Hello and welcome to my Blog, my name is Chris, a bus driver for First Mendip based in Wells, Somerset. I am Chair and H&S rep for the depot branch of Unite the Union. Married to Fiona, we live in Midsomer Norton near Bath, with Boots the cat. My main hobby is Amateur Radio and I hold the call sign G4KVI. I am the repeater keeper for GB3UB and MB7UB. I have a fascination for the weather and all things to do with nature and science. As a Christian I worship, when shifts allow at St. Nicholas Church in Radstock. These are my observations on my life, both at work and at home.

29 Mar 2009

This and That

Bit of a mad few weeks, lots of early shifts and 'over nights' Fiona is not at all pleased which I fully understand, however they are the duties with the least driving.
It never ceases to amaze me what passengers expect of a coach or bus journey. They seem unable to read the T & C's and then get very upset when they are refused travel. An example is when they turn up at departure time and their seat has been taken

"You should arrive at the boarding point at least 10 minutes before departure: You should arrive at the boarding point for a service at least 10 minutes prior to the timetable departure time for that service. We will normally release any seats one minute prior to the published departure time to ensure prompt departure of the service. (b) Effect of late arrival: We may give your seat to another passenger if you arrive later than the scheduled departure time, in which case you will be considered to have missed the service. We shall not be liable to you if you miss any service as a result of your late arrival, and shall not be obliged to hold up any service to wait for you, or to provide a seat on any other service, if you miss a service.

A 'work around' to this is 'my friend is just coming, in the toilet etc etc' These ones I do try and accommodate people but you have to remember you can hold up the whole of the station and if you are instructed to go, you go.

The other thing is Funfares. These are cheap fares available to fill empty seats at odd times. They are are only avaiable at the times shown, i.e. you cannot turn up for an earlier journey or travel to an airport.

Anyway the point of this post is when you travel anywhere even on a bus, read and understand the T & C's. Some make VERY interseting reading.

24 Mar 2009

How much!

Had a trip to the doctors last week. Only for a check up as I cannot remember the last time I went (must be at least three years) Any way had the usual height and weight checks and was told I was three stone over weight! I was a little shocked and now have to go on Friday for a fasting blood test. I will then ask how I can loose this weight. I do not think I eat or drink too much but checking by Basal metabolic Rate I should be taking in less than 2000 calories. Bang goes the kebab.

11 Mar 2009

Bath Half Marathon

Sunday 15th march sees the Bath Half Marathon. Despite my athletic build I will not be running, be a shame to show people up! However I will be there in my RAYNET capacity. Seriously this event means that the roads will be closed in Bath for most of the day. You can find more details here.

Holiday

On holiday at present, for two weeks!! We used to be able to 'sell' our holiday and lieu days, but not any more. So I am off until 23rd! So lots of jobs already done and our neighbours must think we are moving out given the large amount of rubbish bags today. It is good to finally get the loft boarded and lit, and in a state where I know what is up there. Also nice to not have to get up at 0300!!

2 Mar 2009

Animals

On my travels up and down the M4 I see a lot of different animals. Deer, yesterday saw a herd of over fifteen near Membury, Foxes, Badgers (most dead), Rats, mostly in London!! and a lot of birds. I have always been frustrated at not knowing what they are. I have just found this very useful site, I now know the main birds are Kestrels, Sparrow Hawks and red Kites.

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