Midland Branch visit to South Yorkshire

18 July 2015

We regret that this visit did not take place

We regret that this visit did not take place

We regret that this visit did not take place.  Here is a message from our Chairman: -

"I must refer to the sad events of 18 July and use this opportunity to offer my sincere apologies to all members, be you Midland or North Western and Yorkshire, who were booked to join us on that day.

Unfortunately our booked driver went sick on the morning, and this was not detected until members waiting in Birmingham rang us to advise that the bus had failed to show up. The operator appeared to be unaware of this failure, and was unable to organise a replacement at that late stage. I have written in the strongest terms to the operator, reminding them of the serious inconvenience caused to our party. At the time of writing, I have received no written communication from them. Many thanks go to Jim Froggatt who did his utmost on the day to advise as many members as possible of this unfortunate failure.

It was apparent on the day that our own internal communication system needed review, and at our last Committee meeting we resolved to return to specific booking forms for each trip with pick-up points and the leader on the day clearly identified. The operator will also have full details of the leader. Attempts to contact some members were frustrated by a lack of completed details on your booking form, and I must ask that in future you give us both your next-of-kin contact details AND the mobile phone number which you will be carrying on the day (with apologies to those who have not yet entered the mobile phone era!).

So renewed apologies to all and I hope that you were not too disappointed or inconvenienced."

We have still yet to hear from the operator, so other operators will be chosen for next year's visits programme.