How is your November finding you? I was going to start with the lyrics to Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, and relate it to rockin’ along the A31 in a Fiat Ducati. I am still having nightmares about that though, so I think I might refrain.
Anyway; Southampton Mini Link have announced their Christmas services for this year. As this is the first year for this independent brand, it was something I was looking forward to seeing. I had a small question in my mind as to what the management would decide to do, and I am a little disappointed to be fair.
Updated on 27 November: 14:05 is the Arrival time of the last bus at Ringwood, not the departure time at Southampton. Just to confuse people.
Christmas Eve
This is where the disappointment is for me. Anyone planning to head into Southampton for work, shopping or a liquid lunch for one is heading back to Ringwood early on Friday as the last service from Southampton is going to be at 13:15. Even compared to the disappointment that I have for First City Red closing down at 8pm, this is a real surprise.
I can only hope that people don’t plan to do any last minute shopping!
Christmas Day and Boxing Day
There are No Services on Christmas Day or Boxing Day. I was wondering if the 13a would make an appearance on Boxing Day, but that was not to be.
Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th December
As these are classed as bank holidays, Southampton Mini Link will be running their Sunday service 13a only.
Wednesday 29th, Thursday 30th and New Years Eve
A weekday service on Service 5 between Southampton and Ringwood will run. This includes the normal last buses on New Years Eve (unlike Christmas Eve).
New Years Day, Sunday 2nd, Monday 3rd January 2022
Southampton Mini Link will be running the Sunday service 13a on these days.
Tuesday 4th January
Normal service resumes.