Archive News 2010
Update: 22 December 2010
Merle Alaras turns sixty
Merle Alaras celebrates her sixtieth birthday at work in the Redwing Accounts office!
Merle Alaras, our Assistant Accounts Manager, celebrated her sixtieth birthday here at the Redwing offices with flowers, balloons and enthusiastic good wishes from all our management and staff.
Merle joined us ten years ago, so she's a familiar voice on the phone for many of our customers. Without an efficient Accounts office everything would grind to a halt, so we'd like to thank Merle for all her hard work helping the business run so smoothly.
Update: 16 December 2010
We operate 365-24-7 including Christmas Day
We don't need a calendar to mark down the days we shut down over Christmas and New Year - our coaches don't stop running, not even for a single day!
Public transport may grind to a halt, but Redwing Coaches keeps on going throughout the Christmas season, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day, seven days a week, twenty four hours per day.
Our Operations Department is available 24 hours per day on 020 7733 1124 option 1, or 020 7326 3780 direct. Call Operations if you have a query about your booking.
Our Sales Department will be open over the Christmas period from 09.00 to 17.00 on 29, 30, 31 December 2010 and 4 January 2011, on 020 7733 1124 option 2.
Update: 16 December 2010
Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!
A Redwing coach in Trafalgar Square with the traditional Norwegian Christmas Tree.
Everyone 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 over the Christmas break. But don't leave it too late!
Our coaches are operating throughout the Christmas period as usual, including Christmas Day.
Update: 16 December 2010
8 new coaches on order for March
A Mercedes Benz Tourismo coach in Redwing Coaches livery.
We're looking forward to the arrival in March of eight brand new 53-seater Mercedes Tourismo luxury coaches. They will replace existing vehicles in our 76 strong fleet.
For many years, Redwing has had a policy of continuous replacement. We regularly buy brand new coaches, built to our own specification, and use them for a relatively short period by coach industry standards, before replacing them with new coaches.
As a result, our clients benefit from comfortable, reliable transportation in technologically advanced vehicles fitted with the latest advanced safety systems, and complying with - and often exceeding - the current 'green' standards.
Update: 26 November 2010
Hold your Christmas Party in January for a change
You don't have to celebrate Christmas in December!
Did you know that 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 love it too - there are fantastic deals to be done with restaurants, venues and entertainment in the weeks following the mad pre-Christmas rush.
Wherever and whenever you decide to enjoy yourself, we'll take you where you need to go. Comfortably, safely, efficiently and without fuss.
We still have availability for your Christmas Party evening transfers in December - but you'll have to be quick as Christmas is nearly upon us and business is brisk, depite the general recession!
Call our helpful Sales Managers, Leslie Okyne or Jenny Smith, on 020 7733 1124 to find out how much your coach will cost.
Update: 11 October 2010
Jenny Smith: our new Sales and Marketing Manager
Jenny Smith is our new Sales and Marketing Manager.
Jenny will be working closely with Leslie Okyne, our Sales and Reservations Manager, to provide the excellent customer service that Redwing customers have come to expect.
With plenty of travel industry experience behind her, Jenny is looking forward to this latest challenge.
You'll find Jenny's name and contact details plastered all over our website, because we're very keen that you should give her a call on 020 7733 1124 and book that coach for your upcoming project as soon as possible!
Update: 28 September 2010
Hire a coach for your Christmas Party
Book early for your Christmas Party.
Three months to go. It's time to organise your Staff Christmas Party once again.
Christmas Parties don't organise themselves. Someone's got to take charge and make all the arrangements. If that person is you then please call us as soon as possible, because we can make your task a lot easier.
Hiring a luxury coach to take your staff to and from the Christmas Party venue makes a lot of sense. Everyone gets to the party on time. No one gets lost on the way. There are no parking problems, no parking charges, no problems with drinking and driving. No wandering about on foot in the rain trying to find the venue.
Your Redwing coach provides a door to door service. What could be more convenient?
Time is moving on, so you'll need to book soon to finalise your Christmas arrangements. If you have any questions please call our helpful Sales Managers, Leslie Okyne or Jenny Smith, on 020 7733 1124.
Update: 27 Aug 2010
Hiring coaches reduces road congestion
Coach travel can help reduce traffic congestion.
When you hire a Redwing coach you can significantly reduce the environmental impact of your events or journeys, compared to relying on numerous personal vehicles for transport, or taking the train.
Travelling by coach causes less pollution, per passenger kilometre, than the equivalent journey made by the same sized group of train or car passengers.
In addition, one of the major benefits is reduced road congestion.
If the passengers on a typical 49 seater Redwing coach were all to travel instead in private cars this would require a fleet of cars typically numbering between 15 and 35 vehicles. Obviously the exact number will depend on the demographics of the passengers and the reasons for their journey.
Clearly, however, the coach 'consumes' a lot less road space than the equivalent fleet of cars.
Visit our Environmental Issues page for more details about congestion, and also about vehicle emissions.
Update: 29 Jul 2010
Save money with Airport Transfers by luxury coach
Redwing Coaches offers huge cost savings on airport transfers for groups of air passengers.
If you have a group of people arriving by air, a coach transfer from the airport to their ultimate destination is often the most convenient and cost effective mode of transport.
Compared to jumping into taxis, onto trains or the Underground, the cost savings can be enormous.
There are other advantages too. Everyone in your group arrives at the right place at the right time. No one gets lost. No one has to struggle with baggage. The journey is door to door, and it's probably the least stressful way of travelling to or from an airport.
We have vast experience collecting groups from and delivering them to airports including London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), Luton (LTN) and London City (LCY).
Our drivers are very experienced in dealing pleasantly and efficiently with passengers and their baggage. Arriving and departing can be a stressful time for passengers, so we do our best to make the transfer as smooth and painless as possible.
For more information, and to work out what the cost per head will be, just call our helpful Sales Managers, Leslie Okyne or Jenny Smith, on 020 7733 1124, or check out our Airport, Train and Boat Transfers page.
Update: 29 Jul 2010
Join our Newsletter for Special Offers information
A typical Special Offer coupon in a Redwing Coaches Newsletter.
Sign up for our email Newsletter for the latest information about valuable Special Offers on coach hire with Redwing Coaches.
The only information we ask for is your email address - there's no long list of personal details required!
We send out the Newsletter about once per month. There's no padding, as the main purpose is usually to make you a great Special Offer that can save you money.
One day an offer might drop into your mailbox that's perfect for your requirements, and then you'll be glad you spent a couple of minutes signing up for the Newsletter.
Rest assured, we don't sell or rent your email address, and you can instantly unsubscribe at any time.
Visit our Newsletter page for full details and to sign up.
Update: 28 Jun 2010
It's easy to organise Theatre Trips for private groups
A theatre trip is easy to organise.
Increasing numbers of enterprising individuals, association secretaries and club chairmen are organising their own coach excursions for their friends, families and members.
Do you know six people? Do each of them know six people? Great! You've got yourself a coach load!
It's not difficult to fill up a 49 seater luxury coach. And usually you'll find that the economics work out very nicely even without a full load.
Theatre trips are very popular, either visiting a theatre in London or one of the many fine venues in the surrounding counties. The prestigious Yvonne Arnaud theatre in Guildford, for example, with its attractive riverside setting and excellent restaurant, is a popular destination.
A typical trip might involve the journey to your chosen venue, the performance, a meal either before or after the performance at a local restaurant, and the comfortable trip home.
It's not difficult to organise a trip like this, even if you've never done it before. If you need some tips, just call our helpful Sales Managers, Leslie Okyne or Jenny Smith, on 020 7733 1124, or check out our Theatre and Restaurant Trips page.
Update: 28 June 2010
Be nine feet tall - see over hedges and fences!
Look down at the world from your nine feet high vantage point.
One great advantage of travelling by luxury coach, rather than by car or minibus, is the height of your seat above the ground.
Typically your eyelevel will be about eight or nine feet above the ground. So everywhere you go you'll be looking over the hedgerows and fences and seeing all the beautiful and interesting views of the countryside that car travellers never see.
In towns, too, you have an interesting viewpoint, staring down at the street activity and the passers by. You see them, but they are not really aware of you, behind your subtly tinted panoramic window several feet above them. It's the perfect 'people watching' scenario and it adds interest and enjoyment to the journey for many passengers.
Update: 05 May 2010
Redwing retrieves stranded volcano travellers
Eiffel Tower, Paris.
Our Redwing coaches have travelled the length and breadth of Europe as a result of the volcanic ash flight ban.
Not only did we retrieve stranded holidaymakers from Europe, we also transported business travellers and tourists from the UK to their destinations in Europe when their flights were cancelled.
So far we've been to Malmo in Sweden, Madrid, Valencia and Bilbao in Spain, Frankfurt and Karlsruhe in Germany, Val d'Isere, Courchevel, Chamonix and Paris in France, Tasch in Switzerland, St Anton and Salzburg in Austria, Reggio Nell'Emilia in Italy, Brussels in Belgium and Amsterdam in Holland.
Most trips were organised by tour operators and travel agents, and some enterprising independent travellers also called us to come and collect them from Spain.
Complex European itineraries are second nature for our experienced managers and drivers, so this unexpected challenge was no problem at all. We know all the routes, we know all the ferry companies and we know what we're doing!
When you need a coach company that can handle the unexpected at very short notice, just give our Sales Managers, Leslie Okyne or Jenny Smith, a call on 020 7733 1124. They'll be delighted to help you sort things out.
Update: 15 April 2010
Cancel your plane tickets - take the coach to Europe!
Don't take the plane. Try the coach instead.
What with erupting volcanoes, strikes, security delays, lost baggage, poor service, congested airports, and the general stress and complication that surrounds travelling by plane nowadays, perhaps it's worth considering luxury coach travel for some of your European business travel?
You can travel a suprisingly long way into Europe with your colleagues quite quickly with your own private coach, especially if you have two drivers.
For many purposes it is the most convenient and reliable way to complete a multi-destination tour through several European countries.
For example, visiting a number of potential suppliers at their factories or offices across Germany, Switzerland and Austria is so easy and convenient when you and your team have your own luxury coach.
Or seeking out opportunities in the former Eastern European nations. With your own luxury coach you have the flexibility to update your itinerary at very short notice.
Less stress and less expense helps you achieve better business results. Many of our drivers know Europe like the backs of their hands. Take advantage of their skill and experience, and give the coach a try for your next European visit.
Visit our European Tours page for more details.
If you would like to take your group to Europe, please call Leslie Okyne or Jenny Smith, our friendly Sales Managers, on 020 7733 1124 and they'll be delighted to discuss your plans, explain the options and give you a quote for your trip.
Update: 23 March 2010
Online Quotes - more popular than ever
Our Online Quote form is more popular than ever. Customers love the fact that they can ask for an online quote at any time of the day or night.
If you'd like a quote with Redwing you have several options:
- Call Leslie Okyne or Jenny Smith, our friendly Sales Manager, on 020 7733 1124 during office hours for an instant quote while you're still on the phone. No dithering, no delays - when we say it's an 'instant' quote we mean it!
- Email your requirements to our Sales Managers at redwingsales@redwing-coaches.co.uk
- Visit our Online Quote form and fill it in. There are helpful tips for every question.
Update: 23 March 2009
Don't delay - book now for Summer
Book early to make sure you secure the dates you want.
Bookings for the summer months are coming in steadily now, despite the difficult economic climate.
The message is clear - please don't delay finalising your summer coach travel plans in the expectation that there will be plenty of last minute availability. You may well be disappointed!
Make sure you lock in the dates you want by making your arrangements now.
Call Leslie Okyne or Jenny Smith, our friendly Sales Managers, on 020 7733 1124 to discuss your travel plans and make a booking before it's too late.
Update: 25 February 2010
Private European coach tours with Redwing
A Redwing coach on a private tour at Berchtesgaden in Germany.
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. Every month we have numerous departures to destinations all over Europe. With the convenience of door to door travel, avoiding tedious airport check-in and transfers, it's a great way to travel to Europe.
Visit our European Tours page for more details.
If you would like to take your group to Europe, please call Leslie Okyne or Jenny Smith, our friendly Sales Managers, on 020 7733 1124 and they'll be delighted to discuss your plans, explain the options and give you a quote for your trip.
Update: 19 January 2010
16 new coaches now in service
One of 16 new Mercedes Benz Tourismo coaches delivered to Redwing Coaches in January 2010.
Back in July we ordered 16 brand new Mercedes Benz Tourismo coaches, for delivery in January 2010.
Over the last few weeks we've taken delivery of them, three or four at a time to give our engineering staff a chance to check them over thoroughly and bring them into service.
Now all 16 new coaches are in service on schedule, replacing 16 existing coaches and ensuring, as usual, that Redwing Coaches has one of the youngest and most technologically advanced fleets of coaches in Europe.
Twelve of the new coaches are 49 seater executive coaches with WC and other refinements, and four are 53 seater standard coaches without WC.
Update: 19 January 2010
Hi-tech seats make long journeys a breeze
A hi-tech seat in one of our new Mercedes Benz Tourismo coaches.
Over many years, seat designers have refined every aspect of a typical coach seat.
They're now more comfortable, more ergonomic, stronger, more technically advanced and better to look at than they've ever been before.
The seats in our new Mercedes Benz Tourismos are a good example. Stylishly upholstered in a velour-texture cloth, the seats hold you comfortably in place during your trip. Long journeys are a breeze and the miles fly by.
Leather headliners contrast attractively with the seat fabric, offering comfort and also durability, as people naturally tend to grab hold of seat tops as they move around a coach. A folding armrest next to the aisle ensures easy access to the seat and grab handles are fitted to the seat in front of you to help you access your seat or move down the aisle.
All coaches are now required by law to fit seat belts, although Redwing were specifying seat belts long before it was a legal requirement.
If you haven't been on a coach for a few years you'll be surprised how greatly things have improved. Give our Sales Managers, Leslie Okyne or Jenny Smith, a call on 020 7733 1124 and they'll answer any questions you may have.
Update: 19 January 2010
Coaches for sale
For sale: 5 x Redwing Mercedes Benz Touro 53 seater coaches.
We have five Mercedes Benz Touro coaches available for sale.
These Touros are the best second-user 53 seaters on the market today, offered in mint condition at a great price. We have recently replaced them with new vehicles as part of our continuous coach fleet renewal programme.
Ex-Redwing coaches are renowned in the industry for their meticulous service histories. We treat our coaches with great care and attention throughout their time with us. As a result, they really are a cut above the rest.
If you're in the market for a great second-user coach, or you know someone who is, please look at our Vehicle Sales page for full details.
Update: 19 January 2010
Not all our coaches are red
A Redwing Setra 415 in white livery.
There are many coach enthusiasts in the UK who keep detailed records of various coach companies' coach fleets, in a similar way to 'plane spotters and train enthusiasts.
This very rare example of a Redwing coach in white livery with red logotype will surprise them!
We also have a number of eyecatching black coaches, in the livery of Addison Lee, our parent company, and several coaches in the liveries of well known tour operators.
Another option available to clients is to have your Redwing coach 'wrapped' with eyecatching graphics covering part or all of the coach body to promote your company or product.
