Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 76

Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.

10. It's a haven, is what it is.

9. The gates were right next-door to each other.

8. No-one thought to call and report what had happened.

7. It's one election that had very little of people's interest.

6. He forgot to bring the punchlines with him, hence, there was no laughter.

5. Being called 'rugged', is overrated.

4. You've got a third place show on a fourth rate network.

3. People say, 'but you must support the troops', no, if I don't agree with the job they're doing, then, no I don't.

2. I gorged on them and felt awful afterwards.

And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...

1. I'd prefer a bagel, but if you don't have that, I'll have a vodka and lime.

Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.

Paper Surprised At Lack Of Interest In Irrelevant Story

The Advertiser was surprised that more people didn't take part in it's online and ballot box poll about a Swindon directly elected mayor.

That may be because it wasn't that vital and urgent an issue to start with when the Link Magazine began running with it in 2001 (in response to the inability of the parties at the time to work together in the cabinet form on the council). The comments by one MP and the council leader seem to agree that it would make "little difference".

Swindon Centric Says ; A directly elected, accountable member of the council and government? Aren't they local councillors and MPs? Lets get back to stories and issues that matter, instead of creating them out of thin air.

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 75

Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.

10. I'm not spending good money to see that.

9. The vicar didn't know where to put his face.

8. That's all very well and good, but it doesn't count for anything.

7. There's going to be a run on fresh ginger.

6. Her boiler knackered out and now she's got flu-like symptoms.

5. They need double-deckers on that route.

4. A public hearing is due to be called.

3. As long as he doesn't make the connection, which I doubt he will.

2. Couldn't someone have let her keep the pieces and just given her the money?

And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...

1. I'm starting off calling the 'credit crunch' what it is, a 'recession'.

Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.

The Mystery Of The Vanishing No. 1 Sunday Bus Part 2

It would have been far more satisfying if it had been found that the vanishing of the number 1 bus had been the result of a wormhole or some other space time continuum phenomena.

However, it wasn't.

In a welcoming move, service numbers 1, 13, 14 and 17 will now be operated by Thamesdown on Sundays. The timetable details on their website make no mention of 'these services are supported by Swindon Borough Council'. So, may we be the first to welcome Thamesdown to seven days a week private commercial operation of services? Never mind that the company is owned by the Council and that technically that means they are publicly operated and that some services are subsidised for the social good otherwise, your head will explode.

So in a welcome move, six town services will increase in frequency on Sundays, combining the Thamesdown and Stagcoach service changes. Great news, except, the finish times for the Thamesdown operated ones don't run very late at all. This means if you're on those routes, you can't get into town past 17.30 on a Sunday.

Swindon Centric Says ; Maybe Thamesdown will soon announce Christmas late evening services for shoppers, including Sundays, could these be made permanent?

The Mystery Of The Vanishing No. 1 Sunday Bus

If there was a Swindon based weekday afternoon gentle detective comedy-drama, then this would be a suitable case for them.

As we covered recently, Stagecoach are expanding buses in Swindon on Sundays from the 26th of October. However, the new timetable book for Sundays from Stagecoach includes the following line in the summary page, 'We regret that Service 1 will no longer be operated by Stagecoach.'

Any timetable details on Thamesdown Transport's website includes nothing on whether they may be taking up the Sunday mantle. A glance at the network map for Sundays shows the pale area to the west and east of the town which will be left worse off on Sundays.

Swindon Centric Says ; So, what's happening? Since Stagecoach will be able to run some Sunday services without subsidy, why is the number one bus being withdrawn? If Thamesdown will be running the service, despite their aversion to Sundays, why hasn't it been announced with five days to go before Grange Park and Covingham get a six days a week service?

Swindon Borough Council have been contacted through their not-updated-that-frequently transport website for a response.

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 74

Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.

10. There isn't any sunshine, look.

9. The spirits are with us, especially in County Road.

8. He stole a Mars bar in a moment of desperation.

7. Are you plugged in, then lets get going.

6. Does this bus have a flux capacitor?

5. She can't make macaroni, but she's a dab hand with a french horn.

4. What is a hockey mom can anyway?

3. I'm never driving again if they get rid of the speed cameras.

2. They need to run a dedicated bus to and from New College.

And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...

1. Just 21 days to go, do you have a badge or sticker to wear yet?

Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.

Disjointed Journalism Hits The Window Pane

Yesterday's story about the Adver's coverage of town schools has been vindicated by this story from today.

Brand new modern windows, that fit in with the style of the building is a welcome step forward in standards for the school. However, why wasn't this included in yesterday's lead story to balance things up?

Swindon Centric Says ; Worst of all, no mention is made of yesterday's story in today's. Seems that joined-up-journalism still has yet to reach 100 Victoria Road.

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 73

Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.

10. We shall adjourn to the top deck.

9. Look, there it is, the number one stop, I told you so.

8. I do as much as I can to offend as many as I can.

7. Listen to this one.

6. He just hit a van, did you see it?

5. We don't stop in this part of town.

4. The Wispa is back, sssh, don't tell everyone.

3. Walks back, doesn't stop and never looks behind him.

2. I'm telling you, our stops are on the same side of the road.

And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...

1. Five minutes to go, does anybody want a smoke, or are you all healthy?

Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.

Irony Takes A Walk In Rambling Story

A story about a group of angry ramblers is devoid of any sense of itself.

The ramblers are complaining about the unfinished new footbridge across the Front Garden and the fact it leaves them having to walk an extra mile on their rambles.

Swindon Centric Says ; Rather like a chocoholic complaining that their favourite bar has doubled in size and is heavy to carry home.

Poverty Is Relative ; To How Much You Spend

Any coverage of child poverty, especially if you can localise it to your own town is welcomed.

However, if you find a local example to show this plight, surely you'd listen to what they said and possibly pause and say "pardon", when they tell you how much they spend on their child's school uniform.

Kerry Thomas said how difficult things are for her, with little spare money. But she also said she spent £200 on her five year-old son's school uniform.

Swindon Centric Says ; What is costing her £200 in uniform wares? Did she not hear about the £4 uniform that Asda launched in the summer. It may have sold out, but the 'normal' prices are still cheaper than £200.