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.

25 Jul 2010

hard work

going well at New Wine my role as a team leader is pushing me, but enjoying the challenge. Jobs completed include, manning the gates, mobile patrol, Freezer packs and lost children. Weather is good which helps a lot.

22 Jul 2010

A very loud bang

Nice duties this week, trip to Bristol, up and down to Weston and a couple of trips to Whiteway. Yesterday I was stopped  just outside Bath. A lady boarded with a fantastic dog, I assumed it was a Husky but talking to the lady turns out it was another breed. As she went to sit down there was the loudest bang I have heard. I assumed that someone had run in the back of us as the front of bus dropped. After calming everyone down, and the dog, I went to investigate. We had not been hit and all the tyres where Ok, The bus was resting on the stop looking very sad. Contacted the depot and turns out it was the suspension air bag that had expired. So now at least I know what one sounds like when they go. Last day at work today and then off to new Wine.

16 Jul 2010

Weather Station and Webcam

The new weather station is performing exceptionally well, producing constant reliable data. The only problem I have is with the web cam. Because I do not have a static IP address if the router goes off or reboots the web cam address changes. I have therefore removed the link from this blog. If you wish to see the web cam please use the link from  http://www.midsomernorton.bravehost.com/gauges.htm

4 Jul 2010

Busy world

Busy few days, replaced the chain on the bike. It was to say the least, worn out. There should be little side ways bend in a chain, this one made a very nice arc! Anyway that should be it for another 10-15000Km. The only thing I have to do on the bike now is replace the Rev counter cable which has snapped. Going to try and just replace the inners to save some money.
Yesterday was the Team leaders training for New Wine in London. Went up by train and had a very pleasant journey. However arriving at Paddington I became aware of how lucky I am to live in a relativity quite part of the country. I cannot remember how long it is since I have been in such a busy place. To see  that amount of people rushing about was scary to say the least! I had to make my way from Platform 1 over to 12. Anyway made it without having a nervous breakdown and caught the train to Ealing. Had someone pick me up so saved the one mile walk to the office. The training was interesting and I feel  more relaxed at taking on the ream Leader role and it was good to see familiar faces. One major problem I have is remembering people's names, I am trying to write them down as I meet people and see if that works! However, one thing I learned form the training is to focus on your strengths, so that is what I will do. Late's this week at work so no early alarm call, that comes the week after where I start at 0438!!

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