Exercise for all

 

Whenever I need to reflect on life for 45 years I have biked in the outdoors. Living in the South East makes me smile,as we have sea and a capital city on our doorstep, as well as  the countryside,  all within a short distance.  Our lives are changing as technology advances, our lifestyles change at a speed that we struggle to keep up with.  For this reason, I  sometimes  need to step outside of the rat race and my bike riding helps me enjoy down-time. Nothing  beats the exhilaration of a muddy field or a rushing stream  on a summers day or even a frosty clear one.  I frequently, bike past colleagues on their bus routes. This gives a feel of community with work and rest time merged within one living space.

Whilst travelling  at St Pancreas I spotted The Peloton Bike company who have a pop-up    shop, they are advertising heavily on TV and Hollywood stars have signed up for a class in  their own homes (for the equivalent cost of a years Gym subscription).  There are many ways to strengthen your mind and refresh yourself for work.  What helps you? Maybe, look at the concept of virtual riding and does it have the same effect? I wonder one day in the not to distance future I will put on a virtual headset and cycle any where in the world.

I have set myself a few challenges this year. The first one will be via the Thames side path way which goes from Grays to Leigh on Sea  which is 37 miles. After that, I will complete the London to Southend 55 miles through beautiful countryside and finally I plan to cycle from Nottingham to  Southend via Cambridge over a 2 day trip ( if my wife lets me).

What goals will you set? What Challenge can you see yourself  attempting? Remember we only ever fail when we stop trying.

The 12 risks of xmas

Hi all,
         So much to do and so little time to do it! At this time of year everyone starts to take risks,  society goes into melt down and the risk factor of daily life can get overlooked.



As I am out and about, I am seeing people take risks that they probably wouldn't normally take. So far,  I have seen a parent and child rush across a busy road child in hand, hardly looking and with a pedestrian crossing only 30 m away.  In  most store  car parks I have taken to parking in the furthest corner possible, the blind reverses and broken wing mirrors are evidence of not taking care  or attention. Stop junctions have become  a law onto themselves, some drivers aren't even stopping merely joining the traffic.

 What can we do to avoid these daily challenges:

• Take time out from situations, step back and reflect upon events going on around you
• Use Psychology  - The Tortoise and the Hare analogy is a good example of this-remind me who gets to the finish line first
• Self reflect, self reflect and self reflect some more -  Doing the right safe behavior impacts on yourself and others
• Keep your eyes moving at all times, be it in the street walking or while driving, be alert to the risk of danger and lower your risk by being the first to react.

Above all enjoy Christmas relax and recharge the batteries.

Hadleigh Community Event

On Sunday 2nd of December, I have organised a winter walk and litter pick at the local nature reserve. Once again, working with  local stakeholders and Castle Point Council.  'The Westwood' is

literally, just around the corner from the bus depot.  This event  involves us volunteering as a team and giving 90 minutes  of our time on a Sunday morning (or whatever time you can spare). Our objective is to aim to put something back into the community which we serve, whilst enjoying a pleasant mornings walk through the woods.  For example, if you walk home this way or have friends and family who live in the community.  Or you might want to help the wildlife.  Sometimes when you give a little, you get more back.

 

The last time we actioned this it created a feel good factor, we collected over 6 sacks of plastic, had a mild healthy workout and chatted to locals about what we were doing.

 

We will provide PPE, equipment and bin bags. Put the date in your diary 2nd December between 9.30 am and 11am.

You will definitely need to wear wellies or walking boots. please wrap up warm!

 If you have any questions please speak to me via normal channels.

 

 

 

On Friday morning, I will be in Chelmsford from 5.00AM for the morning run out , we are holding a breakfast briefing based upon 'Winter Preparation' join me for a coffee and mince pie or simply grab an orange juice.

How family impacts us all

Recently, I have been thinking about family and work. They go hand in hand and have many similarities and comparisons. We spend almost an equal time at work, as we do with our own families. We give 100 % at home and we give an equal amount at work. I enjoy spending time with my family and in a similar measure I enjoy spending time with colleagues at work, chatting about the day or  relevant topics.

Ultimately


Our family is the most important aspect, we work for our family but equally work must protect us both financially and physically. One of my colleagues has a saying 'nobody gets injured on my watch'. I love this, he will do his upmost to make sure that all of his colleagues go home safe at the end of the day, back to their families.  For me this is 'making safety a personal core value', this comes from within, a desire to be 'supportive of each other'.
You are part of the team, it's a family. Remember throughout all of the dramas your team is there for you and you need to be there for them. You may work alone at times but without the wider team around you nothing can be achieved.
Think about how you treat others at work, do you treat them like a member of your family?

Autumn is here

Be Safe in Different Weather Conditions

Over the last week, it seems summer is finally fading, the temperature has dropped and the nights are starting to draw in.

 So it's hugely important that we use our skills, judgment and experience, as well as training to make sure we keep ourselves, our teams and others safe.

Other drivers may not be as well trained, courteous, or as sensible as you are!

 Autumn Leaves

 

When working around the depot, wet leaves can be as slippery as black ice.  The leaves may also cover road markings and traffic lines.

 

 

 
At this time of year the sun is rising and setting during later mornings with earlier evenings causing extra sun glare on wet roads. This can sometimes be temporary time blinding when you are driving.

 

 

 Key point:

Pay attention to traffic slowing down and don’t forget your sunglasses.

 

Finally when the weather finally deteriorates:

 

 

•  Frost can be a concern on the roads as well as your windshields.

• Take a few extra minutes to clear your windshield before heading out on the road.

• Also, watch for those bridges and overpasses; they may have ice accumulating on them already.

• Slow down when driving in foggy conditions. Do not use high beams as they will reflect back at you making driving even more difficult.

• Use your low beams and/or fog lights when required.  

School break,they think its all over It is now !



That time of year when the school year starts is finally here!

 

It is quite profound how much this effects the role of a driver. Some of us enjoy these busier periods and thrive on the 'buzz'; responding to the challenge and taking pride in being able to deliver a service in these conditions. Other colleagues may need some advice and support especially if they are new to the role of a driver.

 

1.  Prevention is better than cure. Avoiding unnecessary aggravation will minimize your stress.

2.  Acting in a confident manner is important. Confident people act in an assured assertive manner. 

3.   Avoid provocative gestures such as pointing.

4. Try to minimize the ‘audience effect’, especially with young males, the whole idea of ‘saving face’ and ‘losing face’, which makes resolving a conflict much harder.

5. Try to be aware of warning signs and think ahead.

 6. Try to make your behaviour proportionate to the provocation. If we ‘strongly react’ at the least sign of unruliness how are we going to signify that things have really ‘got out of order’?

7. Let management and colleagues know of any persistent problems on a route or trouble you think is brewing.
 

8. Be ‘professional’ rather than ‘official’.

 My youngest is changing schools and he probably won't be too sure about the routes and timetables at first. For many year 7's this could be their first time on a bus. let's show patience, if we do it right we may get a customer for life!
Secondly ,prepare mentally for the increase in traffic. If you do end up behind your time, don't rush to try to make the time up. Remember to think about the most valuable cargo, your passengers. 'Get the bigger picture' it's more important to get everybody from A to B safely, than to take a risk and save a few seconds.

Have a great week everyone
  

 

Recharge the batteries

Annual leave gives us all a chance to recharge our batteries and get some quality family time. We all  need  time away from work to create a work life balance. Too much time at work and you risk a burn out, both physically and mentally - this is neither productive or helpful.

As well as annual leave, there are steps during the working week that can help keep us ticking over. Taking even 10 minutes away from inside a cab or from a desk environment provides a mini break which can have great value. Such as, thinking more clearly and feeling sharper and refreshed.

Weekend time -3 Children, 2 dogs and 1 wife!

 

So how else can we relax:

 

• Always go for a short break even if it's just up and down the bus
• Take lunch outside your depot or office, find a quiet spot
• At the weekend, choose a hobby that takes you into a positive mindset
• Complete crosswords and brain quizzes
• Read the book you have always promised yourself that you would read
• Walk to the shops instead of using the car
• Walk and enjoy the scenery
• Have a drink and read a paper
• Work in the garden
• Go for a bike ride
• Cook a nice meal
• Relax in the garden
• Turn off the mobile for 1 hour during the evening. 

 

•