Following on from discussion in
this thread, I've decided to set up a new thread to explain things properly and so I can set up a poll.
My proposal is that, once monthly (presumably on a Saturday), we organise a day trip on NEB. Your family and friends can attend even if they are not members of the forum. While the locations have not yet been established, there is plenty of scope for the places we could go to.
This will presumably be cheaper than travelling by train (which would have been the alternative), and allows us to get together to get away from the North East and get some great photos.
I have contacted approximately 15 companies based around the North East asking for a quote on how much it would be for a group of us to travel to Dunfermline in mid-August from Newcastle Central Station. This of course is related to the SVBM Open Weekend, which several members have shown interest towards. It would be great to have an idea of numbers just so I can tell the companies, should they ask.
If you are interested in accompanying us on these day trips, could you please fill out the poll above and outline in a post some of the places you would like to go to. If price is one of the things which would be the decision-maker for you, feel free to PM me or post below with the price too.
I'm definitely interested if it's on a weekend. Only trip suggestions I've got are Lothian's open day if it happens in 2014, and perhaps looking out for a NRM York event. Aside from that, the only thing I'd say is to set deadlines for both interest and money collection well in advance of the day trip. I've found from personal experience that you'll always get a few drop out, which inevitably leads to others paying more.
(19 Jan 2014, 8:21 pm)aureolin wrote [ -> ]I'm definitely interested if it's on a weekend. Only trip suggestions I've got are Lothian's open day if it happens in 2014, and perhaps looking out for a NRM York event. Aside from that, the only thing I'd say is to set deadlines for both interest and money collection well in advance of the day trip. I've found from personal experience that you'll always get a few drop out, which inevitably leads to others paying more.
Well the Doors Open Day is in September, so that's another trip sorted providing there is sufficient interest.
I'd personally like to go to Glasgow and the Lakes District too, so we've already got a possible five trips.
Indeed I do think deadlines will have to be brought in. I've found that people have said something like "Maximum fare of £20" in the past based on initial interest, and the actual turnout has reflected a cheaper fare on the day. If something similar was done (i.e. everyone pays £20 beforehand to secure their place) and it turns out that the turnout was better than the initial interest, people can get a fiver or something back on the day.
I'd defiantly take part in the future. Rather than montly, possibly 3 monthly, allowing for four trips per year, with the additional ''NEB Challenge'' which I will be taking part in if it does go ahead. Key factor of this would be research, looking at where people want to go, and more importantly, isn't easily accessible for cheap prices as there may be cheaper option which won't be as popular.
(19 Jan 2014, 8:30 pm)Dan wrote [ -> ]Well the Doors Open Day is in September, so that's another trip sorted providing there is sufficient interest.
I'd personally like to go to Glasgow and the Lakes District too, so we've already got a possible five trips.
Indeed I do think deadlines will have to be brought in. I've found that people have said something like "Maximum fare of £20" in the past based on initial interest, and the actual turnout has reflected a cheaper fare on the day. If something similar was done (i.e. everyone pays £20 beforehand to secure their place) and it turns out that the turnout was better than the initial interest, people can get a fiver or something back on the day.
Seems a fair way of doing it
Glasgow is definitely one I'd visit, as I'd love more time up there.
Just add to this idea rather than have Monthly Trips, why have 4 Major Trips Per Year and then if there is further interest, then schedule a few minor Day Trips in Between. As there are Various elements that you have to take into account also for example.
Cost - Can everyone Afford to do these trips on a Monthly Basis - (I know I can't)
Work - People who are in paid Employment - Will they be able to get the time off work to go on a Day Trip.
Trips - Would have been in Reason and Doable in a Day
Here little Model I have came up with, Trips would occur Every 3 Months, for example
February - Day Trip to Carlisle
May - Day Trip to Berwick and the Scottish Borders
August - Day Trip to Edinburgh and Dunfermline (SVBM)
November - Day Trip to Preston (Tour of John Fishwick and Sons Depot) if Possible
Then for Minor Trips in Between we could go to:
Lothian Open Doors Event
Weardale Open Day
Bus and Coach Show (Birmingham NEC Arena)
Showbus (Duxford near Cambridge in September)
Exeter Bus & Coach Station 50th Anniversary Rally (July)
There is just a few examples, and obviously in the North East we have Seaburn/Durham and MetroCentre Bus Rallies where we can meet up also, So I would SAY there is quite a bit scope for Day Trips which could be done.
if you end up this way give us a bell!
(19 Jan 2014, 8:51 pm)Adam Malarkey wrote [ -> ]Just add to this idea rather than have Monthly Trips, why have 4 Major Trips Per Year and then if there is further interest, then schedule a few minor Day Trips in Between. As there are Various elements that you have to take into account also for example.
Cost - Can everyone Afford to do these trips on a Monthly Basis - (I know I can't)
Work - People who are in paid Employment - Will they be able to get the time off work to go on a Day Trip.
Trips - Would have been in Reason and Doable in a Day
Here little Model I have came up with, Trips would occur Every 3 Months, for example
February - Day Trip to Carlisle
May - Day Trip to Berwick and the Scottish Borders
August - Day Trip to Edinburgh and Dunfermline (SVBM)
November - Day Trip to Preston (Tour of John Fishwick and Sons Depot) if Possible
Then for Minor Trips in Between we could go to:
Lothian Open Doors Event
Weardale Open Day
Bus and Coach Show (Birmingham NEC Arena)
Showbus (Duxford near Cambridge in September)
Exeter Bus & Coach Station 50th Anniversary Rally (July)
There is just a few examples, and obviously in the North East we have Seaburn/Durham and MetroCentre Bus Rallies where we can meet up also, So I would SAY there is quite a bit scope for Day Trips which could be done.
Regarding the cost - we haven't got any prices yet! Depending on where we were going, it could be anything as cheap as £5 up to something as expensive as £20. I'll watch my e-mails like a hawk for the next few days and see what the quotes are like. If it's something out of this world, it's obvious we won't be able to do it.
Regarding work - that's why I chose a weekend date. If we're going to follow rallies around the UK, they could be on either a Saturday or Sunday. Means more people should be able to attend.
Regarding the time-span - I think most things can be done within a day really. If we were using Newcastle as a 'central hub', I imagine most would be able to get there by, let's say, 9am. I was looking at Brighton, but you're looking at that being at least five and a half hours so would be incredibly hard to achieve in a day.
I think some of your major trips (such as Carlisle) are further afield than some of your minor ones!
For the record, I think you need to be in employment in the industry to attend Bus & Coach Show.
(19 Jan 2014, 8:59 pm)Dan wrote [ -> ]Regarding the cost - we haven't got any prices yet! Depending on where we were going, it could be anything as cheap as £5 up to something as expensive as £20. I'll watch my e-mails like a hawk for the next few days and see what the quotes are like. If it's something out of this world, it's obvious we won't be able to do it.
Regarding work - that's why I chose a weekend date. If we're going to follow rallies around the UK, they could be on either a Saturday or Sunday. Means more people should be able to attend.
Regarding the time-span - I think most things can be done within a day really. If we were using Newcastle as a 'central hub', I imagine most would be able to get there by, let's say, 9am. I was looking at Brighton, but you're looking at that being at least five and a half hours so would be incredibly hard to achieve in a day.
I think some of your major trips (such as Carlisle) are further afield than some of your minor ones!
For the record, I think you need to be in employment in the industry to attend Bus & Coach Show.
Generally if I go to Brighton I normally stay in London for the week (only 1 hour away from Feltham including change at Clapham Junction). It's a nice place.
We just need to remember that just because there may be an event every month, there's no obligation for someone to attend every single one. Just go to the ones that take your fancy, or that you can afford. Everyone's personal circumstances are different.
(19 Jan 2014, 9:09 pm)aureolin wrote [ -> ]We just need to remember that just because there may be an event every month, there's no obligation for someone to attend every single one. Just go to the ones that take your fancy, or that you can afford. Everyone's personal circumstances are different.
Not sure if I will attend this year, but possibly 2015/16, but I totally agree with that.
Stick me down for this, I am up for Dunfermline, sounds like a good day out, I would not be able to make every trip, the finances just wont allow it...
Places I would love to goto
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Yorkshire(Whitby, York, Leeds)
Lancashire(Blackpool, Preston
Liverpool/Manchester
If any trips like that came up and I could afford it, I would be more than up for it
Just had a thought for SVBM in August, if we hired a Coach from Kingsley's I think we should go up on Ex Lothian Dennis SPD 182 Y182 CFS, How great would that be. That's if it can make to Dunfermline and Back.
As for Cost, if it's as low as £5 for the Odd Trip then I'll Definitely go on the trips more often, I wouldn't mind going to Blackpool actually, haven't been since I was 8 Years Old or Something. Glasgow also as I have been up a few times with Family, Last Time I went to Glasgow was in 2007 and I did the Tour of Parkhead and bumped into a few Players on the way out which was Awesome.
Up for this in principle, but family and work commitments come first.
The most realistic chance of me tagging along, is if I happen to be working in a particular area at the time.
(19 Jan 2014, 9:33 pm)Adam Malarkey wrote [ -> ]Just had a thought for SVBM in August, if we hired a Coach from Kingsley's I think we should go up on Ex Lothian Dennis SPD 182 Y182 CFS, How great would that be. That's if it can make to Dunfermline and Back.
As for Cost, if it's as low as £5 for the Odd Trip then I'll Definitely go on the trips more often, I wouldn't mind going to Blackpool actually, haven't been since I was 8 Years Old or Something. Glasgow also as I have been up a few times with Family, Last Time I went to Glasgow was in 2007 and I did the Tour of Parkhead and bumped into a few Players on the way out which was Awesome.
The thought of spending two hours on a Dart... Hahah!
If you can get a rough estimate for us when you're next at the depot, that would be great. Coach or bus.
(19 Jan 2014, 9:16 pm)fozzovmurton wrote [ -> ]Stick me down for this, I am up for Dunfermline, sounds like a good day out, I would not be able to make every trip, the finances just wont allow it...
Places I would love to goto
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Yorkshire(Whitby, York, Leeds)
Lancashire(Blackpool, Preston
Liverpool/Manchester
If any trips like that came up and I could afford it, I would be more than up for it
That Yorkshire trip could be done on the Coastliner service.
Some sort of round trip, with stop offs along the way in the towns and villages.
Opportunities for bus spotting or pint supping :p
(19 Jan 2014, 9:38 pm)Dan wrote [ -> ]The thought of spending two hours on a Dart... Hahah!
If you can get a rough estimate for us when you're next at the depot, that would be great. Coach or bus.
I was going to up on Wednesday depending on the Weather - But think of the Bigger Picture Daniel, We'd going up on a Bus that played an Integral part in Lothians History, and we'd be providing it with a Return Home also. And i'm sure those in Edinburgh and Enthusiasts at SVBM would be Very Happy to see it back also. I'll look at the Poll at the top the Thread on Wednesday to see how people have voted and i'll use those Numbers for the Estimate, for what the Cost will be.
(19 Jan 2014, 10:04 pm)Adam Malarkey wrote [ -> ]I was going to up on Wednesday depending on the Weather - But think of the Bigger Picture Daniel, We'd going up on a Bus that played an Integral part in Lothians History, and we'd be providing it with a Return Home also. And i'm sure those in Edinburgh and Enthusiasts at SVBM would be Very Happy to see it back also. I'll look at the Poll at the top the Thread on Wednesday to see how people have voted and i'll use those Numbers for the Estimate, for what the Cost will be.
Sure people would pay extra to hire a Lothian President if the alternative was the dart!
(19 Jan 2014, 10:04 pm)Adam Malarkey wrote [ -> ]I was going to up on Wednesday depending on the Weather - But think of the Bigger Picture Daniel, We'd going up on a Bus that played an Integral part in Lothians History, and we'd be providing it with a Return Home also. And i'm sure those in Edinburgh and Enthusiasts at SVBM would be Very Happy to see it back also. I'll look at the Poll at the top the Thread on Wednesday to see how people have voted and i'll use those Numbers for the Estimate, for what the Cost will be.
Remember, the poll result may not be representative of the actual figures. These trips aren't just for members of NEB.
(19 Jan 2014, 10:08 pm)andreos1 wrote [ -> ]Sure people would pay extra to hire a Lothian President if the alternative was the dart!
That is true, But I don't we'd need a President if there was only 15 of us going or something. I'll be happy if get to sit at the back in the Corner on the Drivers side, where I can actually fit my legs.
Depending on whether I can get the time off work, an NEB day trip is something I'd be interested in.
Got a reply from Jim Hughes this morning. Obviously the fares are subject to change depending on other company prices, but we need to be looking at about 30 people going to ensure we get a £15 fare each with JH.
(20 Jan 2014, 7:51 am)Dan wrote [ -> ]Got a reply from Jim Hughes this morning. Obviously the fares are subject to change depending on other company prices, but we need to be looking at about 30 people going to ensure we get a £15 fare each with JH.
Try WB Kerr, they can be contacted
here. A fairly good company and nearby to Newcastle.
(20 Jan 2014, 8:03 am)Tom wrote [ -> ]Try WB Kerr, they can be contacted here. A fairly good company and nearby to Newcastle.
Done.
Got a reply from Stanley Travel just now - their prices are a hell of a lot more expensive than Jim Hughes' (sorry northtynelinks!
)
Will keep you all updated with who is 'winning'.
(20 Jan 2014, 8:11 am)Dan wrote [ -> ]Done.
Got a reply from Stanley Travel just now - their prices are a hell of a lot more expensive than Jim Hughes' (sorry northtynelinks! )
Will keep you all updated with who is 'winning'.
Not really sure of anymore - Pygalls Coaches? Priory Coaches? Durham City Coaches?
(20 Jan 2014, 8:13 am)Tom wrote [ -> ]Not really sure of anymore - Pygalls Coaches? Priory Coaches? Durham City Coaches?
They were all done as part of the original 15 or so companies I contacted.
Try Thirwell Coaches of Swalwell; Rowells of Prudhoe; Hunters of Tantobie; or Nightingales of Stanley (just four companies that popped into my head).
I decided to go up Kingsley's This Morning as it was Nice and Sunny, and got the following Prices for Various Trips that would occur in the Month of August for a Total of 30+ People on 38 Seater Coach to make it easier for working out etc, rather doing one Trip for Each Month of the Year, Much like Jim Hughes, Kingsley's prices Vary during the different Seasons of the Year. Here are the Prices for 6 Possible Trips in August. Also we must take into account that with August being during 6 Weeks School Holidays that it will be more Expensive to do these Trips.
Edinburgh - £450 - £15 Per Person
Dunfermline - £500 - £16.60 Per Person
York - £320 - £10.60 Per Person
Glasgow - £400 - £13.30 Per Person (No idea how it's cheaper to go to Glasgow than it is to Edinburgh)
Liverpool - £420 - £14.00 Per Person
Blackpool - £400 - £13.30
Daniel if you'd like to make any further Enquiries to Kingsleys for the Winter/Spring and Autumn Months, to then compare prices better, here is Kingsley's Telephone Number - Tel: 0191 492 1299
Depending on how many of there you are could you not just book the Megabus or Nat Exp up to Edi?
Even take a train one way?
(20 Jan 2014, 9:02 am)AdamY wrote [ -> ]Try Thirwell Coaches of Swalwell; Rowells of Prudhoe; Hunters of Tantobie; or Nightingales of Stanley (just four companies that popped into my head).
Thanks Adam. Will send them an e-mail tonight (providing they each have websites/email addresses).