David Ogden Holidays has reported a successful completion of the first tour it has operated since relaxation of movement restrictions that were brought about by the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
30 passengers travelled with the St Helens-based company on a five-day trip to West Looe in Cornwall that departed on Monday 13 July. Director David Ogden and his wife Joan were among them to ensure that all went well.
Almost four months’ lockdown for David Ogden Holidays
“Like many other coach operators, we had been in lockdown since 23 March. As we are predominantly a tour company running our own holidays throughout the UK and Europe, there has been little to look forward to for many months now,” says Mr Ogden.
He adds that relaxed ‘one metre plus’ restrictions have helped greatly with the recommencement of tours. The Portbyhan Hotel in West Looe “could not have been more helpful” and visits to Mevagissy, Padstow and Port Isaac all went well. The party was greeted by enthusiastic and appreciative locals and residents in each of those locations.
But in an indication that full recovery remains distant, the David Ogden Holidays VDL Futura FHD2 was the only coach in all the towns it visited. Mr Ogden adds that also being the sole coach at service stations was odd, particularly on the return trip when calling at Strensham on the M5. “We were the only coach there – unheard of on a sunny Friday lunchtime in July,” he says.
Motorway service station experiences were variable
Service station experiences were mixed. “Gloucester was very good and organised. Strensham seemed only to be interested in assisting passengers if they wanted a McDonald’s, although everything else was available.
“I was disappointed with Exeter services. It had closed the entrance for coach passengers, which caused some elderly customers to walk much further than was necessary.
“That was mentioned to staff on the outward journey, but it was the same come the return trip. We are all learning different ways, but consideration of coach passengers would be appreciated,” adds Mr Ogden.
Since the West Looe tour, the Merseyside operator has seen further coach holidays depart to Falmouth and Eastbourne respectively. That represents a welcome resumption of work, but the impact of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic is clear. July should have seen 35 departures for David Ogden; in practice, that number will be five.
Nevertheless, Mr Ogden is upbeat as the wheels finally start to turn again. “Hopefully, this is a start,” he says. “I can only thank all of my staff and loyal customers for their support.”
