As an owner operator of a single minicoach, I take pride and care in every trip I make, as does every other operator I have met.
I have always been concerned about the ultimate disaster – a breakdown – and found myself in that unfortunate situation recently, with a full load of passengers on board.
I am a proud member of the CPT and subscribe to Don't Travel Empty who worked tremendously well and I was offered no less than three offers of assistance in a very short space of time. To me this is lifesaving and confirms the need to be a part of these worthy options.
On this occasion though, and the reason for this letter, it’s as much for me to realise that this industry of ours is built solidly on people: People you know, people who know people, and people who offer support in the hour of need.
I also rang a reliable and very well-known industry colleague and friend Scott Campbell from Keiths Coaches. After telling him of my plight, he not only came and brought me a replacement vehicle but insisted on staying with my broken coach awaiting recovery. One call and this man took four hours out of his Saturday morning to help me.
Our industry needs to know the tireless and selfless work of people such as Scott do. He didn't have to answer his phone, he didn't have to stay with my troublesome coach, he didn't even have to offer to stay with it awaiting recovery – but he did.
Scott is typical of many people within this great industry who do what they do because they love what they do, and it makes me fortunate to be able to know people like him.
Thank you Scott Campbell for doing what you do.
Dave Liddle, Liddles of Tyneside
