Chiltern Railways Passenger Newsletter Winter 2012

onboardChiltern Railways Passenger Newsletter Winter 2012

Christmas gifts guide

December timetable

Competition

Christmaseventsguide

December 2012 Timetable changes

On Sunday

9 December,

our timetable

is significantly changing.

We ran a consultation in May on our proposed

December 2012 timetable, where over 700 of

you got in touch to express your views.

Our new timetable seeks to deliver the improvements

that your feedback has told us are most important

to you.

Almost all trains will see some alterations so please

make sure that you re-check train times if you

regularly travel with us. As part of the changes, we will

provide over 600 extra peak time seats every weekday

morning into London as well as reducing inconsistent

gaps between trains.

You can download a copy of the new timetable from

our website at www.chilternrailways.co.uk, or pick

up a copy at one of our stations. Alternatively, use the

QR code to the left to access the timetable from your

smartphone.

If you have a question about the timetable you can get

in touch via the following channels:

Meet the Managers: 27 November at Marylebone

Station from 1700 - 1900

Customer Relations: 08456 005 165

Tweet us: @chilternrailway

Welcome onboard

onboard 2 Chiltern Railways Passenger Newsletter | Issue 27 | 3

Latest news

Please write to our Customer Services team at Banbury ICC, Merton Street, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 4RN, phone us on 08456 005 165 (Mondays to Fridays 0830 to 1730), fax us on 01926 729914 or email us via www.chilternrailways.co.uk/comments.

For train times, fares enquiries and telesales call 08456 005 165 (0700 to 2000, every day). www.chilternrailways.co.uk Editor: Lowri Rhys All prices mentioned are correct at time of going to press but are subject to alteration. Chiltern Railways’ decision is final with all prize draws and competitions.

Follow uson:

2 Welcome

3 December timetable

4 - 7 Christmas gift guide

8 - 11 Christmas events guide

12 Christmas at Bicester Village

13 Performance results Meet your managers

14 - 15 Competition

16 Relax onboard

Dear Passenger,Welcome to the winter edition of the Passenger Newsletter. It has been a busy few months for Chiltern Railways. In September we celebrated the first year anniversary of Mainline. Mainline has been phenomenally successful and in just one short year our business from the West Midlands has grown by 33%. In recognition of our achievements, we were proud to be awarded Passenger Operator of the Year at the National Rail Awards.

In October we received the long awaited news that we have been given the green light to build a groundbreaking new line between Oxford and London. Opening

in 2015, it will be the first new rail link between London and a major British city for 100 years.

2012 has been a year of continued investment in car parks. Following the opening of the expanded Solihull car park earlier this year, we also recently completed a new car park at Warwick Parkway providing 222 spaces. We also secured funding for a new, multi-story car park in Banbury, which we hope to open in November next year.

Behind the scenes we have been working on our new December 2012 timetable - launching on the 9th December. It brings major changes as we move to more evenly spaced train times and deliver the improvements that feedback has told us are most important to you. With this change we are also able to provide an additional 600 seats every weekday morning and 2,650 seats every weekend into London; please don’t forget to check ahead of time to see how your journey will be affected.

Finally, for those of you who would like to put your questions directly to me via Twitter. I will be taking part in Tweet the Boss from 08:00 - 09:00 on 15 March 2013. To follow the session and ask questions just use the hashtag #ttbrob

Thank you for choosing to travel with us.

Kind regards

Rob BrighouseManaging Director

124

8-9Contact us

onboard Chiltern Railways Passenger Newsletter | Issue 27 | 5

Gift guide

4

Gift guide

Christmas gifts for her

Treasured Memories Photo TrayThe perfect present. This fantastic photo tray is a great gift for relatives - just fill it with family photos and memories of good times. It will make breakfast in bed extra special all year around! Takes four 4”x6” photos, four 4”x4” photos and one 3”x 4” photo. Length: 37cm Width: 45cm.

www.coxandcox.co.uk

£38.00 Name Place BaublesSet of ten jewel coloured name place baubles,

perfect for your party table and will look simply stunning, whatever your colour scheme. Ten

baubles, two of each colour. Diameter: 3cm.

www.coxandcox.co.uk

£12.50

Tousled Slipper SocksLuxuriously chunky cosy

slipper socks, perfect for curling up in front of the

fire with on a chilly winter’s night. One size to fit adult

UK 3-7.

www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

£34.99

Lettered Paper lanternsUnusual Paper Lanterns available in all letters of the alphabet. This is great fun. Just pick out the letters you need to compose the words you want and pop a tea light into the bags to spell your name or word.They look fantastic used as table centres or as a Christmas or Wedding decorations. Made from: Flame retardant Paper. Dimensions: 15x15x26cms.

www.notonthehighstreet.com

£2.50

notonthehighstreet.com

Pencil Sharpener CameraBring back the style of a bygone age with this funky

pencil sharpener camera, quirky, functional and simply gorgeous!


£16.95

Vinyl Record CoastersAdorn your coffee table with these stylish retro vinyl record coasters, each one features a different record label design, making them perfect for old school music lovers. Diameter : 10cm

www.coxandcox.co.uk

£20.00

Home Guard Bookend/DoorstopThe original Home Guard consisted of volunteers who, during World War II, were unable to go to war. Despite this they stood strong against the threat to peace and harmony at home. Like Dad’s Army these resin soldiers will dutifully stay behind, determined to keep domestic peace against the menace of slamming doors and falling books.

www.suck.uk.com/

£25.00

Hairy Bikers Spanner Bottle OpenerQuirky and cool Hairy Biker branded bottle opener, cast to look like a proper spanner. Just don’t let it disappear into your tool box. Chrome plated die cast zinc.

www.uniqueandunity.co.uk

£8.00

Christmas gifts for him

Here is our Chiltern gift guide with lots of gift ideas from the quirky to the cute!You can browse on-line and order from the comfort of your train seat using Chiltern’s Free Wi-Fi!

Christmas gifts for kids

Rabbit Night LightAh, to be cosy and safe in the company of this softly lit friendly battery operated LED

bunny. Age 3+ Batteries included. Requires 3 x LR44. LED light with an on/off switch. Width: 10cm Height: 15cm Depth: 7cm.

www.coxandcox.co.uk

£6.50

Children’s Angel WingsMade of super soft feathers these adorable wings are the perfect gift for all little Christmas angels or just to hang around the house for festive decoration. Height 45cm Width 36cm


£22.00

Beano Bouncy Ball Making KitA kit that contains all the ingredients needed to make your own super high bouncy balls. Kit contains two mould sizes and six coloured powders.

www.heals.co.uk

£10.00

Doggy BankSaving money has never been this much fun. Pop the

pennies in his bowl, then watch with wonder as this little pooch chows down on your coins.

Requires 2 x AA batteries. Age 3+

www.coxandcox.co.uk

£18.50

Stag Print travel MugKeep your morning coffee hot with this fun stag print mug. Perfect for those brisk winter morning commutes or chilly days out. Height 18cm x Diameter 8cm.


£13.00

Shoe HornsSlip your shoes on in style with these beautiful metal shoe horns. www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

£22.00

Christmas gifts for grandparents

Vintage Bird & Heart Bird FeederSuch a pretty bird feeder in vintage cream metal with hanging chain & 2 birds sat on a metal heart with hanging heart and flower chain detail. The heart bird feeder shape is included. The bird feeder can be hung all around the garden or against a wall. A really imaginative gift for garden enthusiasts or a pretty accessory for your own garden.


£10.00

notonthehighstreet.com

Grow A Message Beanstalk SeedsFive magical beans with messages and pictures laser etched into them which will continue to enlarge as the beans grow. Just plant the seed into water beads or soil, and less than two weeks later, everyone will be astonished by the special messages that grow with the plant!


£3.00

onboard

Gift guideGift guide

6 Chiltern Railways Passenger Newsletter | Issue 27 | 7

Birmingham

West Midlands

WarwickshireStratford upon Avon: Christmas LightsStratford-upon-Avon Christmas lights will be switched on by the Mayor at 4.30pm on Thursday 22 November, 2012. After the lights event, why not enjoy Christmas shopping in the eclectic mix of shops within Stratford-upon-Avon town centre.

Event is free

Where, When & Getting There:Venue: Town Centre, Stratford-upon-Avon

Date: 22nd November 2012

Directions: Travel to Stratford-upon-Avon Station with Chiltern Railways

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas MarketThe largest UK outdoor Christmas market opens from November 15, and is the centrepiece of Birmingham’s annual Christmas events’ calendar, attracting visitors from all over the UK and Europe. Highlights include gourmet delights from Germany, over 180 gift stalls with an array of beautiful handmade toys, Christmas decorations and gifts and a carousel to keep younger visitors entertained. The market is open all day from 10.00am, right through to 9.00pm, and as night falls the colours, food aromas, twinkling lights and sounds, make for a truly magical Christmas event.

For more information visit: www.birmingham.gov.uk

Event is free

Where, When & Getting There:Venue: Victoria Square and New Street, Birmingham

Date: 15th November - 22 December 2012

Time: 10:00 - 21:00

Directions: Travel to Birmingham Moor Street Station with Chiltern Railways

Warwick Castle: Christmas at the CastleThis Christmas season from 1st December 2012 – 6th January 2013, Warwick Castle will be decorated in all its festive glory, including a magnificent 25ft Christmas tree in the Great Hall and a special Victorian celebration for the Royal Weekend Party. Santa and his elves will also be there during select dates in December!

For more information visit: www.warwick-castle.com

Warwick Castle: Christmas Carol ConcertMagical Christmas Carols at the Castle, 22 December, 2012. Gates open 6.45pm and the carol concert starts at 7.30pm.

Tickets are on sale at www.carolsatwarwickcastle.co.uk

Admission charges apply

Where, When & Getting There:Venue: Christmas at the Castle, Warwick Castle, Warwick

Date: 1st December 2012 - 6th January 2013 (Christmas Carols 22nd December only)

Time: 10:00 - 17:00

(Carols 22nd December only from 6.45pm)

Directions: Travel to Warwick Station with Chiltern Railways

Waddesdon Manor

onboard

Events route map

Chiltern Railways Passenger Newsletter | Issue 27 | 98

Christmas events guideThere is nothing that says “Christmas is coming” like a festive trip, filled with the sights, sounds and tasty delights of Christmas. Here is a guide to some of the best events all along our route:

Christmas events

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market

Warwick Castle Christmas at the Castle Event

Warwick Castle Christmas Carol Concert

Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Lights Switch-On

Leamington Spa Christmas Lights Switch On

Leamington Spa Yuletide Fayres

Banbury Christmas Arts and Crafts Market

Oxford Christmas Light Night

Aylesbury Christmas at Waddesdon

London Southbank Centre Christmas Market

London Hyde Park - Winter Wonderland

Events route guide at a glance

Christmas at WaddesdonEach year the Christmas decorations at Waddesdon have a different theme, for 2012 it is England. Visit some of London’s great sights - Big Ben, Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s column will be depicted in the Oval Hall and magnificent Nordic pine Christmas trees will be decorated in each room. Children can come and enjoy the Mad Hatter and the Cheshire Cat in the Pantry Corridor and a scene from the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe down at the Coach House!

For more information visit: www.waddesdon.org.uk

Admission charges apply

Where, When & Getting There:Venue: Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury

Date: Wednesdays - Sundays throughout the Christmas season 2012

Time: 11:00 - 16:00

Directions: Travel to Aylesbury Vale Parkway Station with Chiltern Railways

Southbank Centre: Christmas MarketWooden chalets filled with festive food, drink, gifts and treats run along the twinkling riverside. Enjoy mulled wine, bratwurst and gingerbread while taking in the lights, sights and sounds of London at Christmas time. Go along and ease into the Christmas mood!

Event is free

Where, When & Getting There:Venue: Southbank Centre, London

Date: 16 November - 24 December

Directions: Travel to Marylebone Station with Chiltern Railways

Buckinghamshire

Greater London

Oxfordshire

Oxford: Christmas Light NightCelebrate the arrival of the Christmas season in Oxford with an evening of processions, light, dance, art, live music and performance. Oxford’s museums, Castle Quarter, Town Hall and Museum of Oxford, theatres and galleries will open their doors to the public for one-off late night viewings of their exhibitions and displays enhanced by special performances.

For more information visit: www.oxfordinspires.org

Event is free

Where, When & Getting There:Venue: Oxford Town Centre, Oxford

Date: Friday 23 November

Directions: Travel to Oxford Station with Chiltern Railways

Banbury: Christmas Arts and Crafts MarketThe Tourist Information Centre in Banbury will be hosting a series of Arts and Crafts Sunday Markets, running for four weeks starting Sunday 25 November. Each week will feature different makers, and will provide a great opportunity to find that unique Christmas present, support local crafts people and talk to them about how they make their work.

For more information visit: www.visitnorthoxfordshire.com

Event is free

Where, When & Getting There:Venue: Banbury Town Centre, Banbury

Date: Sundays from 25 November until Christmas

Time: 10:00 - 21:00

Directions: Travel to Banbury Station with Chiltern Railways

Leamington Spa: Christmas Lights Switch OnAn exciting and fun filled programme of events start just after midday 12.45 on ‘The Parade’, culminating with the turning on of the lights at 5pm. The ‘Free Radio’ stage will feature an array of local performers, and there will be children’s rides and the ever-popular Yuletide Fayre to enjoy.

Leamington Spa: Yuletide FayresThis ever popular series of markets compliment the wide range of shops which Leamington has to offer and brings over 100 stalls into the town with craft and gift ideas for Christmas.

For more information visit: www.royal-leamington-spa.co.uk

Events are free

Where, When & Getting There:Venue: The Parade, Leamington Spa

Date: Sunday 25 November (Lights event 5pm)

Sundays 25 November – 23 December 2012:

10:00 - 17:00

Directions: Travel to Leamington Spa Station with Chiltern Railways

Warwickshire

Hyde ParkOxford Waddesdon Manor

onboard

Christmas eventsChristmas events


Christmas events guide

Hyde Park – Winter WonderlandAt Winter Wonderland you’re never far away from fun, rides and the sights, sounds and tastes of Christmas! There’s a dazzling array of food choices including traditional German fare, warming hot chocolate, mulled wine and colourful candy stalls. You can pick up food from one of the many outdoor wooden chalets, or to escape from the cold, choose from a variety of bars, cafes and heated restaurants. Attractions include: Ice Age 4 Ice Rink, Zippos Magic Circus, Rides, Santa Land & the Giant Observation Wheel! The Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is free to enter, but you will need to purchase tickets for the attractions and rides.

For further information visit: www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

Event entry is free, rides and attractions are chargeable

Where, When & Getting There:Venue: Hyde Park, London

Date: 23 November - 6 January (excludes Christmas day)

Time: 10:00 - 22:00

Directions: Travel to Marylebone Station with Chiltern Railways

onboard

The UK’s leading luxury outlet shopping experience, just one hour by train from London Marylebone or Birmingham Moor Street. With more than 130 outlet boutiques providing fashion and luxuries for the home, Bicester Village offers the authentic previous seasons’ collections of a unique selection of British and international brands with savings of up to 60% on the recommended retail price, seven days a week and all year round.

For the ultimate Christmas shopping experience, head to Bicester Village

On 8 November, one of Britain’s most celebrated designers, Alice Temperley, launched ‘The Charm of Christmas’ campaign at Bicester Village. Alice has also compiled her Christmas wish list from various boutiques, including some of her favourite brands such as Penhaligon’s, La Perla, Smythson and Bose. To view Alice’s Christmas wish list visit BicesterVillage.com.

Hop on a train to Bicester Village and do your Christmas shopping in style. A Chiltern Railways return ticket to Bicester Village includes a shuttle bus direct from Bicester North station. At the Village, your every need is catered for, including a hands-free shopping service, a courier service shipping to both local and international addresses, and a gift-wrapping service. You can also purchase Gift Cards to spend in the boutiques in the Village – the ultimate present to excite your loved ones this Christmas, which are available from the Bicester Visitor Centre or online at BicesterVillage.com.

With a range of cafés and restaurants offering seasonal menus, it’s time to get into the festive spirit in the more than 130 designer outlet boutiques and discover inspiring gifts that will be on everyone’s wish lists –Christmas is all wrapped up at Bicester Village.

Performance results


Bicester Village

Performance results

99.0

98.0

97.0

96.0

95.0

94.0

93.0

92.0

91.0

90.0

89.0

88.0

87.0

86.0

85.0

84.0

83.0

82.0

81.0

80.0

Act

ual %

ach

ieve

d

21/07/12 18/08/12 15/09/12 13/10/12

4 week period ending

Target 90%

10099.999.899.799.699.599.499.399.299.199.098.097.096.095.094.093.092.091.090.089.0

Act

ual %

ach

ieve

d

21/07/12 18/08/12 15/09/12 13/10/12


Target 99%

Reliability = percentage of scheduled weekday trains actually run.

Trains Running

Punctuality = percentage of peak trains arriving no later than five minutes after scheduled time. Peak denotes arrivals in London between 0700 and 1000 and departures from London between 1600 and 1900 on Mondays to Fridays.

Time Keeping99.0

98.0

97.0

96.0

95.0

94.0

93.0

92.0

91.0

90.0

89.0

88.0

87.0

86.0

85.0

84.0

83.0

82.0

81.0

80.0

Act

ual %

ach

ieve

d

21/07/12 18/08/12 15/09/12 13/10/12


Target 90%

10099.999.899.799.699.599.499.399.299.199.098.097.096.095.094.093.092.091.090.089.0

Act

ual %

ach

ieve

d

21/07/12 18/08/12 15/09/12 13/10/12


Target 99%

Passenger commentsWe have committed to let you know how many passenger communications we’ve received offering comments, suggestions or praise.

Total number of contacts received: 1681 letters / 2282 emails / 2286 phone calls - Praise only 24

Meetingyour managers

You can find us at:Station Date TimeMarylebone 27 November 1700 - 1900

Marylebone 11 December 1600 - 1900

We hold regular ‘Meet the Manager’ events, where

you can speak directly to our management team

and give us your views. This gives us a chance to hear what

you think about our services and how we can improve; it gives you

the chance to ask any questions you might have about why we do things

they way we do. We try to answer all queries as openly and as honestly

as we can.

Planned dates for our Meet the Manager events for the next few months

are available in the table above.

Tweet the ManagerLast year we launched a innovative way for passengers to talk directly to Chiltern Railways’ senior managers.

To join in and have a one-on-one twitter session with our managers, just tweet @chilternrailway with the session hashtag. The next Tweet the Manager will be with:

Bevis Thomas, Head of Train Planning - 3 December, 1600 - 1800 #ttmbev Please be aware that sometimes we may need extra time to reply to you or that it may take more than 140 characters to respond, so there will be some instances where we may need to email you. Previous Tweet the Manager conversations can be downloaded from our website.

The Village will be offering late-night

opening during the festive period:

Monday – Friday 10am - 8pm

Saturday 9am - 8pm

Sunday 10am - 7pm

From Thursday 22 November Bicester Village

will be open until 9pm every Thursday before

25 December.

To find out more, please visit BicesterVillage.com

onboard

CompetitionsCompetitions


One of the showpiece events in the basketball calendar is returning to the

National Indoor Arena, Birmingham on Sunday 13th January 2013 as the

British Basketball League (BBL) Cup Final is contested between two of the

country’s top teams. It is the eleventh year in a row that the game has been

played at the NIA and the venue, which is now synonymous with the biggest

games in British hoops, has produced some classic finals.

WIN TICKETS TO BRITISH BASKETBALL LEAGUE

CUP FINAL!

Cup Final Day is one of the most eagerly-anticipated during the BBL (men’s professional league in

the UK) season as the stars of the British game lay it all on the line in pursuit of this coveted piece

of silverware in the illustrious surroundings of Birmingham’s NIA. Last season the Newcastle Eagles

won the Cup, defeating the UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders 115-94 in front of a packed Arena.

Visit www.bbl.org.uk to check on the latest progress in this season’s competition.

As the pre-cursor to the main event, we are also thrilled to be staging men’s international

basketball, as England take on Ireland. Schedule 12pm Doors open

12:30pm England vs Ireland

2:30pm BBL Slam Dunk Contest

3:45pm BBL Cup Final

For further info visit: www.thenia.co.uk and for tickets: www.theticketfactory.com or telephone 0844 338 8000.

In our exclusive competition we have 3 pairs of tickets to win! To enter, please send your name and address

to [email protected]

Good luck!

To add to the incredible line-up

one of the most prestigious

individual prizes, the BBL Slam

Dunk Contest trophy, is on the

line as the top slam dunkers from

all over the country battle it out to

be crowned BBL Dunk Champion.

Add in to the mix the incredible

All Star Dunkers Acrobatic Dunk

Team, FOXY the dunking mascot

and the ‘BBL Babes Cheerleaders’

and you have an event that

appeals to all the family!

Relax onboard

www.chilternrailways.co.uk/onboard

Goonlinefor theanswers

Interesting facts:Across1. Hankerl (5)

3. Lariat (5)

6. Decimal base (3)

8. Conundrums (7)

9. Garret (5)

10. Dull pain (4)

13. Long narrative poem (4)

14. Commence (5)

17. Vegetable (7)

18. Novel (3)

19. Nursemaid (3)

20. Synthetic fabric (5)

Down1. Abominable snowman (4)

2. Serviette (6)

3. Indolent (4)

4. Choice (9)

5. Marine mollusk (6)

7. Sustenance (9)

11. Time of year (6)

12. Gentle breeze (6)

15. Untrusting (4)

16. Aquatic bird (4)

Quick crossword Mini sudoku

Complete the grid so that every row, each column and each 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9.

RATING: MODERATE

3

1

8

1

9

2

5

4

2

6

7

7

9

1

6

5

8

4

6

1

3

5

9

6

4

4

3

8

9

3

1

8

1

9

2

5

4

2

6

7

7

9

1

6

5

8

4

6

1

3

5

9

6

4

4

3

8

9

A study by the University of Warwick has found that people who eat seven – rather than the government recommended five – portions of fruit and veg a day are the happiest in the UK.

The traditional orange carrot was cultivated in the Netherlands in the 17th century. The carrot originated in Iran but it was a purple/violet in colour.

Blueberry juice boosts memory.

The world’s oldest known recipe is for beer.

Quality dark chocolate contains flavonoids which help reduced the risk of heart disease.

Strawberries have more vitamin C than oranges.

During your lifetime, you will eat about 60,000 pounds of food, which is the weight of about six elephants.

Chiltern Railways Passenger Newsletter Winter 2012

Documents

Transcript of Chiltern Railways Passenger Newsletter Winter 2012