StuRomseySaint Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 (edited) After running a few coaches to Wembley with 100% customer satisfaction ( take note Silverspoons ;-) ) , I have been thinking about the possiblilty of re-launching a supporters Independent travel club, but not like the ones previously done. These coaches will be aimed at blokes ( and girls ) who don't use the travel club for a number of reasons, alot of it being the polite 'family' atmosphere on the buses etc and the Bingo Bus culture. For the bigger games I would be looking at setting up coaches which: - Are Over 18's only. - Stop off at a pub at least 3 hours prior to kick-off. - 1 hour stop in a pub on the way home. - For Northern games packages including hotel stayovers. They will be run at the same or less cost as the travel club when on a like for like basis ( northern stopovers will be more ) What are peoples views? Would you use a more 'fashionable' coach travel? What would make you want to use this service? Edited 30 March, 2010 by StuRomseySaint Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_Porter Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 Would be a brilliant idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jawillwill Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 How many stops will there be along the way for people to get their faces painted if they want? Its hard to do it neatly when you're moving. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SimonRichards Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 Good idea stu. I know quite a few lads who would be interested. Keep us posted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swannymere Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 I was with you until you typed 'fashionable' at that point i realised you're just another slightly more 'street' happy-clapper. Now, if you provided a coach with a completely black interior, no lighting, uncomfortable seating, death metal and the threat of violence if you look like you're enjoying yourself i'd be right up for it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintchris23 Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 Sounds interesting........especially if you collect from Hedge End! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint.tom.clancy Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 Yeah I think this is a great idea, plenty of people would be up for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dog Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 Will there be midget porn showing on the in-coach tv? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissyboy31 Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 How many stops will there be along the way for people to get their faces painted if they want? Its hard to do it neatly when you're moving. Don't worry! Stu will take a professional make-up artist, with a steady hand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graffito Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 Can we bring our flags on the coach? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuRomseySaint Posted 30 March, 2010 Author Share Posted 30 March, 2010 Will there be midget porn showing on the in-coach tv? Yes, porn will be acceptable as a choice of viewing on the way to the game. Infact anything within the law goes... :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaintSi Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 Definitely mate, especially after sundays successful trip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dune Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 You can sometimes push your luck. The more coaches you organise the more chance somethings going to go wrong (especially with the clientel you are aiming at). And as the organiser you'll be responsible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
This Charming Man Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 No colours, lads only. If you refuse to enforce those rules, it will soon become over-run with gimps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuRomseySaint Posted 30 March, 2010 Author Share Posted 30 March, 2010 No colours, lads only. If you refuse to enforce those rules, it will soon become over-run with gimps. Coach 1 was like that on Sunday. Proper bus... 53 people on board and not a Saints shirt / Facepaint in sight. Got some funny looks from Saints fans wondering who the fook we were supporting when driving in and out of Wemberrrrrrrrrley. Probably too harsh a rule to enforce on this service though... although anyone in facepaints will be left at a service station on the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draino76 Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 Very very good idea Stu. How about a stop in London for the Northern games? Or shall I organise it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toomer Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 No colours, lads only. If you refuse to enforce those rules, it will soon become over-run with gimps. No colours, lads only reminds of coaches from back in the day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaintSi Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 Coach 1 was like that on Sunday. Proper bus... 53 people on board and not a Saints shirt / Facepaint in sight. Got some funny looks from Saints fans wondering who the fook we were supporting when driving in and out of Wemberrrrrrrrrley. Probably too harsh a rule to enforce on this service though... although anyone in facepaints will be left at a service station on the way. Just do a "coach 1" everytime mate. Then have more relaxed rules on the others. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saints_is_the_south Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 Good idea, would certainly be interested for northern away games where the cost of a train is just too much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paris Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 Ahh back in the day ...leaving from the Painted Wagon interesting friendly types only ...... No colours, lads only reminds of coaches from back in the day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benjii Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 Would we have to listen to Kasabian? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niceandfriendly Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 Could we get Stone Island onboard as a sponsor? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lance Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 personally I would sooner travel without an itinery with a group of mates on transport with toilet facilities cos 'the organiser saw more profit to be made on buses without loos'. Bit shallow putting that on a thread yesterday imo. Think there is a certain someone who people should look at who organised the whole day for 30+ lads without making a bean in profit and was humbled at a collection we done for him, and has sone it event after event. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuRomseySaint Posted 30 March, 2010 Author Share Posted 30 March, 2010 Could we get Stone Island onboard as a sponsor? With all respect, I am not proposing a 'casuals' bus... this is a serious thread about a serious subject and putting the idea of an adults only travel club for people who do not enjoy the family atmosphere of the Bingo Bus. Although some people on here won't realise it, there is a very large proportion of Saints fans who want to go and have a few pints before and after and do not want to spend their day with children and pensioners ( no disrespect ) . And that is probably one of the main reasons people do not use the travel club. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torres Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 Think there is a certain someone who people should look at who organised the whole day for 30+ lads without making a bean in profit and was humbled at a collection we done for him, and has sone it event after event. That collection was really appreciated, cheers mate :smt023 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuRomseySaint Posted 30 March, 2010 Author Share Posted 30 March, 2010 (edited) personally I would sooner travel without an itinery with a group of mates on transport with toilet facilities cos 'the organiser saw more profit to be made on buses without loos'. Bit shallow putting that on a thread yesterday imo. Think there is a certain someone who people should look at who organised the whole day for 30+ lads without making a bean in profit and was humbled at a collection we done for him, and has sone it event after event. That was a joke and a little touch of sarcasm Lance... they were the only coaches available. Travel Club snapped up all of the with toilets in the area ( as it's part of there t's and c's ) . I have stated a few times on here that there was £60 made on the first coach, with respect mate... you try collecting £19 off 53 people... takes alot less hassle to charge £20. And it was £5 cheaper than the travel club. The spare money was used to tip the landlord of a certain pub for him to open up before departure, but the police found out and put a stop to it, for the record. So... I didnt actually make a bean out of my mates... if thats what you are saying. The other coaches wasn't close mates and the only reason I put it on was because I got such a good price on it... bloody right I should as well! I would never rip off mates... but won't think twice about making money out of fellow Saints fans, and not even slightly ashamed to say that. And... it's not ripping anyone off when the coaches were £5 cheaper than the so-called 'non for profit' Travel Club! Also remember I didnt have 30 lads to organise a day for... I had 150!!! I was going to message you about DJ'ing at a function... can I assume now your cost will be free mate? ;-) Edited 30 March, 2010 by StuRomseySaint Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Durleyfos Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 If someone can be arsed to put themselves out by organising a coach for an awayday, I wouldn't begrudge the organiser a couple of quid in his pocket for the hassle. I've organised stag do's on occasions, and trying to round up everyones money is a flippin nightmare. Fair play to Stu, I say. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuRomseySaint Posted 30 March, 2010 Author Share Posted 30 March, 2010 If someone can be arsed to put themselves out by organising a coach for an awayday, I wouldn't begrudge the organiser a couple of quid in his pocket for the hassle. I've organised stag do's on occasions, and trying to round up everyones money is a flippin nightmare. Fair play to Stu, I say. Nightmare is not the word... I was still owed over £400 on the day when I had paid for both coaches out of my own pocket 2 weeks before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustMike Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 good idea SRS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 Coach 1 was like that on Sunday. Proper bus... 53 people on board and not a Saints shirt / Facepaint in sight. Got some funny looks from Saints fans wondering who the fook we were supporting when driving in and out of Wemberrrrrrrrrley. Probably too harsh a rule to enforce on this service though... although anyone in facepaints will be left at a service station on the way. I would imagine the drawing of pen15es on the face of anyone who falls asleep during the journey and/or bundling will be compulsory though ? All journeys to take in a tour of discount retail outlets for the purchasing of casual gear and shiny white trainers ? Discount on future trips for anyone with photographic evidence of writing their name on a toilet door in felt pen ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldsarum Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 Nightmare is not the word... I was still owed over £400 on the day when I had paid for both coaches out of my own pocket 2 weeks before. I started going on Independant coaches back in the late 70's when they were run by Rolly and Bernie Watts, later to be taken over by Clive Foley. These trips were great fun and still see many o those who travelled on those trips at games today, including Sam Vokes Dad Tim, Nick Ilingsworth and many others. Trips to Blackpool 2 coaches where we arrived at 8am on morning of the game, Anderlecht (2 or 3 coaches), Limerick will live long in the memory. Later back in the early eighties I arranged with a mate transit vans or coaches from Salisbury to most away games including coaches to Pompey, Blackburn, Sheff Weds x 2 and Everton x 2 Semi-Final. In 2003 cup run organised 3 mini buses to semi final and 5 to Final. Like you Stuart, I organised pubs to stop on route and on way back form games, on way to Villa Park semi we got near Gloucester a pub to open early for us to have breakfast on way to game. It's hard work to organise such travel and your constantly let down by people but very satisfying when it goes well as it did for you on sunday Stu, and if you make a little for your hard work you certainly deserve it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the mick channon windmill Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 i used to travel on foleys coach and they were always good days out, it was good to be able to leave earlier so you could have a few beers. There was no real alternative when he stopped, i went on a coach that was organised by steve grant i think (i could well be wrong there). Used to pick up in shirley and a few other stops around southampton, had a flag at the back saying the 12th man. Anyway that was ok and used to leave early to allow a decent amount of drinking time upon arrival but wasnt in the same league as foleys though. Not sure whatever happened to this coach but i dont think its running anymore. I think there is definetely a demand for a coach service like you are suggesting. A lot of fans travel by minibus, car or train who would be interested im sure. Its likely saints away support will continue to grow with the exciting football we are playing so there will be a market. Ive organised a few minibuses myself over the years and i know how frustrating it can be when people let you down, which will happen but the days out ive had with saints on away days have been the best days ive ever had. Good luck with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuRomseySaint Posted 30 March, 2010 Author Share Posted 30 March, 2010 I think half the problem is the police why people don't do it nowadays. The powers they have now effectively push you around wherever they want, regardless of whether you are likely to cause trouble or not. This could mean that you could end up selling tickets promising pub stops here and there and the police could escort you to and from the stadium, and effectively ruin your day. Swansea away last season ( maybe season before ) for example... our minibus was stopped on the motorway and escorted all the way to the stadium, where we were locked in a cage 1 hour before the turnstiles opened, and locked in after and escorted out again... for no reason other than it was lads on a minibus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 for no reason other than it was lads on a minibus.... going to football. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Helped you out with the important bit of the sentence there. Going anywhere else and you're fine, though I'm not sure the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) 1985 is what gives the search right - that's a more recent clause. http://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/operations_and_initiatives/football/alcohol.aspx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docker-p Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 No Face paint, no wigs, no under 18s, no mexican wave up one side of the bus and down the other and i would be interested. Since the demise of the monster coach going to away games always on the train, except for a pub coach last weekend, has become bloody expensive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_Porter Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 http://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/operations_and_initiatives/football/alcohol.aspx Talk about overkill! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 Ah, found it : http://www.urban75.org/football/football-section-27.html Section 27 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006. Knew there was something recent-ish. And a big steamy pile of balls it is, too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 And here's your link to do something about it : http://www.fsf.org.uk/campaigns/Watching-football-is-not-a-crime.php Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Southampton Rover Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 No Face paint, no wigs, no under 18s, no mexican wave up one side of the bus and down the other and i would be interested. Phew, at least we can wear our hats with bells on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deano6 Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 Whats wrong with colours? I thought Wembley looked fantastic on Sunday. Imagine the whole stadium full of browns and greys, with a few burberry caps floating around. How depressing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
forever a red and white Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 I think half the problem is the police why people don't do it nowadays. The powers they have now effectively push you around wherever they want, regardless of whether you are likely to cause trouble or not. This could mean that you could end up selling tickets promising pub stops here and there and the police could escort you to and from the stadium, and effectively ruin your day. Swansea away last season ( maybe season before ) for example... our minibus was stopped on the motorway and escorted all the way to the stadium, where we were locked in a cage 1 hour before the turnstiles opened, and locked in after and escorted out again... for no reason other than it was lads on a minibus. TBF they have had a lot of trouble at Swansea in recent seasons. The same thing happened with trains as well, bus escorted back to station from stadium using special road. It can be a little over the top but at the end of the day, police are just doing their job, as far as they are concerened people drinking are more likely to cause trouble becasue of the effects. Annoying as it might be its just common sense. The idea is good but always good to run it by relevant authoritiers and police to see how viable, otherwise you may find more days ruined. Like the idea, different atmosphere good. but whoever suggested can;t wear a saints shirt, why the fook not? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebel Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 Careful - you don't want to do anything for other Saints fans - at a profit or not - or you'll get StuRomseySaint going on and on at you for being a communist or a fifth columnist or something like that! Oh wait - this is StuRomseySaint organising it - so that's alright then!!! For the lads - and a few dollars more! On the serious side it's good to give Saints fans an alternative to the Travel Club, trains or their own car! The fact it's Stu doing it is just pure irony! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LA77 Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 Careful - you don't want to do anything for other Saints fans - at a profit or not - or you'll get StuRomseySaint going on and on at you for being a communist or a fifth columnist or something like that! Oh wait - this is StuRomseySaint organising it - so that's alright then!!! For the lads - and a few dollars more! On the serious side it's good to give Saints fans an alternative to the Travel Club, trains or their own car! The fact it's Stu doing it is just pure irony! But he run coaches charging 20 quid a seat. Where is the irony? He didn't promote it to be any more than a coach trip + a pub stop. Unlike the other rip off merchants. If we get to wembley again I wonder who the fans would trust if a trip was arranged. Illingsworth and his cronies or a simple coach/pub trip for 20 notes? No brainer imo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuRomseySaint Posted 30 March, 2010 Author Share Posted 30 March, 2010 Careful - you don't want to do anything for other Saints fans - at a profit or not - or you'll get StuRomseySaint going on and on at you for being a communist or a fifth columnist or something like that! Oh wait - this is StuRomseySaint organising it - so that's alright then!!! For the lads - and a few dollars more! On the serious side it's good to give Saints fans an alternative to the Travel Club, trains or their own car! The fact it's Stu doing it is just pure irony! Big difference... I have not once stated that I am doing it for the fans ala Saints Trust, I won't be releasing details in the local press, I won't be setting up any organisation nor will I be doing interviews for the Echo... I see it as a gap in the market... I think I have made it quite clear that my motivation for doing it is not to be some sort of saviour, and also, on all of your Saints Trust threads haven't I said that you don't need to be part of an organisation to organise things like this for fans... guess what... I done it. Got 150 people to Wembley and back, all loved their day, not a bad word said ( and all knew I was making a few quid ). Now to get 150 people to Wembley and back I didn't need to go and meet the board, I didnt have to speak to the Echo, I didn't start up an organisation and make myself Chairman. Just goes to show what I always said... you don't need Saints Trust, TSA or any other organisation to achieve things. So.... I am lost on the irony. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petersfield Saint Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 Great idea Stu, I'd be interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuRomseySaint Posted 30 March, 2010 Author Share Posted 30 March, 2010 But he run coaches charging 20 quid a seat. Where is the irony? He didn't promote it to be any more than a coach trip + a pub stop. Unlike the other rip off merchants. If we get to wembley again I wonder who the fans would trust if a trip was arranged. Illingsworth and his cronies or a simple coach/pub trip for 20 notes? No brainer imo If by some miracle we get to the play-offs... then I will be running 10 coaches from various locations to the Green Man this time. Already emailed the landlord to confirm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LA77 Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 If by some miracle we get to the play-offs... then I will be running 10 coaches from various locations to the Green Man this time. Already emailed the landlord to confirm. well, I might be interested and i'd let my mates know. I don't drink, so I was happy to drive to Hillingdon and tube it in, and watch the others I was with have a beer. Friends and family fell for that silverspoons rip off (including me ffs) but never again. On another note (seeing as this is my last of my 3 posts) I have Emailed the COYR with a complaint about the 'spoons debacle and I urge all other Saints fans that feel ripped off to do the same. The more people that complain the better. I have received a reply saying they'll get back to me within 7 days. I'm sure the Echo would like the fans feedback: considering they were selling the event last week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baj Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 I wouldnt partake myself, mainly because I dont like people very much. But I think anyone organising and providing such a service deserves a pat on the back, well done Stu. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RonManager Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 I wouldnt partake myself, mainly because I dont like people very much. What'd we do?:smt102 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dickyhale Posted 30 March, 2010 Share Posted 30 March, 2010 good idea make sure you got access for the wheel chairs. We would book with you cheesrs Dicky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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