Archive News 2006
Update: 5 December 2006
Wishing you a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year
All of us at Redwing Coaches would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
There's still time to book a coach for your Christmas Party, group tour of the Christmas Lights in London, or any other locations you'd like to visit in the final run up to Christmas. But don't leave it too late!
We're operating throughout the Christmas period as usual, including Christmas Day. Public transport may grind to a halt, but Redwing Coaches doesn't! We operate 365 days per year, 7 days per week and 24 hours per day.
And looking forward to 2007, it's never too early to book your coaches for January and February. If you sort it out before Christmas that's one less thing to worry about when you return in the New Year. Just call Neil Bourne on 020 7733 1124 and book your coaches today.
Update: 5 December 2006
Keith Payne to leave Redwing Coaches
Keith Payne, our Sales and Marketing Manager, is leaving Redwing on Tuesday 19 December after eight years with the company.
For many clients Keith is 'the voice' of Redwing Coaches and his friendly, relaxed negotiation style, backed up by many years of experience in the coach industry, has played a major part in our success over the last few years.
Keith will be taking a well-earned break over Christmas ready for a new start in 2007.
We would like to thank Keith for all his hard work during the past eight years and wish him the very best of luck for the future.
Our photo shows Keith in his most characteristic pose - with a telephone clamped to his ear! We're making arrangements to have it surgically removed before he finally leaves the office.
Keith will continue to advise you on 020 7733 1124 up until his departure, after which Neil Bourne and Colin Miller, our Sales and Key Accounts Managers, will take your calls.
Update: 5 December 2006
Christmas in January?
Increasing numbers of companies are holding their Christmas Parties in January.
It's an excellent strategy - staff and guests love it as it's one more event to enjoy before settling down to the hard grind of another new year.
Company managers like it too, as there are great deals to be done with restaurants, venues and entertainment in the weeks following the mad pre-Christmas rush.
However and wherever you decide to enjoy yourself, we'll take you where you need to go. Comfortably, safely, efficiently and without fuss.
Call Neil Bourne on 020 7733 1124 to find out how much your coach will cost, or use our Online Quote Request form if you prefer.
Update: 5 December 2006
Multi-coach transfers are our speciality
With a group fleet of 75 luxury coaches to call upon, Redwing Coaches can handle even the largest events in-house. Smaller coach hire companies often need to farm out the work to sub-contractors and are therefore unable to guarantee a quality operation, unlike Redwing.
We recently concluded a 5 day project for Honda, with 13 luxury coaches in operation every day. The occasion was Honda's Global Congress, with employees flying in from all over the world for a programme of events at a number of locations, including Honda's headquarters in Swindon and venues in London. Held every 5 years, it's a very important occasion for Honda's managers and employees.
The World Travel Market at the Excel Exhibition Centre in London's Docklands was another November success. We operated a popular shuttle service transporting visitors between the exhibition centre and local hotels.
Projects like these do not organise themselves. It takes a lot of skill and experience to ensure that the operation runs with military precision, and a considerable amount of forward planning is required. There is no room for error.
If you need a coach company you can trust for your next event - whether big or small - just give us a call on 020 7733 1124 and we'll explain how to make it happen.
Update: 5 December 2006
Radioactive poisoning: no danger to travellers or tourists
The recent radioactive poisoning case has caused concern to a small number of potential visitors to the UK.
However, as a recent press release from UKinbound makes clear, there is no reason for anyone to change their travel plans to London and the UK as a result of the police investigation that has revealed low-level traces of radioactive material in a small number of locations.
There is no disruption to travel, attractions or hotel accommodation in London. The two hotels concerned have maintained operations throughout and all three British Airways aircraft examined have already returned to service.
The Health Protection Agency says it does not believe any air travellers or hotel customers were ever at risk.
Update: 24 November 2006
Coaches for Sale - ideal for London Low Emission Zone (LEZ) use
Due to fleet renewal we have a number of Beulas EuroRider C35 coaches for sale.
They're Euro 3 compliant, so they're ideal for use in London under the London Low Emission Zone (LEZ) proposals. Under the current LEZ proposals, operators with non-compliant vehicles will pay a substantial daily charge to enter the LEZ.
These are the best value 2003 coaches on the market, sold complete with 12 months MOT. A perfect solution for operators who need to bring their groups into London next year.
Full details and pricing on our Vehicle Sales page.
Update: 20 November 2006
Redwing Coaches - site visits for the Olympics
We're getting an increasing number of enquiries from businesses wishing to make site visits to the 2012 Olympics regeneration area in East London.
With so many contracts to be awarded over the next few years, businesses are familiarising themselves with the area so they can assess how best to take advantage of this enormous opportunity. Businesses with contracts already signed and sealed often need to make repeated visits to the area with their management and technical staff.
If you have a group of people who all need to be in the right place at the right time, then a coach trip is the ideal solution. You can hop on and off the coach and move from site to site with ease, and the coach can be useful as a warm, dry 'site office' or meeting room during the visit.
Call Neil Bourne, our Sales and Key Accounts Manager, on 020 7733 1124 and he'll answer all your questions.
Update: 17 November 2006
EXOR Accreditation for Redwing Coaches
Redwing Coaches is now EXOR Accredited for the tendering of Local Authority business.
This means we have been assessed by EXOR and added to their database of accredited suppliers that is made available to Local Authority buyers. The accreditation greatly speeds up the tendering process for both supplier and Local Authority, resulting in greater efficiency and reduced costs all round.
If you are a Local Authority buyer please don't hesitate to call us to discuss your present or future requirements. Just phone Neil Bourne on 020 7733 1124.
Update: 8 November 2006
Last Chance to meet us at the World Travel Market 2006
The World Travel Market 2006 closes on Thursday 9 November. It's on at the huge Excel Exhibition Centre in London's Docklands.
Don't miss this chance to meet Keith Payne, our Sales and Marketing Manager, at the show during your visit. Give him a call on his mobile - (number removed) - and fix a convenient meeting at the venue.
We have a fleet of Redwing coaches at the show operating a shuttle service to and from local hotels, so you can view one of our bright red coaches up close as well.
The show is very busy this year, packed out with the movers and shakers of the travel industry. If you're going on Thursday, don't forget to make a note of Keith's mobile number - (number removed).
Update: 6 November 2006
Private European tours with Redwing Coaches
Redwing Coaches can take you and your group almost anywhere in Europe for a private tour. One of our drivers, Jason Fairhead, took this beautiful picture at Berchtesgaden in Germany during a private tour operated for the National D-Day Museum.
Located on the German border with Austria, Berchtesgaden is best known as the location of Hitler's mountain retreat and the Eagle's Nest, a mountain top lodge built by the Nazis. The houses of Hitler and his right hand men were largely obliterated by RAF bombing during World War II, but the Eagle's Nest survived and is now a tourist attraction.
For experienced drivers like Jason, touring throughout Europe is second nature. You couldn't be in better hands.
If you would like to take your group to Europe, please call Neil Bourne on 020 7733 1124 and he'll be delighted to discuss your plans, explain the options and give you a quote for your trip.
Update: 30 October 2006
World Travel Market, 6 - 9 November
The World Travel Market takes place once again at the superb Excel Exhibition Centre in London's Docklands from Monday 6 November to Thursday 9 December 2006.
Redwing will have a large presence at the event as we are providing the coach Shuttle Services from London City Airport to Excel and also from selected Docklands hotels.
It's a great opportunity to see Redwing in action, discuss your requirements with our Sales Manager and inspect one of our coaches at first hand.
Our photo shows two Redwing coaches in front of the luxurious Sunborn Yacht Hotel in London's Docklands during last year's World Travel Market.
Update: 30 October 2006
New! Request a Quote Online with Redwing
Now you can request a Quote for your coach hire requirements online, direct from our website.
Just visit our Request a Quote Online page and fill in as many details as you can. We'll respond quickly to provide you with the information you're looking for.
The Quote Form is proving popular - in fact the first response from a genuine customer arrived within 15 minutes of the page going online.
It's easy to use, with helpful explanatory notes next to each section and plenty of room for you to explain any complicated requirements.
If you prefer to phone us instead, just call Neil Bourne on 020 7733 1124 during office hours and he'll answer all your questions and give you a firm quote immediately, while you're still on the phone.
Update: 30 October 2006
See me later! It's the National Teachers Awards
We had the privilege of carrying eight hundred teachers to the National Teachers Awards, held at the Tower Hotel in London, right next to Tower Bridge.
At one stage we had nine Redwing coaches packed into the Tower Hotel entrance area, but fortunately our drivers are used to manoeuvring large coaches in confined spaces. Gold stars all round for Parking Skills.
Transferring your guests to an event by coach is an efficient and cost effective strategy much used by experienced event organisers. Everyone arrives at the right place at the right time, enabling the schedule to be adhered to with no slippage and no missing guests. Your guests are more likely to be relaxed and enthusiastic too, rather than worn out by the rigours of independent travel before your event even starts.
Call Neil Bourne at Redwing Coaches on 020 7733 1124 and find out how little your next big transfer could cost.
Update: 30 October 2006
Look what they've done to our coach - again!
For the second year running, Redwing Coaches has been commissioned by the Catalonian Tourism Board of Spain to operate a fully liveried, customised coach for the the duration of the World Travel Market. The coach will operate as one of our Shuttle Coaches, transferring visitors to the World Travel Market between London City Airport and the Excel Centre, and to selected local hotels.
Aicard Guinevere from Catalonian Tourism is delighted with the results. With so many movers and shakers from the travel industry visiting the World Travel Market, this big, bold, mobile billboard promoting Catalonian resorts can't fail to make an impression once again.
The vinyl skins were provided by Vinyl Creations of Sittingbourne. It's a highly skilled task, creating and then applying the vinyl panels to the complex contours of our very large coaches. The end result is simply stunning. If anything, this year's design is even more impressive than last year's.
Update: 30 October 2006
Consort Tours
Consort Tours, the holiday and excursions company and part of the Redwing group of companies will cease operations on 31 December 2006. Trips scheduled for November and December will go ahead as planned.
Update: 25 September 2006
Another high volume, mission critical operation
One of the larger banks (we can't say which) recently held their IT conference at the prestigious Excel Exhibition Centre in London's Docklands. The event lasted two days, with conference events starting hourly, attended by groups of the bank's employees.
We were delighted to be given 'preferred supplier' status for this event. We operated a shuttle service between Aldgate and Excel, with twelve coaches constantly on the move for two days.
The client was delighted with the military precision with which we planned and implemented the transfers. Moving large numbers of people in a time sensitive context is a job for experts, and we have many years successful experience in this area.
For your next high volume, time sensitive, mission critical transfer project make sure you call the experts, Redwing Coaches. Give Neil Bourne, our Commercial Manager, a call on 020 7733 1124 to find out how we can move your people quickly and efficiently.
Update: 19 September 2006
Just met a girl called Maria...
Connie Fisher, a 23 year old former media sales rep from South Wales, will head the cast in Andrew Lloyd-Webber's new production of The Sound of Music at the London Palladium. Connie was selected after a nail-biting series of auditions broadcast live on the BBC's 'How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria'.
The curtain goes up on 3 November. Millions of pounds worth of tickets were sold even before Connie's victory was decided by the viewers' vote.
More than 8 million people watched the final show on Saturday night and 2 million people took the trouble to vote. It's a fair assumption that many of them will want to go and see the show to see how their little investment paid off.
Why not organise a 'Maria' trip for your group? There's lots of information about Connie and the new show at www.thisistheatre.com, where you can also book your tickets. Then contact Neil Bourne at Redwing Coaches on 020 7733 1124 and we'll organise your private coach.
But don't delay! Lot's of other people will be having the same idea!
Update: 18 September 2006
Belt up! New coach seatbelt law now in force
From today, 18 September 2006, anyone 14 years of age or older must wear seatbelts in a coach. It's the law. There's no choice - now it's Clunk Click Every Trip without fail.
Safety has always been our highest priority. Redwing's coaches have been equipped with seatbelts since long before their installation became compulsory several years ago. But until today their use by passengers has been voluntary. Now the regulations have been brought in line with cars.
If you want to travel on superbly well-maintained coaches with the latest safety systems and equipment then give us a call on 020 7733 1124 and hire a Redwing coach for your next trip.
Update: 29 August 2006
The world's only 32 seater Fire Engine...
... or is it? No, it's one of our medium sized 32 seater Redwing coaches, in a fetching shade of fire engine red, parked in the fire station at New Malden for reasons we can only guess at. Our smartly turned out driver poses next to the coach, possibly hoping to be mistaken for the Station Chief?
Just as fire engines are maintained and repaired to the very highest standards at all times, the same applies with Redwing coaches too. We have our own fully-equipped coach maintenance facility at our head office depot in Herne Hill.
Our facilities include several coach-sized inspection pits and hydraulic lift systems, plus a coach-sized 'rolling road' which allows us to 'drive' our coaches whilst they're standing still. In fact our maintenance facilities, together with our own experienced engineers, are of such a high standard that we are an official, ministry-approved Testing Station.
Update: 29 August 2006
It really was this big!
Here's a photo of the one that didn't get away. This monster fish was caught by Steve, who does all our printing when he's not sitting in the drizzle by a river dreaming of a moment like this.
We can't remember its name, but Steve was very proud of it and if you're a keen fisherman you'll already know.
With millions of keen fishermen and fisherwomen across the country, and hundreds of fishing clubs and associations organising numerous competitions and fishing events throughout the year, the need for convenient, value for money transport has never been greater.
If you run a fishing club or group, consider the benefits of hiring a coach for the day to take your group to an event. First off, the long and tiring early morning drive to the event is eliminated - our driver will do all the work while you relax. Secondly, you all arrive together in the right place at the right time. Thirdly, our coach has plenty of room for your rods and equipment. Fourthly, you can relax on the long journey home and swap tall tales about the one that got away. Much better than taking the car.
Give Neil Bourne a call on 020 7733 1124 to find out how little hiring a coach will cost you.
Update: 29 August 2006
Hannah Smith, where are you?
We had a request for a coach transfer to the Hannah Smith Hotel in London. But a quick search showed there was no such place.
It turned out that 'Chinese whispers' had worked their magic on the original request, which was basically 'how much will it cost to drop off at a hotel in Hammersmith?'.
Perhaps the most famous apocryphal example of 'Chinese whispers' dates back to the First World War. When the message 'Send reinforcements, we're going to advance' was passed up the line it transmogrified into 'Send three and fourpence, we're going to a dance!'
For the clearest, most unambiguous coach hire quote you can ever hope to receive, call Redwing Coaches today and talk to Neil Bourne on 020 7733 1124. They'll give you a firm price for your journey while you're still on the phone. No need for call backs, or handing you on to other people - you'll get your quote right there and then!
Update: 27 July 2006
New seatbelt law from 18 September 2006
From 18 September 2006 anyone 14 years of age or older must wear seatbelts in a coach. It's the law. There's no choice - now it's Clunk Click Every Trip without fail.
Safety has always been our highest priority. Redwing's coaches have been equipped with seatbelts since long before their installation became compulsory several years ago. But until now their use by passengers has been voluntary. Now the regulations have been brought in line with cars.
If you want to travel on superbly well-maintained coaches with the latest safety systems and equipment then give us a call on 020 7733 1124 and hire a Redwing coach for your next trip.
Update: 27 July 2006
Getting to Exhibitions and Events
Did you make it to the British International Motorshow 2006, held at the superb Excel exhibition centre in London's Docklands? It's back in London after an absence of 30 years. Ending on Sunday it has been, by all accounts, one of the most successful events in recent years.
For groups of visitors arriving in London from other parts of the country by train or plane, getting to the venue - whether the Excel centre or one of London's many other venues - is inevitably the most awkward and stressful part of the journey, especially if you're unfamiliar with London's transport systems.
To get to the Excel centre using public transport, for example, you'll almost certainly need to use the Underground and the Docklands Light Railway, making sure to connect at the right stations and get on the right trains, as they don't all go to the same destinations. Plus, if your timing is unfortunate, you'll hit the evening rush hour and have to battle against hundreds of thousands of sharp-elbowed commuters thundering home in 'rhinocerous' mode. Enough to spoil any day!
The way to eliminate all this trouble and inconvenience is to hire a coach for your group from Redwing Coaches. We'll collect your group from your station or airport and deliver you conveniently to the door of your venue. No one gets lost, no one gets stressed out. Everyone arrives at your event raring to go.
Call Neil Bourne on 020 7733 1124 to find out how little it will cost.
Update: 27 July 2006
End of the road for Top Of The Pops
Sir Jimmy Savile was on hand this week to put a lid on Top Of The Pops, the national institution he first brought to our screens over 40 years ago. From its early beginnings, when 'popular beat combos' played their latest 'numbers' whilst self-conscious teenagers wiggled artlessly in the foreground, to the present day with million dollar videos and extrovert audiences, TOTP is fondly remembered by anyone over the age of ten.
Ever had the urge to appear on TV like the Top Of The Pops audience? The BBC gives you plenty of chances. You can apply to join the audience in a wide range of shows. Just visit the BBC website and you'll find the application page. We know the way to the BBC studios - our coaches have been there many times over the years!
If you can get enough people together with tickets to the same show why not hire a coach to take you all there and back? Door to door coach travel is so much easier and more convenient than driving, public transport or expensive taxis.
Ask Neil Bourne to give you a quote on 020 7733 1124.
Update: 06 June 2006
Chocolatey weddings
We like the latest Cadbury's Chocolate TV ad showing how travelling on a coach and sharing a bar of chocolate with a stranger is a surefire way of meeting someone gorgeous, getting married, starting a family and living happily ever after.
Have we unwittingly played Cupid for thousands of people over the years? Are there children out there who owe their very existence to a chance meeting on a Redwing coach?
If you do decide to marry the person in the seat in front, make sure you hire one of our coaches for your wedding guests. It's a great way to help your wedding guests enjoy their day even more - no parking hassles, no drink/drive issues, no one lost in the middle of nowhere.
Find out more about Wedding coach hire on our Weddings Page.
Update: 06 June 2006
Redwing coaches are Full Length and Fabulous
Yet again Redwing helps to oil the backstage wheels of a high profile celebrity event.
Did you see 'Full Length and Fabulous', the TV documentary about David and Victoria Beckham's Full Length and Fabulous charity party in aid of UNICEF?
We played our small but important role by transporting some of the catering staff to Beckingham Palace. Unfortunately we didn't appear in any of the pictures, despite our full length and fabulous bright red coaches and smartly attired drivers. Never mind, there was a lot of competition for attention: P Diddy arrived by helicopter and most guests emerged from sleek limousines, apart from Freddie Flintoff who turned up in a minicab with a sign on top.
When your neck is on the line and you have to be absolutely, totally, one hundred percent sure that your coach company will get your precious cargo to the right place at the right time, the only person you need on your speed-dial is Keith Payne, Group Sales and Marketing Manager of Redwing Coaches. Call him on 020 7733 1124 and find out what we can do for you.
Update: 06 June 2006
Brighton Coach Rally 2006 - we couldn't go!
The Brighton Coach Rally is one of the most important events in the coach industry calendar. Although many of our staff are involved in the operation of the event, we were unable to enter a coach ourselves this year - because we had no coaches available. They were all out working!
In some ways it's a pity, because we enjoy winning prizes, but on the other hand having our entire fleet of 45 coaches out on the roads carrying paying passengers is an enviable position to be in. So a big thank you to all our new and long standing customers for keeping us so busy.
We'll try and enter some coaches again next year and see what happens.
Update: 30 May 2006
Strange goings on in Shoreham Harbour
This poor coach met a bizarre end as part of a houseboat in Shoreham harbour. It looks like something out of Thunderbirds. Note the torpedoes scattered strategically around the hull.
It wasn't one of ours, we hasten to add. We never get to see how our old coaches finally end up because we replace them when they are still quite new! Even our oldest coaches are less than three years old.
When we do have coaches for sale, you'll find them on our Vehicle Sales page.
Which would you prefer your guests to travel in - an elderly coach lacking the latest safety and comfort features, or a thoroughly modern coach with all mod cons, maintained to the very highest standards? Answers on a postcard!
Call Neil Bourne on 020 7733 1124 if you have any questions about our coaches.
Update: 30 May 2006
Desmond Dekker
Desmond Dekker sadly passed away on 25 May after a career spanning more than 40 years of live performances. Although everyone remembers him best for his 1968 hit 'Israelite', the first reggae hit to top the UK chart, he never stopped touring the live circuit and continued to release regular albums until as recently as 2002.
Little known fact: The 'Desmond' in the lyrics of The Beatles hit 'Ob La Di, Ob La Da' is a reference to Desmond Dekker by his friend Paul McCartney.
We actually had one of Desmond's keyboard players, Winston Bennett, working for us as a Redwing coach driver for many years. Interesting stories were often told about life on the road with Desmond Dekker and his band, but we're not going to pass them on!
Update: 26 April 2006
Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz?
Without waiting for assistance from 'on high' we've just bought ourselves another ten Mercedes Benzes.
They're brand new Mercedes Benz Touro luxury coaches seating 49 or 53 people, depending on configuration. They replace our remaining 2003 Touros, which will now be sold, ensuring that our fleet is as young and fresh as can be. Our photo shows one of our new Touros in the livery of Cosmos Tours, one of our clients.
Can you see a pattern here? Browse back through our News stories over the years (News Archives) and you'll see this basic story repeated time and time again. We buy new coaches, built to our own specifications. We treat them with respect and maintain them regardless of cost. Then while they're still in their prime we get rid of them and replace them with brand new models.
Why travel in other companies' old, worn out coaches when you can travel in our new ones?
Update: 26 April 2006
Can we interest you in Double Glazing?
Normally, no doubt, your answer would be 'No, leave me in peace and don't call again, I'm trying to eat my dinner.'
But just this once we're going to push on regardless and tell you all about our double glazing!
You have to spend a lot of money on a car before you get one with double glazed windows - think top of the range Mercedes. But did you know that all our luxury Redwing coaches are fitted with double glazed windows as standard?
Double glazed panoramic windows help make your journey so much more comfortable. Outside noise levels are greatly reduced and the improved insulation helps the climate control system maintain a comfortable environment in the heat of summer or the cold of winter.
It's another good reason to make sure you come to Redwing Coaches for your luxury coach hire. Call Neil Bourne on 020 7733 1124 to find out how much your next trip will cost.
Update: 26 April 2006
Wembley stadium event cancellations
Construction delays at the new Wembley Stadium mean that many concerts and sporting events have been rescheduled at alternative venues, often far from London.
For many local people with tickets, what was going to be a simple journey on public transport within London has become a logistics nightmare. Milton Keynes, anyone? Cardiff?
How are you going to travel to your event outside London? If you're going in a group the most comfortable and convenient way is to hire your own private coach. You'll travel door to door in considerable comfort and everyone will arrive at the right place at the right time. No public transport hassles and delays. No parking nightmares. You can all concentrate 100% on enjoying yourselves.
Call Neil Bourne, our Commercial Manager, for more details on 020 7733 1124.
Update: 26 April 2006
Waterloo and City Line coach alternatives
The Waterloo and City Line is now closed for 5 months, disrupting the travel routines of thousands of commuters in the catchment area.
How are your staff getting to work?
One way round this type of problem is to organise your own daily private shuttle service using one of our luxury coaches. It's a great way of maintaining staff morale and helping everyone get to the office on time and in good shape. You could offer a morning only service, or a morning and evening schedule. Perhaps other local employers would be interested in sharing your service?
Pour yourself a coffee, have a little think - a bit of lateral thinking is in order here - and then call Neil Bourne on 020 7733 1124 to find out how much it will cost.
Update: 26 April 2006
Look me in the eye at London Zoo
London Zoo has a great new viewing platform for their African Exhibition, where you can see eye to eye with a giraffe.
With summer on the way, now is the time to organise your group trips to London Zoo. Give us a call on 020 7733 1124 and we'll help you with your plans.
The Zoo is particularly well prepared for School Trips, with an extensive range of graded activities that tie in with the curriculum, all detailed on their website. They even offer free pre-visits for teachers (after a group booking is made) to visit the facilities and plan ahead.
You'll find links to the Zoological Society of London - who operate London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo - on our Links page.
Update: 21 April 2006
Happy 80th Birthday: HM Queen Elizabeth II
Redwing Coaches would like to wish Her Majesty The Queen a very Happy 80th Birthday.
The Queen is celebrating her 80th birthday with her family at Windsor Castle. Public celebrations are due to start at 10.30am with a 21-gun salute in park land close to Windsor Castle. The Queen and Prince Philip will later meet well-wishers on a 45-minute walkabout in the town's High Street.
In the 54 years since she took the throne the Queen has undertaken 256 official overseas visits to 129 different countries. Last year the Queen carried out 378 official duties in the UK alone, a remarkable workload for an octogenarian.
Here's a little known transport-related fact about the Queen's Coronation on 2 June 1953: there was a shortage of professional coachmen to help transport dignitaries to Westminster Abbey in horse drawn carriages. Millionaire businessmen and country squires who owned suitable carriages offered their services and on the day they dressed up as Buckingham Palace servants and helped take people to the ceremony.
Our own Redwing coaches have passed through the gates of Buckingham Palace on a number of occasions in recent years and parked on the famous forecourt. The Queen herself, however, has yet to try out our services, apparently preferring Rolls Royce limousines. If only Rolls Royce made coaches, we might be able to help!
Update: 5 April 2006
For Sale: 10 x Iveco Beulas Stergo EuroRider C35 coaches 2003
Owing to fleet renewal we have ten (10) Iveco Beulas EuroRider C35 coaches for sale, first registered 1st March 2003 and owned from new.
These vehicles are the lowest priced 2003 coaches on the market. They are Euro 3 compliant for the forthcoming London Emission Zone (LEZ) due to come into force in 2007.
We have two 53 seater automatics and eight 49 seater Executive models with 8-speed manual. We can arrange to paint the coaches in one colour, as shown below.
For pricing and contact details, visit our Vehicle Sales page.
Update: 31 March 2006
It looks like a large coach which has shrunk!
Our appearance at the British Travel Trade Fair 2006 at the NEC in Birmingham made it into the pages of Coach and Bus Week (picture, right), complete with a large colour photo of Group Sales and Marketing Manager Keith Payne looking businesslike in front of our bright red Tourino mid-sized coach.
Here's their article:
Redwing had the distinction of being the only coach operator at the show bringing its new Mercedes Benz Tourino into the NEC.
The 34 seater coach - which visitors said looked like a large coach which had shrunk - attracted a stream of admirers, one of whom booked £5500-worth of business with marketing manager Keith Payne.
'He was looking for a vehicle to carry corporate clients to lunch at a French chateau, and didn't hesitate,' Mr Payne told CBW. 'The general comment is that the Tourino is a 'proper coach' and not a converted truck, and customers have been particularly impressed with the rear 'continental door' which gives a proper width alternative entry or exit point.'
Many thanks to Coach and Bus Week for permission to reproduce their article and photo.
Update: 28 March 2006
Hop over here!
We took our latest new coach, the Mercedes Benz Tourino, to the Day Out Fair held at the The Hop Farm Country Park over at Paddocks Wood in Kent at the end of February. Reliance Travel's Lisa Hills (photo, right) joined Redwing's Group Sales and Marketing Manager Keith Payne to answer visitors' questions and show them our brochures.
Organised by South East England Tourism, the Day Out Fair is very popular with group travel organisers. Three of our companies were represented: Redwing Coaches, Reliance Travel and Consort Tours.
We regularly get out and 'meet the people' at exhibitions like this. Sometimes we organise our own one day events, park a coach near a busy shopping centre and answer visitors' questions. People love to climb on board and take a look.
Update: 28 March 2006
Pulling in the crowds at the British Travel Trade Fair
Keith Payne, Group Sales and Marketing Manager of the Redwing Group, did very good business at the British Travel Trade Fair at the NEC in Birmingham.
Our newest coach, the mid-sized Mercedes Tourino, was the only coach on display in the exhibition hall. With its elegant, subtle curves and distinctive bright red livery it attracted visitors like bees to honey. Tour operators and group travel organisers climbed aboard to try it out for size. Note the useful 'continental door' at the offside rear, ideal for passenger access on European roads.
Of course, top quality modern coaches are only part of the Redwing equation. You also need the brightest and the best drivers and managers to complete the service. And guess what? We have them too!
If you'd like to hire one of our luxury coaches give Neil Bourne a call on 020 7733 1124.
Update: 28 March 2006
Back to the Royal Albert Hall again
We spend a lot of time at the Albert Hall in Kensington. Last month we organised a 35 coach transfer for the Mclaren F1 Racing Team's 2006 launch event. This month we were back as part of an even bigger 51 coach transfer for the London Borough of Camden. Our sister company, Reliance Travel, was in charge of the project and we supplied a number of coaches.
The passengers were more than 2,000 musically inclined school children from all over the London borough of Camden attending the borough's biannual Music Festival for schools.
Large scale transfers like this are always a challenge, with lots of advance planning required before the event itself. If you need to move a lot of people quickly and efficiently just give us a call on 020 7733 1124 and we'll explain what's involved.
Update: 28 March 2006
St Paul's Cathedral
When's the last time you visited St Paul's Cathedral? The cathedral has so much to offer. Make sure you include a stop there when you arrange your next group visit or sightseeing tour.
As the Cathedral of the capital city, St Paul's is the spiritual focus for the nation. This is where people and events of overwhelming importance to the country have been celebrated, mourned and commemorated since the first service took place in 1697, including the funerals of Nelson, Wellington and Churchill; the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II; and the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana.
Highlights of a visit to Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece include Jean Tijou's beautiful wrought iron gates of 1700; listening to the 1695 organ which Mendelssohn once played; visiting the tombs of Nelson and Wellington; marvelling at the superb results of the current restoration programme; and of course testing the unique acoustics of the Whispering Gallery before climbing up to the Golden Gallery to enjoy a panoramic view of London that is second to none.
St Paul's Cathedral has a helpful website - you'll find a link on our Links page.
Update: 28 March 2006
Evan Evans Tours reveals new livery
Evan Evans, the well known tour operator, is one of Redwing's long established major customers. During their brochure launch event at Planet Hollywood they revealed their brand new livery, in shades of red and grey, on one of our new coaches (photo, right).
The Iveco Beulas Cygnus is already proving a great success with passengers. With its comfortable seats, double glazed panorama windows, air conditioning and safety belts you couldn't hope for a more pleasant journey.
If you have a requirement for a luxury coach painted in your own livery give Neil Bourne a call on 020 7733 1124.
Update: 23 February 2006
See us at the Day Out Fair - Hop Farm, Paddock Wood
On Saturday 25 February 2006 we'll be at the Day Out Fair held at The Hop Farm Country Park, Paddock Wood, Kent TN12 6PY.
We'll have one of our luxury coaches on display for your inspection. Walk around it, sit in it, ask questions, take photos - try it before you buy it, that's the general idea.
Do come and say hello - we'll answer any questions you may have about hiring a coach.
If you have any questions before or after the event don't hesitate to call us on 020 7733 1124 and we'll do our best to answer them.
Update: 23 February 2006
Me And My Girl - Bob Hope Theatre, 8 - 11 March 2006
The Tepos Operatic Society is staging 'Me And My Girl' at the Bob Hope Theatre in Eltham from 8 - 11 March 2006.
It includes the famous 'Lambeth Walk' song and, as we are based in the borough of Lambeth, it seems only right we should mention it.
Nowadays, Lambeth Walk is a pedestrianised street of local shops in Kennington, so you could dance down it 'doing the Lambeth Walk' quite safely if you wanted to!
Contact the Box Office at the Bob Hope Theatre in Eltham on 020 8319 4378 or visit their website at www.bobhopetheatre.co.uk (there's a link on our Links page, too). And here's a link to the TEPOS Operatic Society website. Evening performances are at 7.45pm plus a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.
And of course, if you need a coach to take your group there, just let us know on 020 7733 1124.
Update: 23 February 2006
Knights in Shining Armour
Come and see us at the British Travel Trade Fair at the NEC Birmingham on Wednesday 1 and Thursday 2 March 2006. You'll find us on the Coach Drivers Club of Great Britain stand (Stand AB280).
Our new Mercedes Benz Tourino coach will be on the stand - get up close and personal with one of the newest and finest coaches in the country.
The Knight in Armour driving a coach appears on every page of the British Travel Trade Fair website at the moment, right next to their logo (www.britishtraveltradefair.com). It was taken on board one of our coaches last Summer. Fortunately the Redwing drivers' normal uniform is a little more practical and less prone to chafing.
We look forward to seeing you in Birmingham and answering all your questions.
Update: 23 February 2006
Circling the Royal Albert Hall
We provided 35 of our luxury coaches for the 2006 launch of the McLaren Formula One racing team at the Royal Albert Hall recently. The first F1 race is on 12 March 2006 in Bahrain, with McLaren introducing their new MP4-21 car. Drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya will be hoping for early success.
McLaren's Albert Hall launch featured a special performance by the world reknowned Cirque Du Soleil. Coincidentally, we have been taking many of the Cirque Du Soleil performers home after their shows for the whole of their current season there. We just can't stay away from the Royal Albert Hall!
Here's a useless Albert Hall fact: the 35 Redwing coaches we brought for the McLaren launch would encircle the Royal Albert Hall one and a half times (traffic wardens permitting). Not that we tried, of course, but you won't find many coach companies in the UK who could circle it once, let alone one and a half times (or three times round if we brought our entire group fleet of 75 luxury coaches). Well now you know...
Update: 23 February 2006
Will the last one out please turn off the lights...
This is what we like to see on a Friday afternoon in February - nothing! A nice empty yard, with 44 of our 45 Redwing luxury coaches out there on the roads taking happy people to exciting events.
Please help us keep our yard empty. Hire a coach from Redwing Coaches. You know it makes sense.
Call Neil Bourne on 020 7733 1124 for an instantaneous quote.
Update: 23 February 2006
A Pantomime, not a Farce!
Once again, we moved 1,000 children in just twenty minutes when they left the Pricewaterhouse Coopers Charity Pantomime at a theatre just off Queensway in central London.
Each year we are delighted to be involved with Pricewaterhouse Coopers as they bring in children from boroughs all over London to see their pantomime. Thousands more children in childrens hospitals all over the country also enjoy the pantomime thanks to a televised link, including nearby Great Ormond Street.
Lucy Thistlewood, one of the hardworking organisers at PwC, feels that Redwing are now part of the annual event, something we are very proud of.
With more than twenty coaches on site simultaneously, this type of large scale, time sensitive coach transfer must be run with military precision to avoid descending into farce. Extensive forward planning is required in cooperation with the local authorities. It's not a job for amateurs. Thanks to the professionalism of our drivers and location supervisors the operation went without a hitch.
If you need to move large numbers of people from A to B very quickly and efficiently Redwing has the experience and resources you need. Call Neil Bourne, our Commercial Manager, to find out how we can help you.
Update: 23 February 2006
Sir Freddie Laker
Sir Freddie Laker, the great airline pioneer, passed away recently. With his innovative Laker Skytrain service between Gatwick and New York, introduced in 1977, he revolutionised air travel and set trends which opened the way for EasyJet, Ryanair and the many other low cost carriers.
But low cost airlines are not the only way of travelling inexpensively around Europe. If you have a group of people who need to go to France, Belgium, Holland or elsewhere in Europe make sure you call us for a quote before you start booking air tickets. We are very experienced at operating in Europe and travelling by coach you'll enjoy a door to door service running to your own timetable, not someone elses.
Neil Bourne has all the details on 020 7733 1124.
Update: 23 February 2006
Now we are three
Redwing Coaches recently acquired the coach company TWH Travel of Wandsworth, adding fifteen more coaches to the group fleet.
Our photo shows Keith Payne, Group Sales Manager of the Redwing Group, with one of the brand new Beulas Cygnus coaches destined for the TWH fleet.
With the combined Redwing Coaches, Reliance Travel and TWH Travel coach fleets we now have a pool of 75 new luxury coaches with which to service your requirements. In theory we can transport more than 3,750 passengers simultaneously.
But whether you need one coach or dozens of coaches we only have one standard of service - First Class. Call Neil Bourne on 020 7733 1124 and ask any questions you want. And we don't hang about when you ask for a quote, either - you'll get it straight away, while you're still on the phone. No need to wait!
Update: 25 January 2006
You get a seat!
Reliance Travel, our sister company, operates a popular commuter coach service between the Gravesend area of north Kent and central London. The service has been operating for over twenty years, attracting a large following of enthusiastic commuters who prefer not to suffer the trials and tribulations of the railways every morning and evening.
One of the important benefits of travelling by executive commuter coach is that you always get a seat. Standing is not allowed on the coaches, unlike crowded peak time trains where standing is sometimes the only option, possibly for the entire journey.
So as part of our latest advertising campaign for our Reliance Travel commuter service that's the message we're plugging: 'You get a seat!'
Our photo shows the type of comfortable seat you'll get. It has an airline style fold-down table and the coach is climate controlled - cool in summer, warm in winter. Just sit back and relax, read the paper, write your memoirs or take a snooze as the miles slip by.
Check out the Reliance Travel website for full details about their commuter coach service between North Kent and London.
Update: 25 January 2006
Excursions 2006 visitor numbers exceed expectations
Visitor numbers to our exhibition stand (photo, right) at the Excursions 2006 show at Ally Pally on 14 January exceeded our expectations.
A steady stream of trade and group travel organisers stopped by to say hello. If you were among them, thank you for coming! We hope you found your visit useful.
If you didn't manage to make the show but want to find out more about the services we can offer for group travel organisers, please call Neil Bourne on 020 7733 1124.
These Day Out Fairs are very popular. We'll be exhibiting again at the Hop Farm in Kent on Saturday 25 February, promoting Redwing Coaches and Reliance Travel, our sister company.
Update: 25 January 2006
Shuttle service for the Boat Show at Excel
We were delighted to operate a shuttle coach service on behalf of Thames Clippers during the Boat Show at the Excel exhibition centre in London's Docklands.
Our three coaches carried visitors between Westferry Circus at Canary Wharf (photo, right) and the Excel location overlooking Royal Victoria Dock for the duration of the show.
A free shuttle service like this can be an efficient and cost effective method of encouraging visitors and increasing goodwill for your exhibition, conference or other event. Whether you need one coach or dozens of coaches, give Neil Bourne a call on 020 7733 1124 and find out how to plan a service like this for your own event.
Update: 10 January 2006
Excursions 2006 - see us on Stand G21 at Alexandra Palace on Saturday 14th January
We'll be on stand GT21 at Alexandra Palace this Saturday 14th January 2006. Please make a point of visiting us and saying hello. Our stand is bigger and better than last year. While you're there you can pick up a copy of our new Consort Tours colour brochure, hot off the press for 2006.
Excursions is the premier one-day group travel exhibition in the South of England, held annually at Alexandra Palace in North London. Research conducted by the organisers at both the 2004 and 2005 shows found that a staggering 100% of visitors rated the show as 'worthwhile' or 'very worthwhile'. For more information and to plan your trip take a look at www.excursions.org.uk
Redwing Coaches operates the free shuttle service for visitors between local Underground stations and Alexandra Palace, so not only can you visit our exhibition stand GT21, but you also have a chance to try out our coaches.
If you have any questions about our stand or our shuttle service just call Neil Bourne on 020 7733 1124.
Update: 10 January 2006
Cygnus variant included in major new Beulas coach order
Redwing has taken delivery of a further six new Beulas EuroRider C35A coaches from UK Bus and Coach. Five new vehicles will replace older vehicles in the TWH Travel fleet (our recently acquired subsidiary) and one new 49 seater Cygnus variant is earmarked for the Redwing fleet.
Three of the six coaches are the recently introduced Cygnus model, as shown in the photo. Our coaches are amongst the first deliveries of this model to the UK market.
The Redwing group has taken delivery of 38 new coaches in 2005, with a further 10 new vehicles on order for delivery in early 2006. This is in line with our policy of continual planned fleet renewal so that we always operate the newest and best coaches on the market.
