Phillips director writes of the Glorious M5

Director and full-time driver for Bewdley-based Phillips International Travel, Julian Phillips, has published a travel guide focusing on the M5 motorway. Entitled ‘The Glorious M5’, the book could provide inspiration for tour guides while journeying down the motorway or even be of interest to travel and transport enthusiasts.

The Glorious M5 is divided in to 31 sections according to the numbered junctions of the motorway, providing information about places of historic significance or unique attractions in their vicinity.

Julian furloughed himself between March and the beginning of July this year when the national lockdown prevented his company from operating any tours. He used the opportunity of the government’s order to stay at home to write the book while also home-schooling his four children.

Speaking to Bus and Coach Buyer, Julian gave a sneak peak into the contents of the book: “It gives details of the things you can see from the M5, the towns and places to visit within. It is divided up into 31 sections and starts at the M6 interchange, with places like Sandwell Valley. Then you get West Bromwich with the Hawthorns, the highest football ground above sea level in England.

“There is an entry near junction 12, Javelin Park, which is named after the Gloucester Javelin, one of the earliest jet fighters. It was designed for intercepting Russian bombers.

“For a coach operator or driver that gives commentary, I think it could be a useful guide” – Julian Phillips, Phillips International Travel Director

“It is the kind of thing you can put in your glovebox. For a coach operator or driver that gives commentary, I think it could be a useful guide.”

The book has been self-published with a company called New Generation Publishing. It is available as ‘print on demand’, meaning it can be ordered through bookshops with the ISBN. It has also been placed in shops local to Bewdley, the operator’s home town.

On writing the book, Julian said: “I started writing it in late-April and finished the first draft in a month. I didn’t approach publishers until September and October.”

This might not be the last book Julian authors, with the first draft of a similar title on the M6 written. If ‘The Glorious M5’ goes well, perhaps we will see the sequel.

• The Glorious M5 can be ordered via all good book stores (ISBN number: 978-1800315099).