. But this one was operated entirely via a wireless remote control unit in the driver's hand. He walked around, unhindered by restrictive trailing cables or fixed operating consoles, controlling every aspect of the operation from the best vantage point at the touch of a button. Even stopping and starting the engine was accomplished by remote control.
A very impressive performance, we thought, and a great example of how the latest digital technology can help improve speed, efficiency and safety. Fun, too!
We now have a lot more diesel available at our depot. Please help us use it by hiring a coach. Call Neil Bourne on 020 7733 1124 to find out just how little it will cost.
Update: 13 July 2004
The latest Mews from Redwing
For many years Redwing Coaches was based at 145 Coldharbour Lane in Camberwell. We moved out several years ago.
Our old yard has now become an exclusive housing development. The developers kindly asked if they could name it Redwing Mews and we were delighted to agree. Now the Redwing name is set in stone (or brick, anyway) in Camberwell for the next hundred years or so!
Here's what the agent says:
'Redwing Mews offers nine stylish contemporary designed houses in a brand new gated mews development quietly tucked away behind mature Victorian terraces.'
'Thoughtfully created to offer a choice of interesting yet functional modern living spaces with one, two and three bedrooms, spacious living areas and most having access to attractive paved and shingled courtyard gardens. Prices £244,950 to £324,950.'
They even have remote controlled entrance gates. Very nice. We used to have a man with a big padlock.
Update: 13 July 2004
New faces at Redwing Coaches
Never content to stand still, Redwing Coaches continues to develop and expand. To consolidate the next stage of our development plans we've taken on a number of new staff members and promoted existing employees.
John Fowler joins us as General Manager of the Operations Team. He comes to Redwing Coaches with a wealth of experience and over thirty years spent directly in the coach industry. We're delighted to welcome John to the company.
Barry Nunn has been with Redwing for over five years and has been appointed Operations Manager. Barry has extensive experience in the bus and coach industry. His credentials and experience are an invaluable asset to us.
Neil Bourne is our second new staff member. He has worked his way up the industry ranks to join us as Commercial Manager. Neil comes with ten years experience in the coach industry and has plenty of enthusiasm to keep us all going.
We'd like to welcome these key staff to their new jobs and the challenges that lie ahead.
You'll find their contact details on our About Us page and on our Contact page.
Update: 13 July 2004
A race for tourism
You may have seen the Formula One racing cars parading in London's Regents Street last week, in the run up to the British Grand Prix at Silverstone at the weekend.
Eight teams participated, including Ferrari, Jordan, Team McLaren Mercedes and BMW Williams F1. Drivers including Jenson Button, David Coulthard and former champion Nigel Mansell crawled slowly down the road in procession - a far cry from their usual 180mph speeds. Half a million spectators turned up, bringing the centre of the capital to a complete standstill during the rush hour.
The idea of a Grand Prix in Central London has been suggested, similar to the thrilling Monte Carlo race. Whether it will happen, only time will tell.
London has a number of car and racing related sites - the Dunlop Building in Kensington, the remains of the Crystal Palace Motor Racing Circuit (which closed in 1974), and the famous Brooklands circuit at Weybridge. A small part of the steeply banked Brooklands circuit can still be seen. Within easy reach of London there are several famous motor museums and other automotive attractions.
If you're a petrolhead, and you know a few dozen other petrolheads, why not get a group together, hire a coach and plan a day trip visiting some of these attractions? We regularly transport groups of enthusiasts who travel all the way from America specifically to visit British car-related locations. As you're already here it seems a shame not to take advantage!
Call our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124 to find out how little it will cost.
Update: 21 June 2004
Something fishy going on...
We were asked to take a coach to the Shark Park Hotel in London recently. Although it sounded odd, it didn't seem completely impossible that such a place could exist, so we said yes...
But no, it doesn't exist!
Checking back with our Korean clients we realised it must be the Shaw Park Hotel in Euston, and that's where we took them.
Continuing the fishy connection the North Sea Fish Restaurant, a few doors down from the Shaw Park Hotel, gets good reviews. Perhaps they serve shark?
Update: 21 June 2004
Meet me under the clock... you've got 3 minutes...
Our new Wedding Section has already notched up several wedding coach bookings.
So rather than wait for couples to decide to get married (a very hit and miss process which usually takes years) we thought we'd stimulate the wedding coach market by encouraging total strangers to get on with it and meet, date, marry and hire one of our coaches. Quickly!
The strategy? Why, Speed Dating, of course!
A new South London company called Speed Date Exchange launches on 13 July specialising in Speed Dating. It's all the rage at the moment and proving very popular. You'll typically meet over twenty new people, for three minutes each, during one exciting evening.
Hopefully you'll need a coach to take all your single friends to a speed dating session, more coaches for all the engagement parties and still more for the weddings... we think we're onto a winner here!
Good luck to Speed Date Exchange for their launch on 13 July.
Update: 21 June 2004
Want a lift?
One of the stranger sites you'll see at the Redwing Coaches depot is a coach perched eight feet in the air.
Our maintenance facilities are second to none - in fact our in-house garage is a Ministry-approved testing station. Naturally we have inspection pits so our mechanics can work underneath the coaches, but sometimes it's more convenient to put coaches out in the open and lift them high in the air instead.
The coach in the photo is actually a 'classic' Mercedes Benz 0303 which we retain largely for sentimental reasons. Unlike the rest of our coaches (all of which are under two years old), this model is over twenty years old.
It has just been completely refurbished and we'll shortly be offering it for specialist hire in our Wedding section as an alternative to our latest models. The 'retro' lines of this fully air-conditioned classic Mercedes should nicely complement pretty country churches and vintage wedding cars.
Update: 21 June 2004
Pukka bus, mate!
Jamie Oliver travelled by Redwing coach recently, taking his staff out on a trip.
We were pleased to have him on board and although he didn't actually say 'Pukka bus, mate' it's the kind of thing you might imagine him saying. Apparently he doesn't use 'pukka' anymore, so it was never going to happen...
You don't have to be a celebrity to hire one of our coaches, although surprising numbers of the great and the good choose us by name. We do have the finest, newest and certainly the reddest coaches in London - maybe that helps?
Call our Sales Manager on 020 7536 9586 to find out how much your next trip will cost.
Update: 18 May 2004
Oil prices rocket
The price of Brent Crude Oil topped 38 US Dollars a barrel today, 18th May. This time last year it stood at about 26 US Dollars and the overall trend has been relentlessly upwards since then.
Translating this into reality, our actual fuel costs have risen over twelve months by 13%.
We are incorporating these charges into our quotes for new business to represent the accurate picture. When you are taking 30,000 litres of diesel each week an extra few pence per litre makes a big difference.
If you need any further information, do please contact our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124.
Update: 10 May 2004
Have a Red Wedding with our new Wedding page
We've added a new Wedding Services section to our website.
Our picture shows Alex and Andrina Board at their wedding in 2003. Did they hire a Redwing coach for the occasion? No, actually, but perhaps they should have done?
Our new Wedding section should get you thinking about how your guests can travel to the Service and Reception with a lot less hassle and stress than usual.
The worst thing about being a wedding guest is the journey to an unknown location, with treacherous one-way systems, larcenous traffic wardens and incompetent map reading all conspiring to make the trip as unpleasant as possible.
Our solution is simple: a shuttle coach for your guests, operating from a convenient meeting point with good parking and connections to public transport. Take them to the service, then on to the reception and eventually back to the meeting point.
Doesn't that make really good sense? Make your wedding one that guests will remember fondly, not with a shudder.
Visit our Wedding Section for even more good reasons to hire a coach for your wedding. There are also details and links for other wedding suppliers that we can recommend, including prestige cars, photography, catering and civilised pre-wedding party venues.
Update: 10 May 2004
74 million new customers
A warm welcome to 74 million new potential Redwing customers. If you are from Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia or Slovenia we look forward to arranging your coach transport in the UK and throughout Europe.
We organise travel for customers from all over the world, ranging from large travel companies and travel agencies to individuals arranging tours and transfers for their clubs, societies and businesses. We recently transported a group of Mongolian businesswomen from Ulan Bator on a trade mission in the UK, just one of many similar trips. Groups from Europe, the USA and South East Asia frequently book our coaches.
Many of our overseas customers found us on the internet, so don't hesitate to contact us to find out more. Please call our Sales Manager on +44 20 7733 1124 or send him an email.
Update: 10 May 2004
To be, or not to be...
To be, or not to be (in with a chance of hiring a coach in the Summer months) - that is the question.
Don't get caught out by leaving your bookings to the last minute. Our summer schedule is already filling up fast.
We have some gaps in November (yes, November!) so now is the time to sort out your travel plans so you get exactly the service you want on exactly the dates you want and avoid much ado about nothing.
A trip to Stratford upon Avon, anyone?
Update: 10 May 2004
Quick quotes to speed you on your way
Don't you just hate it when you ask for a price for something and after a lot of tooth-sucking they say 'We'll get back to you this afternoon/tomorrow/next week'?
You don't get that with Redwing. When you ring our Sales Manager and ask for a quote you'll always get a price immediately, right there and then, while you're still on the phone. No hanging around.
We know you want a quote quickly so you can finalise your plans. So don't hesitate to call us to discuss your requirements - we're really, genuinely, here to help.
Put us to the test - call up and ask for a price. Don't think about it, do it! our Sales Manager will be only too happy to answer all your questions on 020 7733 1124.
Update: 10 May 2004
Do you do Double Deckers?
That's a question we are often asked and the answer is No! And for good reasons...
Our photo (snapped by a staff member on what was obviously a 'busman's holiday' in Austria) shows an enormous 77 seater double decker coach operated by a Swedish company. You can't see, but it was towing a trailer too!
Why don't we operate double deckers like this? Well... where do we start?... you can't go down tree lined roads; you can't go under many bridges; you can't go down side streets; they don't corner very well; the driver's visibility is poor as he is so low down; the lower level passengers also have poor visibility; luggage space is limited; they're not good in confined spaces and they are extremely expensive. Like the forthcoming Airbus A380 double decker super-jumbo airliner, there's an awful lot of places they just can't go.
That's why we operate sensible 12 metre luxury coaches which carry 48 or 53 passengers with none of the Double Decker Disadvantages. All our passengers travel high up, with a great view and in considerable comfort, while the driver can see over cars and vans in front - which is a major factor for safe driving.
Update: 10 May 2004
Grabbed by the fjords
Redwing is quite popular in Norway. Over the last few years we've seen increasing levels of business from our customers in Norway and the rest of Scandinavia.
It's always a pleasure to receive calls from our Scandinavian customers. Although nobody at Redwing speaks any Scandinavian languages our Scandinavian contacts usually speak such perfect English we're able to get away with it! Our photo shows a former Miss Norway, who no doubt speaks brilliant English too.
If you're based in Scandinavia and you need coach transport in the UK don't hesitate to give us a call. We have an excellent track record dealing with 'international' bookings. Just call our Sales Manager on +44 20 7733 1124 or send him an email.
Update: 10 May 2004
Conversion factor
How do you turn a Redwing coach into a Reliance coach? Here's the answer - you put a sticker on the back! Not any old sticker, of course, but a rather expensive and fiddly to apply custom made sticker. Our picture shows an 03 registered Redwing vehicle being converted to replace a four year old coach in the Reliance fleet.
Reliance Travel, part of the Redwing group, operates a long-established commuter service between Gravesend and London, as well as a full private coach hire service. See our Reliance Travel page for more details.
Update: 6 May 2004
Job Vacancy - Assistant Traffic Manager
Redwing Coaches require an Assistant Traffic Manager to work in our busy traffic department. This is a rare opportunity to join the operations department of a major London coach company.
Duties will include administration, telephone work, and assisting the operations department. Applicants should be fully conversant with the workings of the coach industry and be computer literate. This position may suit an applicant who wishes to change direction and gain operations office experience. A full manual PCV licence would be advantageous.
If you think this could be the job for you, don't sit and scratch - get on the phone and find out more. For further information, please apply in the first instance to: General Manager, Redwing Coaches, 10 Dylan Road, London SE24 0HL. Telephone 020 7733 1124.
If you know anyone who might be interested in this opportunity, please let them know.
Update: 2 April 2004
Steve Hillier changes Korea
After 14 years with Redwing Coaches our Commercial Manager, Steve Hillier, is leaving the company - and the coach industry - for a radically new career in catering.
Steve's new business venture is a Korean delicatessen and food supplier based in New Malden, set up last year with his Korean business associate. They have already made a name for themselves as suppliers of fine foods. Just to give you an idea, our picture shows Salmon Teriyaki and California Rolls with Avocado.
During his years at Redwing, Steve's dedication and professionalism have played a significant role in our success, so we're very sorry to see him go. We'd like to thank him for all his hard work, and wish him every success in his exciting new venture.
Update: 2 April 2004
First new Setra due next week
Pictured (right) is one of our four new Setra coaches nearing completion at the Setra factory in Germany. We understand it will be on a boat to us next week.
It's first appearance will be at the Brighton Coach Rally on the weekend beginning 17th of April.
The brand new 2004 Setra will contrast nicely with our classic 1983 Mercedes Benz 0303, which has been restored and refurbished in time for this rally. The classic coach has an unusual history - we have bought this actual vehicle three times and sold it twice so far during the last twenty years!
Update: 2 April 2004
Terry Torch on the move
Last month we said goodbye to Terry Torch, who has left us for pastures new.
For more than three years Terry was our full time in-house driving instructor, training up new recruits and offering refresher courses to established drivers. Many successful coach drivers have Terry to thank for giving them a good start in the industry, instilling in them the essential disciplines of good technique and safety awareness.
We'd like to thank Terry for his valuable contribution and wish him well for the future.
Update: 25 March 2004
Neoplan leads to fighting in Surrey
Our friends at the glorious Painshill Park in Surrey ingeniously contrived to 'misunderstand' our story about the Neoplan (see below, 22-03-04). 'Surely you have mis-spelt this', they said, 'and are actually promoting our Napoleon battle in July?'
Well, we are now, thanks to that nifty piece of PR!
For a weekend in July, Painshill Park will be transformed into part of the Iberian Peninsula circa 1809 to 1812. Visitors can witness the battles between Wellington's redcoats and the blue-coated French infantry of 'Neoplan' Bonaparte.
As well as major skirmishes including cavalry and pyrotechnics, there will be artillery demonstrations, drill routines, the court martial of a deserter, taking the King's shilling, a Wives Ballot and even a cricket match. One and two day tickets are available, as well as family tickets.
You'll find full details on Painshill Park's website via their link on our Links page. Well worth a look!
Update: 23 March 2004
Kevin's Thailand Cycle Challenge
One of our engineers, Kevin Peck, is taking part in the Thailand Cycle Challenge in November and would like you to sponsor him! The event is in aid of the famous Help A London Child project run by Capital Radio 95.8FM.
During the Thailand Cycle Challenge Kevin will spend 7 days cycling around Thailand’s south west coastline. The total distance covered is over 470km (260 miles), so it's a real physical challenge.
Help a London Child provides funding for grass roots children's projects in London that deal with a wide range of issues, from disability, life limiting conditions, to abuse and homelessness. Contributing to Help a London Child by sponsoring Kevin will directly affect the lives of many children in London.
To find out how to sponsor Kevin in this worthwhile project please phone our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124.
Update: 22 March 2004
Goodbye to Andy Heath, world traveller
Our picture shows Andy Heath, gentleman that he is, cheerfully lugging the passengers' luggage on a recent tour in Austria. But not any more...
He has decided to go off around the world for a year, travelling to distant and exotic lands, meeting distant and exotic people.
Andy joined us over five years ago as a raw trainee. He's progressed through most aspects of our business, including international tours, becoming an excellent all-round driver in the process. He operated our full-size Mobility coach from new with great efficiency, undergoing special training in disability awareness and proving very popular with the passengers.
We were sad to see him go on the 19th of March, but we wish him every success and hope he has a great trip!
Update: 22 March 2004
... and goodbye to the Neoplan
Goodbye to the Neoplan. Our exotically named Neoplan Jetliner Executive has been sold, and will soon be making its way up North to a new owner.
This coach proved very popular with passengers and staff alike. With its blend of compact size and exceptional comfort it set the standards for smaller luxury coaches.
We occasionally have coaches for sale, and when we do you'll find details on our Vehicle Sales page.
Update: 22 March 2004
Another mega-move from Redwing
We moved 1600 people from the Barbican at the end of February using 31 coaches.
How many coach companies do you know who can field that many fully-owned and operated luxury coaches in the same place at the same time? And still have capacity to spare? And manage the transfer like a military operation - but unobtrusively? Forgive us for blowing our own trumpet, but this is the kind of difficult operation we excel at. And it's the type of operation that - if you're the client - you really, really don't want to go wrong.
Inevitably it required a fair bit of advance planning, and we're grateful to the Corporation of London for assisting us with that process. Finding somewhere to park thirty one coaches (total length over 400 metres) in central London is never simple!
If you have thousands of people to move, only a specialist will do. Call our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124 to find out more.
Update: 22 March 2004
Skiing in Austria
The skiing season has been quite busy, with lots of Redwing coaches gracing the slopes - or near them, at least. Our picture shows the scene in Kitsbuhel, Austria a couple of weeks ago. Our driver has just washed the coach, despite the sub zero temperatures.
Driving conditions can sometimes be quite extreme on these trips, but fortunately our drivers are true professionals, and take it all in their stride. A well-maintained coach is essential too. With our own extensive workshop facilities and mechanics, we're able to keep our coaches permanently in tip top condition.
Update: 18 February 2004
Job Vacancy - Night Controller
Redwing Coaches require a Night Controller to work on a four nights on, four nights off rota to help cover the 24 hour operation of our business. Applicants should be conversant with the workings of the coach industry.
For further information, please apply in the first instance to the Transport Manager, Redwing Coaches, 10 Dylan Road, London SE24 0HL. Telephone 020 7733 1124.
If you know anyone who might be interested in this opportunity, please let them know.
Update: 18 February 2004
Job Vacancies - Coach Drivers
Redwing Coaches require Experienced Manual PCV Coach Drivers in London, for late February commencement.
We offer good conditions, modern coaches and accommodation may be available.
Please apply to the Transport Manager, Redwing Coaches, 10 Dylan Road, London SE24 0HL. Telephone 020 7733 1124.
If you know anyone who might be interested in this opportunity, please let them know.
Update: 17 February 2004
Four new coaches for 2004
Already this year we have placed an order for 4 brand new Evobus Setra S315GT HD coaches, due for delivery around April this year.
These magnificent German coaches, with their outstanding appearance, high specification and powerful Mercedes Benz engines, are the epitome of quality coach travel.
We've owned and operated many of these coaches in recent years, so we know that drivers and passengers like them a lot.
Update: 17 February 2004
0 to 1,000 in 15 minutes - and in the snow, too!
Fifteen minutes is all it took - and in blizzard conditions - to load more than 1,000 children onto 23 coaches on a busy central London street and whisk them away.
The children were attending a performance at London's Peacock Theatre, on Kingsway on 28 January. By the time they came out several inches of snow had fallen, which caused some excitement.
Thanks to careful planning and efficient execution, the operation went like clockwork, despite the apalling weather. As a result, our passengers enjoyed a smooth transfer and traffic disruption in the area was minimised.
We have a lot of experience handling large, complex, time-sensitive transfers like this. It's not a job for amateurs - there's a lot more planning involved than meets the eye. If you need to move a large number of people quickly from A to B then call our Sales Manager on 020 7733 1124 to discuss your requirements.
Update: 17 February 2004
... and 3 hours to Chingford
Following on from our story above, a special mention goes to our driver Terry Day, who drove a group of disabled children back from London to Chingford in the blizzard. He left London at 17.30 and reached Chingford three hours and ten minutes later, at 20.40. That works out at about 3mph. A very difficult journey indeed!
Update: 17 February 2004
Media mogul takes Kent by storm
We were recently asked by Rochester and Medway council to take part in an interview on BBC Radio Kent about the rising success of Rochester as a visitor venue. Keith Payne, our Sales and Marketing Manager, took part in the broadcast which went out on air on Thursday 12 February. No fan mail as yet, but give it time...
Rochester has won many awards for the standard of its coach parks and facilities, and that has encouraged organisers to take groups to the historic town. The Rochester Tourist Information Office is a mine of information - you can phone them on 01634 843 666.
Update: 22 January 2004
Singing for Queen Mary
We transported the choir of the Royal Choral Society down to Southampton docks recently. They performed at the launch ceremony of the new, 21-storey high ocean liner Queen Mary 2, in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen. As the venerable QE2 retires from service, this magnificent new liner takes over the reins.
Originally formed for the opening of the Royal Albert Hall in 1871, the Royal Choral Society's subsequent history has never been less than distinguished. With an extensive repertoire, they are in great demand at prestigious events all over the world. Visit their website at www.royalchoralsociety.co.uk for more details.
One thing's for sure, they know how to travel in style, and our lucky coach driver never has to endure a tuneless sing-a-long from the back seats when they're on board!
Update: 22 January 2004
Nearly by Royal Appointment at the RAF Museum!
Redwing Coaches were pleased to operate a VIP shuttle service at the Royal Air Force Museum at Hendon in December for the Royal Opening of the spectacular new 'Milestones of Flight' exhibition. The Duke of Edinburgh performed the opening ceremony on 17th December, exactly 100 years since the Wright Brothers' inaugural flight.
Our coach is pictured (right) outside the main building at the Museum.
The Milestones of Flight exhibition is housed in a new landmark building, funded in partnership with the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Ministry of Defence. The exhibition covers the great achievements in the first 100 years of flight, and in particular the major contribution made by the Royal Air Force.
Another new addition to the museum is the historic Grade II listed Grahame-White Building (photo, left), which was part of the original Grahame-White Aircraft Factory sited on the old Hendon Aerodrome. It was dismantled, moved to the Museum site and completely restored. Check our Links page for the museum's website details.
Admission to the RAF Museum and exhibitions is free, so if you get a group together for a fascinating day out, all you need to pay for is the coach trip! Call our Sales Manager at Redwing on 020 7733 1124 to find out just how little that will cost.
Update: 22 January 2004
How to save a lot of money very easily
Our picture shows the Birmingham Bull Ring as it was many, many years ago. If you would like to visit the brand new shopping centre in Birmingham with your group then hiring one of our luxury coaches for the return trip is the smart thing to do. Why?
Consider the alternatives. Let's say there's 53 of you in London, and you want to be in Birmingham by 10am to get in a full day's shopping, eating and sightseeing. If you simply turned up at the railway station and all bought return tickets, it would cost a staggering £97 each, a grand total of £5,141 for the journey.
We are considerably cheaper than that. Considerably! Very considerably, in fact. How much cheaper? Well, give our Sales Manager a call to find out on 020 7733 1124. He'll be delighted to answer all your questions.
