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Village bus trips still just ticket
HOPPING on board a 49-seat coach may not have the glamour of boarding the Orient Express, but for Paul Hansom nothing beats a day-trip with friends from the village.
For the past 46 years he has been organising monthly coach excursions for locals in Ferrybridge, West Yorkshire, and has clocked up hundreds of thousands of miles seeing the towns and cities of England, Wales and Scotland.
"I started when I was 15, running them from the church where I was a choirboy. Someone said let's go on a bus trip, so I hired one and we went to Harrogate and Knaresborough. About 28 folk from the village went," he said.
The trips on Saturdays now attract about 40 people, each paying 11, and on Saturday, September 27, locals will raise a glass during the 400th away day organised by Mr Hansom, a 61-year-old retired storeman.
"I never married, but I've had a marvellous life enjoying the simple things and meeting people. The coach trips have been a big part of my life for over 40 years. I don't feel as if I have missed out on anything," he said.
He admitted that not all the destinations have been exotic, and added: "We have been to Bolton market and Burnley market. But we have always found something to do when we get there – if there's a few shops people are happy. If there is a seaside, people are happy. Usually the sun shines. I've only missed two in 46 years."
And he claimed that the raffles aboard the coach are always popular, though the prizes are modest. "You might win a dishcloth or a bar of soap," Mr Hansom laughed.
Some of this year's destinations might not be tourist hotspots, but Mr Hansom believes variety is the spice of life.
He said: "We went to King's Lynn in June and are going to South Shields later this month. I am told that South Shields is worth a visit.
"The most popular trips are the Dales villages and the seaside ones.
"At this time of year I put a list of places out and ask people where they want to go."
Back in 1962, hiring a coach for the day cost him 5, but the price is now about 400.
More than 40 people join the monthly day trips, and not just from his own village of Ferrybridge – others who have signed up have come from Hemsworth, Fitzwilliam, Brotherton, Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley.
As well as organising excursions, Mr Hansom produces a calendar of trip photos and a regular pamphlet entitled "Paul's Trips" which promise "friendly company and pleasant outings".
Though he is preparing to celebrate the 400th day trip, Mr Hansom has organised at least 420 excursions in total, including coach holidays to France, Germany and Switzerland and some weekends away.
He says the days out have added to the community spirit of Ferrybridge and have cemented life-long friendships. But, perhaps typically for Yorkshire folk, people rarely say what a great time they have had.
Mr Hansom said: "They don't sort of say a lot. There aren't a lot of compliments, but I don't look for them."
But villagers were full of praise for him last night.
Irene Solomons, 77, who has been on over 100 trips with her husband Michael, said: ""We have only been going on the trips for about 22 years, but Paul has been doing it since he was 15.
"Paul is great company and he puts himself out for everybody."
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Weather for Yorkshire
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
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