A PENSIONER from Bolton who travelled the length of England free of charge using a network of local buses has finally arrived home.
Manju Ghosh, aged 61, set off on her 700-mile journey from Berwick-upon-Tweed on April 1 and reached Land's End on Friday - one day ahead of schedule.
Mrs Ghosh, from Lostock, said: "I was delighted when we arrived at Land's End. I always believed it would be possible."
The former Wigan Infirmary consultant travelled on 37 buses through 15 counties with a friend, Christine Jackson, from Sheffield.
Reader Poll Would you be happy travelling across the country by bus?
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They embarked upon the adventure to celebrate the introduction of the government's new National Bus Travel Concession scheme.
It allows people aged 60 and over and disabled people to travel free on buses between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays, and all day on weekends and Bank Holidays.
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The journey would previously have cost them £122.70. The pair plan to donate the amount saved to charity.
Mrs Ghosh said: "I've had a great time and seen some lovely places. All the buses arrived on time, apart from one which was just five minutes late. None were cancelled. I'd recommend it to everyone."
In Devon, Mrs Ghosh suffered muscle spasms in her back but was determined to continue. The pair managed to make up time courtesy of a speedy bus to Newquay.
They said Northumberland had the best views and Yorkshire the friendliest people.
Posted by: WUMPKINS, bolton on 11:44am Mon 14 Apr 08
The former Wigan Infirmary consultant travelled on 37 buses through 15 counties with a friend, Christine Jackson, from Sheffield
HOPE SHE WILL MAKE A DONATION TO CHARITY WITH ALL THE MONEY SHE HAS SAVED!!!!!!
The former Wigan Infirmary consultant travelled on 37 buses through 15 counties with a friend, Christine Jackson, from Sheffield
HOPE SHE WILL MAKE A DONATION TO CHARITY WITH ALL THE MONEY SHE HAS SAVED!!!!!!
Posted by: bazz, westhoughton on 12:15pm Mon 14 Apr 08
So, if she lives in Lostock, how did she get to Berwick-on-Tweed? Not by bus? So it must have cost her more than what she says, i.e., petrol and overnight stays, she couldn't have done it all in one day!
So, if she lives in Lostock, how did she get to Berwick-on-Tweed? Not by bus? So it must have cost her more than what she says, i.e., petrol and overnight stays, she couldn't have done it all in one day!
Posted by: RagReader, Horwich on 1:00pm Mon 14 Apr 08
[quote][bold]bazz[/bold] wrote:
So, if she lives in Lostock, how did she get to Berwick-on-Tweed? Not by bus? So it must have cost her more than what she says, i.e., petrol and overnight stays, she couldn't have done it all in one day![/quote] You can read the story here, though you sound like you don't approve of the ladies' adventures.
http://grauniadgirls
.blogspot.com/
bazz wrote:
So, if she lives in Lostock, how did she get to Berwick-on-Tweed? Not by bus? So it must have cost her more than what she says, i.e., petrol and overnight stays, she couldn't have done it all in one day!
You can read the story here, though you sound like you don't approve of the ladies' adventures.
Posted by: Makkers, Bolton on 3:38pm Mon 14 Apr 08
To all those commentators regarding the donation to charity: I wouldn't donate anything to any charity just because I 'saved' money on this bus adventure. Mainly because I pay my taxes and the tax payer is funding this subsidy so quite rightly if and when I do retire I expect this back. To the person who is questioning the fact that the trip wasn't entirely without expense; she had to pay for hotel stays etc., well of course she did: it is only a free bus pass, not free hotels and lunches. Don't make it too obvious that you're from Bolton.
To all those commentators regarding the donation to charity: I wouldn't donate anything to any charity just because I 'saved' money on this bus adventure. Mainly because I pay my taxes and the tax payer is funding this subsidy so quite rightly if and when I do retire I expect this back. To the person who is questioning the fact that the trip wasn't entirely without expense; she had to pay for hotel stays etc., well of course she did: it is only a free bus pass, not free hotels and lunches. Don't make it too obvious that you're from Bolton.
what i want to know about these bus passes is why do they have a 'valid until' date on [in 2012 or 2013]. does this mean the scheme will finish then, or does someone think the pensioners using them will have lost or messed them up from excessive use? the old passes were valid for life!
what i want to know about these bus passes is why do they have a 'valid until' date on . does this mean the scheme will finish then, or does someone think the pensioners using them will have lost or messed them up from excessive use? the old passes were valid for life!
I would like to know were you get the pass from, my wife is registered p/sighted with bolton council, also uses a wheel chair becouse she is unable to walk a fair distance and also has a walking stick. Any advice???
I would like to know were you get the pass from, my wife is registered p/sighted with bolton council, also uses a wheel chair becouse she is unable to walk a fair distance and also has a walking stick. Any advice???
linda,
You can get the form from GMPTE or the travelshop on Moor Lane. If your wife is registered disabled, then it is an automatic right otherwise she may need confirmation from a doctor. The pass is free and takes approx. 2 weeks from application. Hope this helps.
linda,
You can get the form from GMPTE or the travelshop on Moor Lane. If your wife is registered disabled, then it is an automatic right otherwise she may need confirmation from a doctor. The pass is free and takes approx. 2 weeks from application. Hope this helps.
Posted by: Peter, Sheffield on 10:14am Thu 8 May 08
I'd like to get in touch with Christine to find out how they did it, as I'd like to do a similar trip on my free bus pass. My email a/d below if anyone can oput me in touch with her &/or her friend.
Peter - antifession@aol.com
I'd like to get in touch with Christine to find out how they did it, as I'd like to do a similar trip on my free bus pass. My email a/d below if anyone can oput me in touch with her &/or her friend.
Peter - antifession@aol.com
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