BABUS Newsletter 39 (Spring 2019) and 2019/2020 Membership Renewals

Hello everyone,

We have today published our Spring 2019 Newsletter. You can download this now as a PDF via http://www.babus.org.uk/newsletters/BABUS%20Newsletter%2039%202nd%20draft.pdf
or the Interactive Edition at https://issuu.com/suzyscott/docs/babus_newsletter_39_2nd_draft

For those of you who are due membership renewals, a pink renewal form will come out in due course. BUT if you’d like to print a copy now, click here; http://www.babus.org.uk/newsletters/BABUS%20Pink%20%20Form%20Renewal%20Notice%202019%202020.pdf  or renew online via http://www.babus.bigcartel.com/

Ms Suzy Scott
Communications Officer (standing down after AGM after ten years)

Later news has come in to me today that Simon Norton’s funeral will be on Sunday 24th February at Golders Green Crematorium, Hoop Lane (London for those on DABF) at 11.00am.
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I was really surprised and shocked to here the news of Simon’s passing. I knew he had missed the last BABUS committee meeting because of cold weather because of his knees, but I simply put this down to partially getting older, and partially other ongoing life-long health conditions. I genuinely had no idea he had a hear condition, but this may have been a sudden/undiagnosed thing.
I first heard of Simon via his Campaign for Better Transport/Transport 2000 Cambs and Suffolk branch I think it was, and when I joined BABUS in 2009, he’d heard of my work on the Forum now known as ATVBF. It had been mentioned that they were looking for a website person, having been left the lurch by their previous person. Subsequently I expanded my role with BABUS, and have currently done ten years this month IIRC.
It’s clear that we didn’t always see eye to eye, but we did 9 times out of 10 – but he still respected and supported everyone around him. Just like most local councillors or trade unions, I kind of supported most of his throughs, even if there were a few that might seem to be more unsuitable.
Following the launching of his biography of sorts (The Genius In My Basement), I kinda liked and respected him even more. Without trying to make this all about me, I see certain aspects of his personality are like me (early start late finish, distributing information in person) – and some of his other aspects (hygiene etc.) might be more like the old me than the new me. But I’m sad to say, no matter how many bumps in the road over the years we’ve known each other, that I have truly lost a friend.

I have been sorry to learn of the death, on 14 February, of Simon Norton who was Treasurer and Membership Secretary of BABUS for many years.

John Yunnie
Chairman, BABUS (2009-10)

[quote au"thor=John Yunnie link=topic=717.msg2072#msg2072 date=1545682039]
Interesting to see the use of "A" and "B" numbers.  Here on the Isle of Wight we have three major routes (1,7 and 9) that split and go completely different ways for part of the journey.  Our Bus and Rail Users' Group has been pressing Southern Vectis for a long time to distinguish between the differences by use of 1A, 7A and 9A but are constantly told that to do so would be old fashioned and is unnecessary.
[/quote]

But then Stagecoach East don't bother with more than a couple of busway "numbers"....

Interesting to see the use of "A" and "B" numbers.  Here on the Isle of Wight we have three major routes (1,7 and 9) that split and go completely different ways for part of the journey.  Our Bus and Rail Users' Group has been pressing Southern Vectis for a long time to distinguish between the differences by use of 1A, 7A and 9A but are constantly told that to do so would be old fashioned and is unnecessary.

These changes, from 30 Dec, have been well-publicised through the Stagecoach website but there may be potential for confusion among some passengers.

71 is replaced by 9B and serves Haynes, Henlow Village then Henlow Camp. 72 is replaced by 9A and serves Arlesey, Some bus stops along the routes show new timetables. Most bus stop flags now show '9' rather than 71 or 72 or 71,72 but not 9A or 9B. 9 runs only between Bedford and Shortstown. Bus stop flags between Shortstown and Hitchin do not distinguish between 9A and 9B where the routes diverge. 9A and 9B will run via Elstow Road and Mile Road and will not serve London Road but will serve New Cardington. On 17 Dec the bus stops along London Road showed 71,72 replaced by 9. By 19 Dec the 9 had been covered by white tape.

The first morning Hitchin-bound 71 service is due at Henlow Camp at 07.23 which is ideal for civilian staff who start work at 07.30. The first 9B service is not due at Henlow Camp until 07.37.

Further to the last message about the Newsletter, the interactive link is incorrect… but the correct one is at https://issuu.com/suzyscott/docs/babus_newsletter_37_final.

BABUS Newsletter 37 is now ready!

Newsletter 37 (Autumn/early Winter 2018) has been published today, and this includes our AGM 2018 notice. You can download the PDF from http://babus.org.uk/newsletters/BABUS%20Newsletter%2037%20final..pdf or view the Interactive version at https://issuu.com/suzyscott/docs/babus_newsletter_37_final   

If you receive a hard copy, this will follow later on.  Please see Page 4 for important changes about how these are being distributed.
 
Kind regards,
Ms Suzy Scott
BABUS Communications Officer

In reply to the comments that Peter makes, the problem stems from the fact that the vehicles that operate the No 6 route to Brickhill also operate the No 5 to Elms Farm. Therefore, if a bus on the No 5 is delayed incoming to the Town Centre then it will run late when it operates the No 6. This is also the case vice versa.

Bedford Area Bus Users Society

Newsletter 36 (Summer 2018) has been published today, and this includes our AGM 2018 notice. You can download the PDF from http://babus.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/BABUS-Newsletter-36-final-1.pdf or view the Interactive version at https://issuu.com/suzyscott/docs/babus_newsletter_36_final

Our Annual General Meeting for 2018 will be held at Bedford Central Library on Saturday 7th July 2018. The AGM papers are in the centre pull-out section of the Newsletter, and can also be downloaded from the 2018 Annual General Meeting pages of our website (which will be uploaded later today).

In accordance with our Constitution, everyone will get a copy of the Newsletter/AGM papers, and a pink form to complete for Membership Renewals and GDPR consent. These are likely to be completed and posted out over the weekend of 23rd and 24th June 2018.
This is also the time of the year when almost everyone will be due membership for 2018/2019 – contact Simon Norton if unsure about anything to do with Membership Renewals and GDPR). This year, we also require some consent for us to contact you, in relation to GDPR. When you receive it (or see our main site for a PDF) please follow the steps on it carefully.

You can renew or join online right now (or once – just visit www.babus.bigcartel.com to pay by PayPal or Credit/Debit card. If you are due more than one year, simply add the relevant subscription to your cart as many times as you need (2,3,4 etc.) – we know what you mean!
Kind regards,
Mrs Suzy Scott
BABUS Communications Officer