The future of rallies in the North East

16 Aug 2016, 5:25 pm #54

(16 Aug 2016, 10:03 am)MrPottski I cannot understand all the negativity on this subject. Lots of complaints but no suggestions how to improve things. Like Craig said, the cost of bringing one bus to a rally is huge, there's zero profit in it for any of the owners, they do it for the love of the vehicles and the industry, yet still people complain. If all the owners just decided to jack it in, would you be happy then? At least you wouldn't have to "see the same old crap" year after year. If you are true enthusiasts then you would get right behind the owners and organisations that put in these shows. There are no professionals here, just a bunch of guys that pour their own money into keeping great old vehicles on the road. I was at the MetroCentre, and I was impressed at the turnout. I was at Shildon on Sunday, which was a nice little rally, and I will be at Seaburn. I put forward suggestions for turning the MetroCentre event into the equivalent of a northern Showbus, and I truly believe there could be scope for making that event into one of the biggest around, but unfortunately it needs backing. So, if you don't want to go, don't go. If you want things to change, suggest ideas to the relevant organisations.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have had the idea of a North East Showbus type even for some time now. The venue would be the key thing to attract people. I know that some groups would come. I am sure I would have the support of the County Durham Bus Preservation Group and the NEBPT. But... The problem is location. Beamish would be A good place but restricted.

The venue would ideally have A hard standing to prevent the mud bath if its wet. Carlisle Airport has been mentioned to me before. Its not that far up the A69 and has loads of room. Its also just off the M6 and that might attract people from further away.

Like C522LJR has said. We have had 8 buses brake cover this year. Some have been under restoration for years and some have been repainted at huge cost. So it gets me a little bit miffed when people say we have the same old things attending. The build up to each event takes time and effort.

The NNRG will be at Seaburn with 4710 and 4855. Come over and have A better chat with us. You can also look at our restoration photos of 4710 and 4855. We don't shy away from questions.

Edited 17 Aug 2016, 4:51 pm by Craig Smith.

Craig Smith. NNRG Operations Engineer. NNRG. Bus Preservationists of the North East.