Industry bids farewell to Andrew Wickham MBE

Family, friends and colleagues of Andrew Wickham MBE gathered to honour the late Go South Coast managing director.

Andrew, who passed away last month following a long battle with illness, remained in post and heavily involved in the day-to-day running of the business right up until his death. A statement from Go South Coast said: “He was loved and respected by colleagues and stakeholders alike.”

His funeral cortege, which included the hearse and 14 buses and coaches, made its way through Poole bus station for a final salute, and on to a church service in Andrew’s home village of Sturminster Marshall – with a police escort to ensure minimal disruption along the way.

Local people lined the route to show their respect for Andrew, who served the industry in the region as Go South Coast boss for 14 years.

“He was one of a kind, and we were incredibly fortunate to have him at the helm” – Go South Coast interim managing director, Ben Murray

Go South Coast interim managing director, Ben Murray, said: “Andrew was, above all, a lifelong public transport enthusiast – and this was reflected in his journey from Poole to St Mary’s Church in Sturminster Marshall.

“As in life, Andrew very much led the way and was specific about how his funeral and wake should play out. The buses, which carried mourners to the service, included vehicles which had been important to him during different periods of his life.

“There were also buses and coaches from each of the operators within the Go South Coast family – including Morebus, Bluestar, Southern Vectis, Damory, Swindon’s Bus Company, Salisbury Reds and Excelsior.

“He was one of a kind, and we were incredibly fortunate to have him at the helm. He was also a great family man, and we hope we did them proud with this wonderful procession.

“Our thoughts are with them as they come to terms with this incredibly sad and untimely loss.”

Those present at the church service later attended a special celebration of life event at Upton Country Park, with a very special bus service arranged to transport them between various locations.