My interview was on the 5th of December. i found out I had the job on the 11th. I start on the 15th of January. One of the girls I met received a phone call that night, but I think that is pretty rare. Another girl only found out a few days ago, that's over two weeks. I think they like to keep things random, and keep people guessing, which is fine if you get the job, but terribly disapointing if you don't.
With regards to the crew bus, you will get a timetable with your joining pack. They start at about at 0435 from LGW and 0545 from LHR and leave approximately every hour until around 2000. Not sure what happens if there is a major delay, and you don't get bak until after 2000.
Happy New Year!