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'Best in the West'
bus driver is MP's latest 'Community Champion'  A
bus driver whose regular passengers consider him the 'best in the West'
is the latest unsung hero to be recognised by a MP's Community Champion
Award scheme.Phil Reason, 67, has been working for 'A Bus' since 1991. He was nominated for a Community Champion Award by North East Somerset resident Mandy Morgan who often uses his Keynsham to Bristol bus service. "Phil is a real gem," she said. "He knows all his regular passengers by name and is always ready with a smile. Nothing is too much trouble for him. Phil is a real 'people person' - he must be the best in the West." North East Somerset's MP Dan Norris, who set up the Community Champions scheme earlier this year with sponsorship from Lloydspharmacy, met Phil in Keynsham this week (November 2009) to thank him and present some House of Commons whisky (picture right). Mr Norris said: "I've received a number of nominations pressing the case for Phil's outstanding work to be recognised. People tell me how Phil genuinely goes the extra mile, above and beyond the call of duty, to make life better and more comfortable for his passengers. The Community Champions judging panel will be sorting out Phil with a prize for this Award very soon. It was important to meet him and say 'thank you, well done and keep up the great work.' " The Community Champion scheme is organised by North East Somerset's MP Dan Norris, with sponsorship by Lloydspharmacy, whose North East Somerset branches are located in Keynsham, Midsomer Norton and Paulton. It was launched earlier this year, aiming to highlight and thank people who not only make a tremendous difference to their community but who have not previously been officially recognised for all their efforts. Mr Norris said: "Community Champions are people who offer their time generously to give a helping hand, or who put much more into their work than just what they are paid for. They are not the celebrities or millionaires, but regular people who go above and beyond expectations to make a real difference to the quality of life of others," added Dan Norris. The judging panel includes representatives from Lloydspharmacy, local media, the Citizens Advice Bureau, the Kidscape children's charity and locally-based national charity ERIC. Nominations continue to come in, and continue to be welcomed. People wishing to nominate a Community Champion can do so by
Phil has made over
64,000 bus trips between Keynsham and Bristol since 1991 - over half a
million miles in total. He previously worked as a delivery driver for
Mountstevens bakery and for First Bus. He retired at the age of 65 but
decided to continue with 'A Bus'. He is now 67 years old. In his spare
time Phil keeps fit as a football referee on The Downs in Bristol, and
has an allotment.
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