North East Buses

Yeah, it's actually been a canny event today with many people out in force especially with the lovely weather we had today. Good turnout of preserved stuff with Go North East and Stagecoach on Teesside even making an appearance. It got quite busy in the afternoon with some of the shuttles having to be duplicated to meet demand (mostly in the case for single decker runs).

One criticism is, the way some of the shuttles had to return into the rally site, I rode The Eden Leopard and we went right round some housing estate and it's not exactly a small thing and of course being an old gem steering it round these estates was an issue, those of us still on after doing the shuttle were having to help the driver as we were having to reverse to get round the tight corners, then when we got back there was no marshals in sight so my mate had to open the gate for us to get back into the rally site.

For me at least, it has been has been a cracking day out today, got to see and ride some buses and got to catch up with some familiar faces. Personally some whinge about these rallies but I really think the overall experience of each rally is what you make of it, seriously get out on some of the preserved stuff and show you're support for the hard work they do and preferably give them a little something for the costs towards fuel or keeping the buses in preservation, you'll hopefully enjoy it. I'm very much looking forward to next year now, especially as I know of some more exciting new stuff we could be seeing at these events next year.

After being able to shuffle around our weekend plans, we managed to go today. Definitely the best one of the year and nice to see some vehicles from further afield.

We took one ride - on the orange and blue beauty we missed out on at previous events. Bloomin' 'ot, though! My heart was racing!

Well, I attended, as I always do, and it was very well attended. Weather was spot on which definitely helped the attendance. I didn't go for a ride this year, the queues were quite big and having a young family, it wouldn't have been ideal. I do think NEBPT need more marshals, one or two on either entrance and then none in the ground itself caused a couple of safety concerns with manoeuvring buses. However, my biggest complaint (and it's only a personal one, please don't shout!) was the fact most buses were not accessible. I wanted to make a valiant attempt this year to get on board, have conversations with owners, but nearly all of them were shut up, no owners to be seen. Poor Craig Smith was constantly running around, and when he stood still he was bombarded. Now, don't get me wrong, a LOT of hard earned money has gone in to some of the buses on display, and some of the attention to detail is mind boggling, but I'd have loved to have seen some from the inside. It's a small gripe, one I will endeavour to address myself next year, but in the meantime, well done to everyone who turned up, keep doing the good stuff!


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I arrived at Seaburn just after 10, but left around 1pm mainly due to the fact I was bored, and wasn't really in much of a sociable mood. Afterwards, I went to get some more photos of the North Park and Rides for the Tall Ships and then went to get some MetRep photos.

I enjoyed the rally. I arrived just before mid day and stayed until about 3 pm. I was in two minds to go after the fiasco at the Metrocentre and the poor turn out at Whitley Bay.

Glad I made the trip. Going to see if I can make the NNRG's trip next weekend.

Charles