I knew Simon Newman quite well – I worked for Charles Rickards Tours (CRT) in 1964-72 before moving to the National Bus Company (NBC) from 1972 to 1988.
I also knew Armchair Passenger Transport from the beginning, and in my early years of working with Rickards there was keen, but friendly, working between CRT and Armchair. Simon’s coaches were always maintained to a very high standard.
After I moved to NBC, in 1977 I moved home from Hounslow to Maidenhead (I think Simon lived in the town – memory fades), and I lived at Cox Green, on the west side of Maidenhead.
I was commuting to London Victoria either with Oxford’s 390, or Thames Valley/Alder Valley’s X12. I had free travel, but then passing my home was this new Armchair service. It cost money (although much less than the train), but ran from the end of my road to Hyde Park Corner. I switched for journeys to London, and from time to time helped Armchair drivers with rare passenger problems.
I always had a very high regard for Armchair. It was one of the best independent operators in London. I never had anything to do with using its bus operations, though.
We will miss Simon’s input. Condolences to his wife.
Mark Jameson
Sonning
