(17 Aug 2014, 5:27 pm)Dan wrote Now, now... This isn't a game of "Who knows the most", so don't turn it into that...

All I'm saying is that two of my family friends at Sunderland who are supervisors (clearly it might be a different title as you've gained this wisdom through working for the company for twelve years) are usually out and about in the City Centre making sure things are on time. You see similar at Blackett Street in Newcastle. You'll find these individuals at any events. When there were concerts at the Stadium of Light, these individuals guided people to the Wheatsheaf bus stop to get them home. There's a group of around five of them, and they're also found at the air show each and every year.

Stagecoach North East: 22082 / NK54BHA by danielgrahamm, on Flickr

These members of staff also double up as revenue protection staff, so they really do have a lot of variety and there's no set job that they do.

There have been times where they've gone out to cover mileage in another vehicle, as a result of a breakdown or something similar. Sunderland services are cross-city, so if there's a breakdown in the South of Sunderland, these individuals often take a vehicle to the North side of Sunderland and continue the service.



I think that's the polite way of putting it - because I think it works slightly different at Sunderland to what it does at South Shields...

What I've described above entails some of the duties of a leading driver, so Stagecoach definitely have something similar...

(17 Aug 2014, 5:38 pm)mrnut85 wrote They don't double up as revenue protection, they are revenue protection that provide assistance at events such as the airshow. I'm not trying to make it a who knows more but one thing I hate is enthusiasts who try to tell bus company employees they are wrong are certain subjects. I'm not saying that is what you have tried with me but I have seen it myself and it really pisses me off.

(19 Aug 2014, 2:53 pm)Andreos Constantopolous wrote Has anyone been to Greggs today?

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/bakery-giant-greggs-targeted-hackers-7637726

(19 Aug 2014, 2:53 pm)Andreos Constantopolous wrote Has anyone been to Greggs today?

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/bakery-giant-greggs-targeted-hackers-7637726

(20 Aug 2014, 7:53 pm)aureolin wrote Nexus discussion forums close - http://www.nexus.org.uk/live-discussion-forum

(20 Aug 2014, 7:58 pm)Andreos Constantopolous wrote The died down quite a bit when they were moved a few years back from one area of the site, to another - I think a whole new board was set up too.

(21 Aug 2014, 7:39 pm)Dan wrote Interesting that they suggest their staff passes are only valid on buses within Tyne and Wear... Must be able to get further away for free as a bus company employee!

(21 Aug 2014, 7:32 pm)aureolin wrote There's a "Traincrew" vacancy being advertised by Metro at the moment if it interests anyone. http://www.nexus.org.uk/careers/vacancies-metro

Out of interest - does anyone know what they mean when they refer to 'local government pension scheme'? Is this entry into one of the traditional final salary schemes that used to be offered, or is it just a bog standard defined contributions scheme?

Other perks look decent, apart from the holiday allowance.

(21 Aug 2014, 8:39 pm)Andreos Constantopolous wrote Do final salary schemes still exist for new entrants?
I imagine it is the 3%-12% contribution scheme (or similar).

(21 Aug 2014, 8:47 pm)aureolin wrote Corporate greed took over on the most part, but yes they're still in existence. East Coast still offer them, and look at the profits they're still pumping into the Treasury.

I'd thought even local government had dropped to a defined contributions scheme for new entrants. Usually as bad as just like for like matching up to 10%.

(21 Aug 2014, 8:51 pm)Michael wrote Anyone being watching kids with camera's... based in Newcastles childrens unit, last episode tonight.

The young lad with cystic fibrosis who is on tonight is over the moon that he can sleep during the night without hes oxygen, it really brings it home im lucky because hes dream is to sleep at hes mates

(21 Aug 2014, 9:01 pm)Andreos Constantopolous wrote Aye, makes you think.
Don't think it is a secret about one of my bairns being there last year (and when he was born - not sure I have mentioned that before).

We are all lucky to have the facility so close to home.
You never know when you need it.

(21 Aug 2014, 9:05 pm)Michael wrote It really does, the nurses and drs etc do alot of work and all seem canny. It also comes to you when most can do their own needles etc?

I was over the moon for him when he was told he could sleep out at hes mates.

I didnt know Andreos, i hope all was ok. Sorry if i brought back bad memories.

(21 Aug 2014, 8:51 pm)Michael wrote Anyone being watching kids with camera's... based in Newcastles childrens unit, last episode tonight.

The young lad with cystic fibrosis who is on tonight is over the moon that he can sleep during the night without hes oxygen, it really brings it home im lucky because hes dream is to sleep at hes mates

(22 Aug 2014, 8:18 pm)Andreos Constantopolous wrote Just checked fb as there were a few notifications.

One of them is an icebucket challenge.
It is a shame videos cant be posted on here...
May add a still.

(22 Aug 2014, 8:20 pm)marxistafozzski wrote Upload it to YouTube, then link it on here

(22 Aug 2014, 8:25 pm)Andreos Constantopolous wrote The mask of anonymity may disappear then though.
eezypeazy and busman101 may recognise me!
I could be hit with a banning order for my FPF allegiances!

(22 Aug 2014, 8:33 pm)marxistafozzski wrote Do with a ski mask on, that would be funny, you remember IRA press conferences years ago, they had a 1 guy reading the statement and 2 guys behind him, all with ski masks on and possibly carrying AK-47's...do it by taking the piss out of Republicans(The Irish lot, not the American Republican Party) [SMILING FACE WITH OPEN MOUTH AND TIGHTLY-CLOSED EYES]

(23 Aug 2014, 8:29 am)Andreos Constantopolous wrote Not a bad idea!
I could have a 'North Korean' style montage at the start and end of the clips - showing FPF comrades going through parachute jumps, exercises and drills too!