The Final Journey...

[TimBrown]

There are normally a few bus photographers in and around Worcester on Saturdays, so if anyone is taking photos on this Saturday coming (5th January 2019) I am on the look out for photos of the 14:05 Service 363 to Tewkesbury, or the return journey at 15:05.

If anyone is able to share on this forum it will be greatly appreciated. I would normally do it myself but I will be driving said service, and as this will be my last journey for First it think it would be nice to have a memento or two from my last day.

Thanks in advance,

Adam.

This is the transport on 'the ramp' in Crowngate bus station awaiting the last trip for our leader with First Bus at Worcester.

05 January 2019 Worcester 102.JPG

At Upton-upon-Severn on the outward journey to Tewkesbury.

05 January 2019 Upton 120.JPG

At Tewkesbury, the Crescent terminus, waiting time for the return journey to Worcester.

05 January 2019 Tewkesbury 122.JPG

Guess who this is!

05 January 2019 Tewkesbury 124.JPG

05 January 2019 Tewkesbury 127.JPG

The last part of the turn upon arrival back in Worcester, after an interesting scenic ride through our local countryside..

05 January 2019 Worcester 128.JPG

[willr7]

Fantastic photos Tim and A nice memento for Adam too! Good luck again Adam!

[Nikel Mendes]

Wide angle at Tewkesbury
Upton (can't figure any captions to add)
Start of the last joruney at Worcester Crowngate bus station

[JustinTyme]

Best of luck, Adam, in whatever you decide to do in the future and many thanks for all you have done for this website. Your 'insider' knowledge has been of tremendous interest and helped make the forum what it is.

Seconded ! !

Thirded! Pleased to see the good photos of the event.

[MattW]

Excellent photos guys. A worthy memento!
Fortunately I was able to get out for this important working - I really ought to do more bus photography generally rather than concentrating on trains. And my old favourite 66691 too!


Heading away from Rhydd Close


Hanley Swan


Welland


Ryall with my faithful chase car - obviously at all times I kept to the speed limit


Tewkesbury - the end of the line!


Upton on the return - I did take some more after this, but it had got a bit dark by then.


All the very best with your new adventure mate. You'll be an asset wherever you go!

[bringstybeast]

That tie looks quite nice and subtle without the maroon blazer and waistcoat All the best

[TimBrown]

Wide angle at Tewkesbury

That is a very clever wide angle shot with a Stagecoach single-decker in the background at Tewkesbury!

[TimBrown]

Excellent photos guys. A worthy memento!
Fortunately I was able to get out for this important working - I really ought to do more bus photography generally rather than concentrating on trains. And my old favourite 66691 too!

All the very best with your new adventure mate. You'll be an asset wherever you go!

An interesting afternoon, and some excellent pictures Matt - I particularly like the rear of 66691 at The Crescent with Tewkesbury Abbey as the backdrop, didn't realise you had taken that picture at Upton on the return either; a good record of a memorable day.

At Upton on the outward journey an elderly couple (probably ten years younger than me!) asked if we had a film star driving with all the photographic attention. I spilled the beans, so hope they were complimentary when they spoke to Adam as they alighted at Tewkesbury.

[AdamH]

So, it's the morning after.

I didn't post last night because I was being distracted by a number of my former work mates buying me drinks in a pub. As a professional driver I rarely drink so this morning I find myself with a bit of a hangover!

The final journey yesterday got a little bit emotional. All passengers plus a few enthusiasts were loaded up in good time leaving me with a few minutes of reflection on the stand before departure, and as a result I had tears rolling down my face as I pulled out of the bus station for the last time. I had just about managed to sort myself out when I spotted MattW at the side of the road with a camera, and that set me off again. Then again as the passengers started wishing me luck as they were getting off. Although I was a bit taken aback when one wished me a happy retirement...

The return journey was operated without the addition of waterworks as by this time the photos had been taken and in my mind it was all over and I just wanted to get to the pub. The bus was scheduled to stop in Crowngate for another driver to work a Rugby service, but as that had been quite busy they had already found a double-deck to do the job and I was asked to take it to the depot for one last run in. With my goodbyes said to the duty engineer it was all over.

A big "thank you" to everyone for yesterday. I have lost count of all the messages I have received on here, by text, on Facebook, by phone and in person. I never knew I had so many friends! Thank you all

[MattW]

A big "thank you" to everyone for yesterday. I have lost count of all the messages I have received on here, by text, on Facebook, by phone and in person. I never knew I had so many friends! Thank you all

It's times like this when you realise mate.
For my own part I had a great day, good to see some people I'd not seen for some considerable time too.
I'll get the pictures together for the next time I see you, feel free to harvest any I've posted in the meantime.