FEEDBACK Chelsea

[Dad of Dave the Shrimper]

Forget the game, you can't forget the result, but what was your day like?.

Any problems on the roads?

Rail and tube any problems?

Atmosphere on the coaches, or in the ground ?

Food and Drink?

Did you fine the need to find a Pub after the game or was it home for cocoa and buscuits? If so where?

What time did you get back?

HOW WAS YOUR TRIP.

DoDtS

[OldBlueLady]

Fantastic organisation from the Trust and SOL on the coaches front :clap:

A couple of criticisms though and I'm not really sure where they should be aimed, there were at least 3 people on the coaches on crutches, now while most of us didn't mind the 10 minute walk to and from the ground, for these guys it was not an easy thing - especially afterwards.

Personally, wasn't too chuffed about lugging the extra flags all the way to the ground either so just want to say a big "THANK YOU" to those kind souls that stopped to help. That's just me having my moan though!

A big well done to our particular coach driver (no 8 - the Gold bus!) who opted for a different route home to those in front of us (south of the river to Southwark bridge!) and from being one of the last to leave ended up being one of the first home! Just an ordinary civilised coach journey, got back to RH just after 7.

Now, my BIG criticism :madman: the Roots Hall return was completely chaotic. The coaches were letting people off all over the place - in the right area, in the entrance, on the road. There were also people arriving in cars and stopping in the same area to pick people up. This meant that for about 20 minutes there was absolute stalemate and nothing was moving in or out as there were coaches/people/cars blocking everywhere. From a H&S perspective it was a nightmare and I think if we need to use this number of coaches again, we need to give a very clear directive to the companies involved that people must be dropped in the safe area, even if that means waiting on Vic Ave until the coaches can safely get in to the car park to let the passengers off. It's obviously not a reflection on the Trust or SOL, more of an observation to be passed on to the coach companies.

And sorry also to Paul for apparently ****ing up my booking - thought I'd added 3 on to the original 2 but the other name couldn't be found - anyway, it was all handled very well on the coach! ;)

[Shrimperstrust]

Fantastic organisation from the Trust and SOL on the coaches front :clap:

A couple of criticisms though and I'm not really sure where they should be aimed, there were at least 3 people on the coaches on crutches, now while most of us didn't mind the 10 minute walk to and from the ground, for these guys it was not an easy thing - especially afterwards.

Personally, wasn't too chuffed about lugging the extra flags all the way to the ground either so just want to say a big "THANK YOU" to those kind souls that stopped to help. That's just me having my moan though!

A big well done to our particular coach driver (no 8 - the Gold bus!) who opted for a different route home to those in front of us (south of the river to Southwark bridge!) and from being one of the last to leave ended up being one of the first home! Just an ordinary civilised coach journey, got back to RH just after 7.

Now, my BIG criticism :madman: the Roots Hall return was completely chaotic. The coaches were letting people off all over the place - in the right area, in the entrance, on the road. There were also people arriving in cars and stopping in the same area to pick people up. This meant that for about 20 minutes there was absolute stalemate and nothing was moving in or out as there were coaches/people/cars blocking everywhere. From a H&S perspective it was a nightmare and I think if we need to use this number of coaches again, we need to give a very clear directive to the companies involved that people must be dropped in the safe area, even if that means waiting on Vic Ave until the coaches can safely get in to the car park to let the passengers off. It's obviously not a reflection on the Trust or SOL, more of an observation to be passed on to the coach companies.

And sorry also to Paul for apparently ****ing up my booking - thought I'd added 3 on to the original 2 but the other name couldn't be found - anyway, it was all handled very well on the coach! ;)

Kay,

Thanks for your comments, in particular regarding the return to Roots Hall. This will be discussed at our Meeting tomorrow night.

With regards to the drop off point. When we were told that the Coaches would be dropping off a good 10 mins plus walk from the Ground we did ask about our disabled/wheelchair bound passengers and if we could arrange a drop off nearer the ground. We were told this was not possible. Again this will be discussed tomorrow and will also be discussed with the Police Liaison Officer.

Glad all your 'extras' got on ok :whistling:

[OldBlueLady]

Kay,

Thanks for your comments, in particular regarding the return to Roots Hall. This will be discussed at our Meeting tomorrow night.

With regards to the drop off point. When we were told that the Coaches would be dropping off a good 10 mins plus walk from the Ground we did ask about our disabled/wheelchair bound passengers and if we could arrange a drop off nearer the ground. We were told this was not possible. Again this will be discussed tomorrow and will also be discussed with the Police Liaison Officer.

Glad all your 'extras' got on ok :whistling:

No prob - it was only one, mum and dad were on the list ok!

[The Watermill Wino]

As Beaver states, we were told that we were ranking up 10 mins from the ground but on our arrival a pleasant WPC told us that the coaches would be parked outside the ground after the game.:stunned: Lucky for us we had a cunning plan that seemed to work on getting all back safe and sound. Although, for the less mobile, an effort which was hopefully made easier by Clarky's goal.
Well done to everyone concerned and the fleet of Shrimpers did look very impressive.
Re the stops issue we operate on a strict "bus stop" policy out and return because of these issues but with our friends at the Trust the sheer volume of fans they ferried, would be a problem and as I've found out in the past it's very hard to keep everybody happy.
Well done All, BV, Trust, SoL whoever; we're all Shrimpers afterall just different flavours.

[MK Shrimper]

Train from MK, no problems getting there just a few getting home!

[OldBlueLady]

Wino - no issue over stops at all, would never have expected one on a journey of that length. Did wish I'd stopped at that Tescos on the way back though and got a coffee!

[canveyshrimper]

Train & tube via Fenchurch Street. I think c2c were daft in that they were putting on 4 set trains, they must have been aware that there would be huge demand on the day.

The only downside that on the way home a load of Basildon Wet Spammers wedged in the carriage at Barking. Gits could have waited for the next train rather than squeezing in an already packed carriage.

[Dad of Dave the Shrimper]

I got the 11.20 from Rayleigh and the train was very packed, no seats I had to stand, and it got even more crowded by Wickford, Billericay and Shenfield and had women with kids screaming at each other trying to find standing space (they weren't going to football).

The Cross Keys pub was shut I was informed, the Hamilton Hall at Liverpool Street was open, but we made our way to the Liberty Bound Pub at Tower Hill. Good large pub on different levels full of Southend we stayed till 1.30ish by which time most Southend had made their move. It was then that a heavy Police presenece moved in and took seven of them to eject Ricey, for what? For being Ricey I think!.

Got the Tube at Tower Hill, get you tickets in advance if you can, long queues from only one counter open. We let the first tube go as it was only going to Earls Court which I think was a wise move, the next one went to Wimbldon hence stopping at Fulham Broadway, but as the train moved westwards it got more and more crowded, with people struggling to get on board. Shuffled off the station to chants of "Yellows" and shuffled down to the "Bovril" entrance for the Shed.

After the game we wandered back to Parsons Green staion. It's suprising how as soon as you get away from the main road how deserted the side streets were. About Fifteen minutes walk, we arrived at Parsons Green, and got on tube with ease, loads piled on at Fulham Broadway.

At Liverpool Street the Hamilton Hall was shut, there loss more than ours, but the White Hart (or the 199 as we used to know it) was open and full of football fans, mostly Southend, but some Chelsea and a couple of Ipswich fans (if only we had known the Cup draw then). Very friendly really good drink, an excellent way to end a perfect day.

DoDtS

[Uncle Leo]

Grateful for Uxbridge being the last stop on the Piccadilly Line. Less risky if you fall asleep after a few too many!

[Southminster_Shrimper]

We went on the ShrimpersTrust coach. Only a few comments for coach No 9 (the one built when Cricko was a young lad!)....

1. Didnt seem to have enough maps although I think everyone managed in the end.

2. Why o why, do some people take a flag and then leave it on the coach. If you arent going to take it in the ground then why take it off the lady who gave them out? Unbelievably selfish and stupid are some people clearly.

3. Not overly impressed with the location of the coaches but we found them. Could of done with the blue one dropping the boxes of flags off at the ground....would have saved my poor limbs.

4. One last comment, was a little confusing on getting on the coach. One lady seemed to be saying get on which one you like and another crossing off your names.....I wasnt sure which one I was supposed to be doing to be honest so went with the lady with the list.

Other than that thought it was good value for money, we all got there safely and returned safely....which to be honest, the latter with two kids in tow, was the most important bit for me.

So overall really....:clap:

[OldBlueLady]

We went on the ShrimpersTrust coach. Only a few comments for coach No 9....

1. Didnt seem to have enough maps although I think everyone managed in the end.

2. Why o why, do some people take a flag and then leave it on the coach. If you arent going to take it in the ground then why take it off the lady who gave them out? Unbelievably selfish and stupid are some people clearly.

3. Not overly impressed with the location of the coaches but we found them. Could of done with the blue one dropping the boxes of flags off at the ground....would have saved my poor limbs.

4. One last comment, was a little confusing on getting on the coach. One lady seemed to be saying get on which one you like and another crossing off your names.....I wasnt sure which one I was supposed to be doing to be honest so went with the lady with the list.

Other than that thought it was good value for money, we all got there safely and returned safely....which to be honest, the latter with two kids in tow, was the most important bit for me.

So overall really....:clap:

Blimey! You didn't manage to get another crack in at me again on point no. 3! :stunned:

[Southminster_Shrimper]

Blimey! You didn't manage to get another crack in at me again on point no. 3! :stunned:

Not at all....I carried mine further and on me own...;)

Anyway, :offtopic:

It was more that it only added to the problem of distance because it was also the last coach to arrive which meant the flags were even further away.

But these are all minor points on what was a very successful journey. While not everyones cup of tea, I would use the ST coach again.

[sufcis4life_notjust4cardiff]

Went by SoL coach.

Excellent journey up there, buzzing atmosphere on board. Both SoL coaches arrived together on Imperial Road (coach drop off point) at 1pm. Blue Voice flags handed out, no problem finding way to the ground, great idea to have the map though, just incase.

Found way back no problem after the game. Slightly quicker journey home, free hot and cold drinks on the coach, competition prizes aswell, great day out.

:support:

[Mick]

Train & tube via Fenchurch Street. I think c2c were daft in that they were putting on 4 set trains, they must have been aware that there would be huge demand on the day.



Not strictly true. The trains trundling empty round Ockenden had 8 carriages. Tossers.

[Dad of Dave the Shrimper]

Looking at the Poll if this is a fair cross section, I would estimate that 1,750 shrimpers travelled on the Liverpool Street line and 2,500 on the Fenchurch Street line.

The majority of these were probably travelling in a two hour slot, yet the Railway companies provide no extra trains just pile them on the existing trains. Now I know us football supporters almost expect to be herded like cattle, but I also feel sorry for the women with kids mentioned previously that didn't know how to cope with the situation.

I know I'm niave, living in cloud cookoo land etc, but a couple of extra trains should have been put on each line which would have certainly eased the congestion. I know it would never happen, what a stupid suggestion, but what p*sses me off is that when they want to cut services (sundays, replacement buses, etc) because of lack of custom at certain times, why doesn't the reverse work for extra custom?

DoDtS

[ldnfatso]

Dear Sirs,

Please would you print an open letter to C2C Rail regarding their service levels and invite their response;

" Another own goal" from Comedy 2 Comedy Rail took place on Saturday when 6000 supporters of Southend United needed to be in London for FA Cup duty at Chelsea and supporters from Arsenal, West Ham and Leyton Orient all set out for home fixtures.

While empty trains of 8 coaches went to Tilbury / Lakeside, only 4 coach trains were available for services direct to Fenchurch Street, which led to scenes reminiscent of trains in the sub continent.

The Directors / Managers of Comedy 2 Comedy Rail should have known of the demand that would be made upon the service, but chose either to ignore it, or apply their own brand of synicism and make the customer suffer.

What was an enjoyable day out was marred by the difficulty in transport to and from London.

May I suggest that the managers/decision makers have their heads removed from the sand buckets,or wherever else the sun dont shine and smell the coffee/read the papers, it was out their for them if they bothered to look.

The supporters behaved without fault and were a credit to Southend, as were the team, its a shame C2C could not live up to the event.

Having used this line for 38 years nothing much surprises me anymore, but the customer service level seems to have sunk to a new low.

I invite C2C to explain themselves and issue a public apology through the Evening Echo, NOTHING ELSE WILL DO apart from resigantion from their fat cat positions, and allow Mystic Meg to predict passenge numbers.

May I remind C2C that the battle with Chelsea is set for resolution on Wednesday 14/1/09 but I feel sure the battle with Comedy2 Comedy Rail will run and run for many a year yet.

Yours

[Napster]

Dear Sirs,

Please would you print an open letter to C2C Rail regarding their service levels and invite their response;

" Another own goal" from Comedy 2 Comedy Rail took place on Saturday when 6000 supporters of Southend United needed to be in London for FA Cup duty at Chelsea and supporters from Arsenal, West Ham and Leyton Orient all set out for home fixtures.

While empty trains of 8 coaches went to Tilbury / Lakeside, only 4 coach trains were available for services direct to Fenchurch Street, which led to scenes reminiscent of trains in the sub continent.

The Directors / Managers of Comedy 2 Comedy Rail should have known of the demand that would be made upon the service, but chose either to ignore it, or apply their own brand of synicism and make the customer suffer.

What was an enjoyable day out was marred by the difficulty in transport to and from London.

May I suggest that the managers/decision makers have their heads removed from the sand buckets,or wherever else the sun dont shine and smell the coffee/read the papers, it was out their for them if they bothered to look.

The supporters behaved without fault and were a credit to Southend, as were the team, its a shame C2C could not live up to the event.

Having used this line for 38 years nothing much surprises me anymore, but the customer service level seems to have sunk to a new low.

I invite C2C to explain themselves and issue a public apology through the Evening Echo, NOTHING ELSE WILL DO apart from resigantion from their fat cat positions, and allow Mystic Meg to predict passenge numbers.

May I remind C2C that the battle with Chelsea is set for resolution on Wednesday 14/1/09 but I feel sure the battle with Comedy2 Comedy Rail will run and run for many a year yet.

Yours

From your old man?

[ldnfatso]

Well as i didn't go by C2C, yes!

[Uncle Leo]

Further to ldnfatso's post, the first Liverpool St train back after the Leeds game in October was only a four carriage jobby. Berks. Think I'll drive next Wednesday, I don't much fancy being herded on to a train with a load of Chelsea types.

[Napster]

Further to ldnfatso's post, the first Liverpool St train back after the Leeds game in October was only a four carriage jobby. Berks. Think I'll drive next Wednesday, I don't much fancy being herded on to a train with a load of Chelsea types.

Good point. I might "work" from home that day

[BILLERICAY BLUE]

Further to ldnfatso's post, the first Liverpool St train back after the Leeds game in October was only a four carriage jobby. Berks. Think I'll drive next Wednesday, I don't much fancy being herded on to a train with a load of Chelsea types.I can give you a lift back to Billericay if you like, should have emptied out a bit by then.

My journey on Saturday was fine.

Train from Billericay at 12.31, only 4 coaches and a tad busy but bearable. Hopped on the tube, and met up with US, MtS, MrB et al at The Blackbird, Earls Court at about 1.30, quick pint and then onto the ground.

Same journey back (without the quick pint), just missed the 6.00 at Liverpool Street, but that gave me time to enjoy a leisurely cigar to celebrate our result before getting the 6.15, and getting home just before 7.

All in all, a top day out :)

[chapperzUK]

We were going to go from Hockley to Southend then on the Fenchurch street line but we were not allowed to get off at Southend so we got the undergrounds. Great day out!