Company
News Page
Last Updated:
March 21, 2009
Welcome to
our news page. This page
is
updated regularly
to
detail all the
latest company news, press releases &
events.
A Bit of Cheer in These Hard Times
- January 2009
The credit crunch has hit all of us hard but particularly the retired, who
have seen their fixed incomes diminish as saving rates and other investments
have fallen. In addition with the cost of gas and electricity rising sharply
it has become harder for the retired to find anything to be cheery about,
but Woottens is doing its bit.
Once again, for 2009, we are running the Over 50’s
Coach Travel Club for the Chesham, Amersham and Little Chalfont.
As the name says the club is open to anyone over 50 with membership costing
just £5 per annum (to cover admin). Members benefit from a bespoke program
of day trips, operated using modern coaches with regular drivers and of
course designed with value for money in mind.
The Travel Club allows the over 50’s to leave the doom and gloom at home and
enjoy a value for money day out.
We all need a bit of cheer in these times and Woottens
is leading the way.
Now You Can Book
Locally - December 2008
We are pleased to announce that from mid–December 2008 we will be establishing
a network of ticket agents for our popular range of day excursions and holidays.
As a Company we have recognised that we have a need to provide our customers
with the ability to book at a location close to them.
This is to be additional to our telephone booking system and our secure on-line
booking.
Accordingly Aylesbury Tourist Information Centre, Princes Risborough Tourist
Information Centre and Marlow Tourist Information Centre will be the first to
join our new agency network, with High Wycombe to follow in the near future.
These agents will be able to sell our full range of coach holidays, day trips
and special offers.
All booking will be undertaken using our web based booking system so confirming
your booking at the time and providing the appropriate paperwork.
The Tourist Information Centres will accept cash, cheques and debit/credit cards
for payment.
You will find these agents at;
Aylesbury Tourist Information Centre
The Kings Head
Market Square
Aylesbury
Bucks, HP20 2RW
Princes Risborough Tourist Information Centre
Tower Court
Horns Lane
Princes Risborough
Bucks, HP27 0AJ
Marlow Tourist Information Centre
31 High Street
Marlow
Bucks, SL7 1AU
The 2009 Coach
Holiday Brochure Is Coming - November 2008
We are pleased to announce that preparation of our 2009 Coach Holiday Brochure
is now complete and has been sent to the printers.
The new brochure will be distributed in January 2009 and will include some
exciting new holidays plus a sprinkling of old favourites.
We are not going to let the cat out of the bag at this stage but to give you a
little flavour next year we will be sending our first tour to Orkney & The
Shetlands.
So keep your eyes out for the new brochure in January 2009.
Woottens Calls For Support To Our Armed Forces
- August 2008
Woottens has called
on the bus and coach industry to support the UK Armed Forces.
At the recent launch of the new Tiger Line T1 service, Woottens in conjunction with the Royal Air Force announced that
all serving military personnel, be they Royal Air Force, Army or Navy would
enjoy free travel on the new Tiger Line service.
Military personnel on production of an ID can travel free anywhere along the
route at any time.
In addition it was announced that the families of those personnel serving on
active service would also enjoy this benefit on
production of a special pass issued by the RAF.
This offer is being provided as Wendover is co-located next to Royal Air Force
Station Halton, the home of recruit training for the Royal Air Force and a major
military training base.
Michael Wootten commenting on the offer said “Providing this offer is an easy
way to show our support for our Armed Forces, at a time when they are so active
around the World. It would be nice to see other bus and coach operators around
the UK, who have routes serving major military bases, providing such an offer.”
Squadron Leader Baker for Royal Air Force Halton said “For our Service personnel
to be afforded this privilege shows the high level of respect the community has
for our Armed Forces. The importance of maintaining world peace is something in
the minds of us all and, Service personnel are proud of being able to play an
important part in doing so. Royal Air Force Halton very much appreciates this
offer made by Woottens and is a welcomed addition to the quality of life for all
our personnel and their families.”
Woottens - Showing support for our Armed Forces
The
Launch of
TIGER LINE
- June 2008
Woottens have
announced the launch of a new local bus division called Tiger Line.
The Tiger Line brand
will be applied to a number of vehicles, which will be involved in the provision
of new local bus services.
In conjunction with
the launch of Tiger Line the launch of Tiger Line’s first local bus service was
announced.
Tiger Line T1 will be
launched on Monday the 28th July 2008 and will link Aylesbury to Hemel Hempstead
via Stoke Mandeville, Wendover, Great Missenden and Chesham.
Utilising a fleet of
dual purpose buses and a team of dedicated drivers, the service is designed to
meet the needs of local people travelling across North East Bucks providing new
links in areas where public transport has been absent for many years.
T1 will operate
approx hourly Monday to Friday with a limited service on Saturday, when the
service will operate a timetable designed to serve the popular shopping
attraction of Bovingdon Market.
Tiger Line will
encompass the traditional values established by Woottens of quality, reliability
and value for money.
The vehicles will
offer new levels of comfort to passengers, with improved leg room, coach style
seats, seatbelts, panoramic windows and natural ventilation.
Working in
conjunction with Buckinghamshire County Council it is intended that Tiger Line
T1 will be included in the county’s new real time passenger information system,
providing both web based and SMS information.
Commenting on the
launch of Tiger Line, Michael Wootten, Operations Director said “we have been
reviewing the bus market in North East Bucks/South West Herts for a while now
and have identified a niche for a quality operator providing new links. The
launch of Tiger Line T1 is an exciting venture for us all and will complement
our existing successful coach operation. We hope people will enjoy this new &
high quality service.”
Tiger Line - A
Quality Bus Service from Woottens
Happy 30th
Birthday Michael – June 2008
There was a party atmosphere at
Woottens this week to mark the 30th birthday of the Operations
Director, Michael Wootten. This was celebrated in a novel way by other members
of the company who arranged for balloons and banners to be displayed around the
depot. Michael was also presented with a giant Woottens cake as part of the
celebrations.
A surprised Michael said “I didn’t see this coming and am
lost for words. However, I’m looking forward to
sharing this amazing cake with what can only be described as a fantastic team.”
Woottens Launches
Secure On-Line Booking - April 2008
Woottens
have announced the launch of
a new on-line booking system for both coach tours and
day trips.
Using a
bespoke website,
www.awaywithwoottens.com, customers can book the trip of their choice, check
availability and pay through secure means, all from the comfort of their
armchair.
Michael
Wootten, Operations Director said “The launch of our on-line booking system adds
a new dimension to our already excellent customer offering and is something our
clients have been asking for. The addition of on-line
booking is just one part of an exciting program of developments
within the Company.”
Appointment of a Commercial Manager -
March 2008
Woottens have appointed Phil Lightowler to the role of
Commercial Manager as part of a continuing development
strategy.
Phil has over 15 years experience in the transport industry, predominantly in
the bus and coach sector. He has enjoyed spells in
operational management in both bus depots and the distribution sector. He was
for nearly 5 years Bus & Coach Strategy Manager for BAA at Heathrow Airport
where he developed a reputation for innovation and delivery. After a spell
running his own consultancy business he has spent the past two years managing
the Newbury division of Reading Transport.
Michael Wootten, Operations Director, commenting on the new appointment said
“Phil is joining the business at an exciting time, with sales increasing year on
year and with long term plans to grow the business across the Thames Valley. As
Commercial Manager he will be supporting the development of our commercial
strategy.”
Phil said “I am looking forward to the challenge of helping Woottens increase
its commercial presence in the Thames Valley and build on the excellent work
already done by this innovative and dynamic operator.”
Phil took up his role on the 25th March 2008.
Phil Lightowler - New Commercial Manager for Woottens
Leisure Days & Holidays
Grow in Popularity – January 2008
Woottens popular leisure days, short
breaks and holidays are building a loyal following, with the range of tours
increasing every year. In addition to increasing the choice of destinations,
pick-up points for 2008 have been extended and our popular
leisure
web site re-launched.
Click here
to
view our range of tours or
request a copy of the latest brochure.
Celebration of Excellence –
October 2007
The coach industry enjoyed a celebration of excellence at
the Route One annual awards. This established event rewards the very best in our
industry from individuals to operators.
Woottens were delighted to be shortlisted for the Coach
Operator of the Year award.
Another Win at
Showbus - September 2007
Showbus 2007 was held at the Imperial War
Museum, Duxford on Sunday 16th September. Woottens entered a number of vehicles
and were delighted to win an award for Best Modern Plaxton Coach with
W100 TEN.
W100 TEN and B7 WTN seen taking part in
the Plaxton Gold Run, Showbus 2007
Westways of High
Wycombe Handover to Woottens - April 2007
After over 17
years of successful trading, the owners of High Wycombe-based Westways Coaches
have decided to retire.
Woottens are
delighted to have acquired the business interests of this respected High Wycombe
coach operator. This includes the popular day excursions & holiday programme.
Westways
customers can rest assured that existing private hire, day excursion and holiday
bookings will be honoured. However, all bookings and enquires will now be
handled from our Chesham office.
We believe this
is an excellent move for all concerned at a time when interest in coach travel
is growing. This acquisition will allow us to offer all customers a higher level
of service together with the reliability you would expect from an established
family business.
Westways
customers will now be able to book a much wider range of vehicles from standard
to full executive specification. Woottens also supply coaches for continental
day trips and tours.
In addition to
expanding the private hire business, we have exciting plans to further develop
the day excursions & holiday programme. A new day excursions brochure will be
published shortly.
We look forward
to being of service to customers both old and new.
Woottens Support
Car-Free Day In Marlow - February 2007
Woottens were pleased to support car-free day in Marlow on 1st
February. Organised by Change Gear, people were asked to try swapping their car
for walking, cycling or public transport for one day in an attempt to solve
Marlow's traffic gridlock problems.
The
campaign has been launched by producers making a documentary series for Channel
4 about the town's car use outgrowing its roads.
Woottens were delighted to support car-free day by providing one of our latest
coaches for free town services during the day.
See
www.changegearforaday.com
for more details about the documentary and its aims.
Woottens Invest In
Four Extra High Capacity Coaches - January 2007
Woottens have invested in two 70 seat coaches, the first vehicles
of this type to be operated by the company. The Volvo coaches are fitted with 3+2
Seating and incorporate 3-point seatbelts.
Also joining the fleet are an additional pair of 57 seat Volvo coaches.
"The existing 57 seaters in the fleet are extremely popular, especially with
youth groups" explained Michael Wootten. "We believe it's important to offer
customers a choice of vehicle size and specification. I'm sure these latest high
capacity coaches will be well received."
70 Seats with
3-Point Seat Belts - A first for the Woottens fleet
New Coach Holiday
Brochure
Released - December 2006
Woottens latest selection of Coach Holidays are now on sale.
The brand new brochure for 2007 is full of wonderful holidays, which have been
carefully selected to ensure we continue to offer our usual high quality and
value for money.
Click Here to request your
own copy.
Eight New Coaches
Take to the Road - April 2006
Woottens latest new coaches took to the road in April for the
first time. The vehicles were collected by Woottens own staff from Plaxton's
Scarborough factory and have been extremely well received by customers old and
new.
The coaches were ordered last July and built to Woottens own
detailed specification. The order called for seven Volvo B12B / Plaxton Panthers
and was later increased to include a Volvo B7R / Plaxton Profile with 57 seats and
air conditioning.
Both the Panthers and Profile have been built to incorporate a number of DDA
requirements with the Panthers featuring a new wide entrance door recently
introduced by Plaxton.
Also included in the specification are 49/53 reclining seats with integral
headrests, courier seat, inertia reel seat belts, arm rests, foot rests,
WC / washroom, climate
controlled air conditioning, double glazed panoramic windows, cruise control,
ABS brakes, reversing cameras, stereo radio / PA / CD
player, refrigerator, large luggage capacity,
DVD / monitor,
hot drinks dispenser and carpets.
The Volvo B12Bs are powered by the 420bhp
engine with Volvo 12-speed I-Shift transmission - a first for Woottens who previously
standardised on the ZF Ecomat automatic gearbox for all new vehicles.
Registered YN06 MXR-Y, these vehicles look
set to become a common sight in the local area and beyond!
New Coaches In Build - February 2006
The latest batch of eight new coaches for the
growing Woottens fleet are nearing completion. Built to a unique specification,
the new coaches should enter service in April.
The photographs below were taken during a
factory visit in early February and show the vehicles at various stages of the
build process.
Eight New Coaches to Join Woottens - October
2005
Woottens have invested in seven new Volvo B12B / Plaxton Panthers
and one Volvo B7R / Plaxton Profile for delivery in
April
2006. The order was confirmed at Birmingham NEC during
Coach & Bus Live.
"A number of factors influenced our choice of vehicle" explained Michael
Wootten. "The Volvo chassis is well respected throughout the industry and
both the B12B
and B7R have proved to be
very robust and reliable models in a number of small and large fleets.
We have specified the 420bhp engine for the B12Bs, which is the most powerful unit in the range. This
will be coupled to the 12-speed automated Volvo I-shift transmission, which is gaining an
excellent reputation both at home and abroad".
"Having looked at a number of bodywork options, we were particularly impressed by
the quality and attention to detail demonstrated by the team at Plaxton. This coupled with
the amazing comfort and spacious design of the interior secured our
business".
The B12Bs will be 12.5 metres in length with 49 / 53 seats and demountable
toilets. All will be built to an identical high specification making them by far the most
impressive vehicles in the fleet. The B7R will be a
57 seater with air conditioning.
Credit Cards Welcome at Woottens - September
2005
Customers used their credit and debit cards at Woottens for the
first time this month.
"We are up and rolling with most major credit and debit
cards," Operations Manager Michael Wootten said. "Getting the system set up
didn’t take as long as we thought it would. We’ve had a lot of customers asking
for this system, so we put it in place."
Exciting New Short Breaks & Holidays Released
- January 2005
Following many months of detailed planning and preparation, Woottens latest selection
of short breaks and holidays are now on sale. Our popular programme has been extended for
2005 to include some new and exciting destinations. We are sure you will find something to
suit your taste!
Contact us for a copy of our latest colour leaflet.
Woottens
latest Short Break & Holiday leaflet - AVAILABLE NOW!
Unique Bus finds New Home - September 2004
The unique Suburban Express demonstration Leyland National, lovingly
cared-for by Woottens, has left the fleet for a new home in preservation.
RRM 148M has not been used commercially since
its restoration in 1995 and has won many awards for its outstanding condition. Michael
Wootten commented "It is regrettable that continued expansion at Woottens has left no
time to devote to preserved vehicles. Although it is sad to see this bus leave the fleet,
we are delighted to have found it an excellent new home. We wish John & Maureen Royle
every success with the continued preservation of this unique vehicle."
Woottens Olympian is a Winner - October 2003
A Leyland Olympian double-decker bus from the
Woottens
fleet was judged the best ex-National Bus Company vehicle at the Amersham & District
Bus Running Day.
Registered BBW 214Y, this Eastern Coach Works
bodied bus was new to City of Oxford Motor Services (Oxford South Midland) in 1982 and
spent over twenty years serving Oxford and the surrounding areas.
The vehicle joined Woottens in March 2003 and is now
used for school transport contracts in South Buckinghamshire.
BBW 214Y
- Best ex-National Bus Company Vehicle
Woottens Support Anti-Bullying Roadshow - September
2003
Woottens have been taking part in a unique presentation
to illustrate to young people that bullying is wrong.
The roadshow, organised by Dave Gauder and Chiltern Vale Police, began
with 'Big Dave' pulling a Woottens double-decker bus in front of a school
audience. He then met all the pupils and advised them to talk with school staff and
parents about bullying.
Dave's physical strength was a spectacle for the pupils and
Woottens
are proud to have played a part in making the roadshow such a success.
Strong man 'Big Dave' made light work of moving Woottens
double-decker!
Top Performance from Woottens
NEW
Euroriders - June 2003
Further new coaches for Woottens of Chesham are three
Beulas Stergo-bodied Iveco Euroriders. The latest coaches have been purchased for use on
Woottens
private hire and holiday operations.
The latest Euroriders each include 49/53 reclining seats with integral
headrests, courier seat, inertia reel seat belts, arm rests, WC / washroom, climate
controlled air conditioning, double glazed panoramic windows, cruise control, Webasto
heater with timer, ABS brakes, stereo radio / PA / CD / cassette player, dash-mounted
refrigerator, large luggage capacity, video/monitor, hot drinks dispenser and carpets. All
three coaches are also fitted with ZF fully automatic transmission, which is Woottens
standard choice for new vehicles
Operations Manager, Michael Wootten, is delighted with the new coaches
and said: "Following the excellent performance of our previous Beulas-bodied
Iveco Euroriders, we had no hesitation in placing a repeat order with Coach Europe. The
feedback received from both our staff and passengers has been extremely positive".
The new coaches are registered
FG03 JAU, FG03 JBU and FG03 JCU.
FG03 JAU,
FG03 JBU and FG03 JCU at Coach Europe PLC prior to entering service.
NEW Coach Joins Woottens
- January 2003
Woottens have placed their first Iveco Euromidi
/ Indcar Maxim 2 into service. Built to seat 29 passengers and registered
FE52 HFW, this midi-coach is part of a further fleet upgrade to
improve the quality of service the company offers to its clients.
The latest vehicle offers passengers big coach comfort from a 29 seat
vehicle. All seats are to standard full-size coach specification in terms of width,
recline and leg room. The vehicle is also fully air conditioned and benefits from air
suspension.
Operations manager, Michael Wootten commented, "The ability of
Indcar to offer a 29 seat coach body with big coach comfort was a major factor in our
decision to invest in this product. A recent visit to the Spanish Indcar factory together
with our wider experience of products from Iris Bus (Iveco), gives us further confidence
in the vehicle."
FE52 HFW parked at our Chesham depot.
Double Win For Woottens at Showbus - September 2002
Woottens have once again enjoyed success at the Showbus bus
& coach rally. The company is celebrating after winning two top awards at the event.
Standing out amongst the modern coaches on show was the company’s latest high
specification Volvo B12M / Jonckheere Millennium Mistral
FE02 FCC, which was judged Best
New Millennium Coach.
Also winning top honours was Michael Wootten’s preserved Leyland National
RRM 148M. This vehicle was awarded
the prestigious Leyland National Anniversary Award, marking the 30th
anniversary of the popular model.
Held annually for 30 years, Showbus is one of the biggest events of the year in the bus
and coach industry.
Winners! Leyland National RRM 148M and Volvo B12M /
Jonckheere FE02 FCC.
Further Modernisation At Woottens As Two
NEW Eurorider Coaches Join The Growing Fleet - September 2002
Joining Woottens from 1st September are two new Beulas
bodied Iveco Eurorider coaches.
Supplied by Coach Europe PLC, both coaches have been built to an extremely high
specification. Refinements include climate controlled air conditioning, inertia reel seat
belts, reclining seats with integral headrests, arm rests, double glazed panoramic
windows, ABS brakes with retarder, public address system, stereo radio / CD / cassette
player, refrigerator, courier seat, large luggage capacity, video and monitor, hot drinks
dispenser, WC and washroom. Both coaches are fitted with ZF fully automatic transmission,
which is Woottens standard choice for new vehicles.
Operations Manager, Michael Wootten, is pleased by the amount of praise a previously
delivered Iveco Eurorider coach has attracted from customers and went on to say
"Our
customers deserve and expect the highest of standards. These new coaches are just
part of a continuing phase of investment which will act to further improve the quality of
service we provide. Following the excellent performance of our original Iveco Eurorider
coach delivered two years ago, we had no hesitation in returning to Coach Europe to place
a further order".
The new coaches are registered
FN52 GVE and FN52 GVF.
Woottens new Euroriders seen prior to entering service. Also
visible is the original example, which joined the fleet two years ago.
The new coaches were handed over to
Michael
Wootten by Tony Harvey of Coach Europe PLC.
NEW Generation Of Volvo Coaches
Join Woottens - June 2002
Woottens have once again invested in brand new vehicles to
maintain the high standards for which the company has become renowned.
The new coaches are the very latest models on offer from Volvo Bus and were ordered by
Woottens
earlier this year. The first vehicle to arrive was Volvo B12M / Jonckheere Millennium
Mistral FE02 FCC which has been built to an extremely high
specification for the executive class. This coach has a claim
to fame in being the first new shape Jonckheere bodied Volvo B12M to be registered in the
UK.
Joining the Volvo B12M is a Volvo B7R / Jonckheere Modulo C57F
FE02 FCA. This vehicle is fully air
conditioned and wheelchair accessible - the first coach of its type to be
operated by Woottens. The Volvo B7R has attracted much interest in being
the first Jonckheere bodied version in the UK to be wheelchair accessible.
Both new coaches are fitted with ZF fully automatic transmission, which the company
plans to make standard for all new vehicles.
Volvo B12M / Jonckheere Millennium Mistral
FE02 FCC was
handed over to Michael Wootten by Nick Haines of
Volvo Coach Sales.
NEW Coach Joins Woottens
Growing Fleet - August 2000
Woottens first brand new coach has joined the growing fleet in the
shape of an Iveco Eurorider with bodywork by Beulas. Built to a high specification for
Woottens the new vehicle boasts many comfort and safety features and will be used on a
wide range of work throughout the UK and Europe.
Included in the specification is air conditioning with full climate control, hot drinks
machine, monitor and video, fridge and Webasto heating. Operations Manager, Michael
Wootten, commented "we have chosen an extremely high specification for this vehicle
which we envisage operating premium day hires and tour work. When selecting the
Eurorider chassis we know we are investing in a quality product and the Iveco / Beulas
combination is well proven both here in England and throughout Europe".
The new vehicle was delivered in September and won an award for
'Best Vehicle
of the New Millennium' at Showbus 2000.
New Industry Leading Computer System Installed - February
2000
A new computer system has been installed at Woottens head office by
Distinctive Systems of York.
The software is used by several leading coach operators and will further improve the
level of service offered to customers both old and new.
News Of Woottens New Depot Hits Local Press - November 1999
News of Woottens move to the former depot of Rover Luxury Travel
(Chesham, Bucks) was reported by the Bucks Examiner on Friday November 5th, 1999.
Click Here to read the article.
Executive Class Launched - October 1999
Woottens have once again invested heavily in new vehicles to offer
customers a new Executive Class.
Following repeated requests from customers the time had come for
Woottens
to offer a whole host of new facilities to their fleet.
All Executive Class vehicles feature an amazing level of
equipment which includes air conditioning, TV/Video, hot & cold drink facilities and
toilet / washrooms to name but few.
Operations Manager Michael Wootten is delighted with the praise the new class of
vehicle has attracted from customers both old and new and commented "If customers
desire such facilities I believe we have a duty to provide them. We spent a great
deal of time looking at vehicles from different manufacturers which would go beyond our
customers expectations and are delighted with the positive response."
In keeping with other recent purchases, Woottens have remained loyal to
Volvo for the chassis part but selected
Plaxton bodywork for the first time.
New Depot For Woottens - August 1999
Woottens have announced that following successful
negotiations with Mr. J. R. Dell, former proprietor of Chesham based Rover Luxury
Travel, they will commence business from the former Rover Luxury Travel coach
depot on the 24th August 1999.
Operations Manager, Michael Wootten, commented "Increased
facilities at the Chesham premises will allow us to make further improvements to the
quality of service we offer our clients. The retirement of Mr Dell and subsequent
closure of Rover Luxury Travel in July, left a gap in the local coach hire market which we
hope to fill. Clearly a market exists in Chesham for a quality coach operation and
we shall be taking further steps in the coming months to ensure we are best placed to fill
it. We are extremely fortunate to have built up a large base of loyal customers
without whom none of this would be possible."
Rover's
Former Yard Now Occupied By Woottens
Woottens Join CPT - June 1999
Woottens have joined the Confederation of
Passenger Transport (CPT).
Formed on 20 April 1994, CPT is a recognised voice of the passenger transport industry
and is the focus for consultation and negotiation on national and international
legislation, local regulations, operational practices and engineering standards. It
is also the industry's main link with the media and is regularly approached for opinions
and facts.
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