Travel Woes

I travelled home at the weekend for my dad's first Sunday service as vicar in his new patch. It was, incidentally, very good. I enjoyed the sermon (even if I am biased) and there were a surprising number of people in church. The atmosphere was generally very friendly, and I really enjoyed the kids' service that came later in the morning.

I was going to travel home by train, and attempt to catch up on a few things, such as my blog, en route. However, my plans were scuppered when I discovered that the line was being dug up between Didcot and Oxford (again????) and the replacement bus would have added an unbelievable 90minutes to the overall journey time. So, I went by bus to Gatwick ('The Airline') where I was picked up. It was, it has to be said, very comfortable and I did smile at the slightly cheesy safety video ("we're going to be cruising at 62mph at a height of about 4ft...exits are here....."). However, I was appalled when my request for student discount was met with "only if you're a Brookes student". What? How dare they discriminate. All that does is reinforce the false stereotype that Oxford Uni students are richer than most. Just like any Brookes student I am a full member of the NUS, and as our terms are structured in a more intense way than theirs, getting a job during term is out of the question.

I don't usually resort to this sort of thing, but please boycott the Oxford Bus Company until they have decided on a fair policy for giving student discount. (I suspect that the only thing it will acheive is making me feel better, but come on, it's worth it for that).