Join the BIG BUS MARCH on Saturday 12th September!!

*Saturday 12th September - 10am - starting at Colden Common Co-Op*

It has been just over a year now since the axing of the 61 bus service between Winchester and Eastleigh.

We have all been working hard to try to return a service to cover this area. Good progress has been made, but still there is no bus - so we felt a year on it is time to remind everyone just how much this bus is still needed!!

So...

..Bring on the Big Bus March!

We will all be meeting at Colden Common Co-Op at 10am on Saturday 12th Sept, aiming to leave just after 10am.

You will be able to spot the Back Our Buses team in our Hi-Vis jackets and armbands.

We will take a group photo at the bus stop - as this is where our protest photos of the last 61 bus were taken.

We will then walk as close as possible to the route of the old 61 bus, to Eastleigh.

We estimate arrival into Eastleigh Bus Station around 12 noon.

Once we arrive into Eastleigh Bus Station, we will then gather at the Bandstand in the park, to update you on any news, answer any questions, and also listen to what you have to say, so we can pass this on.

Before we gather at the Bandstand there will be an opportunity to buy a coffee and snack from one of the two coffee shops near the Bus Station if you would like a refreshment.

The Route..

You are more than welcome to walk the whole route if you are able, or join us at one of the stops along the way.

If you are unable to walk the route, you may wave us along as we go past, or just join us at either the start or finish to show your support!

Return to Colden Common would be on the Bluestar bus via the 69 Stagecoach bus in Fair Oak, or you could arrange a lift, or taxi share.

There might be a few places on a minibus into Eastleigh and back, but please contact the group beforehand, either by email at backourbuses6169@gmail.com or drop a note into Colden Common Community Centre addressed to BOB.

All health and safety concerns have been investigated and the relevant authorities have been notified about the march.

Here is a map of the route we will be taking, highlighted in red, which will follow the main points of the 61 bus route from Colden Common to Eastleigh:

And a detailed list below:

• Colden Common Co-Op bus stop

• Church Lane

• Brambridge Dog & Crook

• Highbridge Road

• Allbrook Bridge

• Allbrook bus stop

• Left onto Twyford Road

• Rosebery Crescent bus stop

• Carry on down Twyford Road

• Boyatt Wood sign

• Right at roundabout

• Eastleigh Bus Station

What to bring with you..

We really encourage you to speak up and raise awareness on the walk.

Bring banners, make placards, signs, posters, whatever will express your feelings, views and wishes!

The bus march is not only a chance to show how many of us still want this bus back, but also to really hit home as to why..it is a real chance for you to get your voice out there!

If you are not sure what to write on your sign, then take a look at the testimonials on our website for some inspiration: https://backourbuses.wixsite.com/backourbuses/testimonials-1

We also advise to bring with you some water (as the weather has been rather hot recently) a snack, and your phone, so you have a contact method. If you would like to get a coffee, please bring a travel mug if possible.

We would advise wearing comfy shoes as well.

We are starting at the Co-Op so if you do forget anything you can grab something from the shop too.

We will be there with our large 'Back Our Buses' banner too, so along with your help, we should really get noticed!!

Shout, Speak Up, and Share!

Please help us get other people involved in the march - share this blog post, our Facebook posts, the Facebook event, spread this by word of mouth, tell your neighbours, family and friends, take a look at our posters along the route and get people talking!

If you have Facebook and are hoping to come, please join our event here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JhAWzeUww/

If you don't have Facebook, but have questions - please just email us on backourbuses6169@gmail.com or pop in to Colden Common Community Centre and leave a message with the Parish Team

Let's make this a walk to remember..

We will see you there!

The Back Our Buses Team