May’s collapse of Specialist Leisure Group (SLG), parent company of National Holidays and Shearings Holidays among other businesses, shook the coach industry. But time spent with National Holidays in happier days is remembered fondly by Paul Ogilvie, a former tour driver at its Washington base.
Paul has been in the industry for many years, with his career starting in 1969 with Northern General Transport. The National Holidays name has its roots in the state-owned National Bus Group (NBC), and it was later resurrected by a privatised former NBC subsidiary.
“I had been a casual driver for National Holidays for many years, mainly doing weekend breaks,” says Paul. When he left another employer almost six years ago, he took the opportunity to do more work for the coach tour company, which took him all over the UK and into Ireland.
“If you enjoy meeting people and travelling, tour driving is a wonderful career. The places that I have seen and visited in the UK are amazing. Every tour has its specialty, but my favourite places have been the Isle of Wight and southern Ireland.
“Both are very coach friendly, which is a big help, and they offer much for visitors. They each have stunning scenery and traffic flows are minimal, so you can take in the many views.”
Paul’s final experience of National Holidays was back at its Washington base. It was full of coaches, all of them ready for the next stage in their lives after parent company SLG entered administration. It was a sad sight, he says.
“With vehicles being of the Mercedes-Benz and Setra brands it was easy to become familiar with them, and regular customers knew the layout. Our base at Washington had full facilities, including for annual testing. The coaches have all had a good owner and they were well maintained. They are ready to roll onto their next home.”
At 66 years of age Paul says that tour work “is definitely in my blood.” Depending on how the industry looks post-coronavirus COVID-19, he may well go back on the road at some point.
Many other former staff at National Holidays’ Washington base have already moved to bus work. An apprentice fitter has likewise transferred to a large bus operator. As with Paul, it is likely that they will remember their time with National Holidays fondly.
