(17 Aug 2016, 8:50 pm)Malarkey wrote I suggested Herrington Country Park in Sunderland as a future rally venue on one of Facebook Groups after the MetroCentre Rally, easy access from both the A1 and A19.

(17 Aug 2016, 9:01 pm)Andreos1 wrote And Lambton!

(17 Aug 2016, 8:50 pm)Malarkey wrote I suggested Herrington Country Park in Sunderland as a future rally venue on one of Facebook Groups after the MetroCentre Rally, easy access from both the A1 and A19.

(18 Aug 2016, 7:25 pm)Adrian wrote Mind, whilst I think the talk of a 'super' rally is a good thing, I do think that there's an immediate piece of work of work that needs undertaking, in order to improve the viability of the events we currently have. Growing the Metrocentre and Durham for a start.

I know it was suggested earlier that people can make suggestions to the organisers, but my stance remains; it won't happen until the groups are more inclusive and that people know how to make suggestions. I do hope that happens, and I'm sure that this site would be more than happy to support input on such work.

(20 Aug 2016, 6:45 am)Craig Smith wrote This is the problem. Most of the Groups who own preserved buses in the North East have A mutual understanding of one another. But they wont work with one another. The Northern National Restoration Group has A fantastic relationship with the County Durham Bus Preservation Group. This is because all the major players in the groups have known one another for years now. If we do decide to pool our resources and put on some kind of event I would expect that we would get it right.

What we do need is the support of local counsels and organizations to help us set up A venue that is suitable to our needs. This will attract people to it. I believe that the future of bus rally's in the North East is secure but we do need fresh input from people. Not just in organizing these events but into the organizations themselves. Take the NEBPT and the 500 group.. Do you see anyone under 30 among them who is actively involved?

I know that the NNRG actively encourage people to come and see us. That to me is the right way to do things. We are building the group to eventually achieve charity status. We are also planning to get A larger building.
When this happens perhaps we could hold events in this and have open days? I am approaching this as we have approached our restorations so far. To me the sky is the limit.

(15 Nov 2016, 9:45 am)LeeCalder wrote A couple of people are posting on Facebook that the MetroCentre Rally is to be no more.

(15 Nov 2016, 9:48 am)Jimmi wrote It's now going to be called "The Go North East Bus & Coach Show" [emoji14]

Or at least that's what people would have you believe that the last two or so years have been...

(15 Nov 2016, 10:58 am)LeeCalder wrote At least they turn up and give everyone something to look at..... it's not all about preservationists! I'm sure you agree......

(15 Nov 2016, 9:45 am)LeeCalder wrote A couple of people are posting on Facebook that the MetroCentre Rally is to be no more.

(15 Nov 2016, 11:12 am)Jimmi wrote I feel this events downfall has been because of the large GNE presence, whilst half are happy about this, the other half ain't and I've heard a few preservationists say this year that they won't attend the MetroCentre Rally for this reason. This I feel causes a divide and has an impact on the atmosphere IMO.

(15 Nov 2016, 11:51 am)RBZ 5459 wrote The Metrocentre management no longer wish to use the coach park for events, but the Trust have been seeking alternative locations. 
North East Festival of Transport still one to look out for in the last weekend of July.

(15 Nov 2016, 5:45 pm)jack wrote its not fare it should be at the metrocentre or somewhere close to that this is why i dont like the metrocentre because of bad decisions made by  the intu shopping group limited

(15 Nov 2016, 6:33 pm)Jimmi wrote Problem is though, May Bank Holiday Weekend is often a busy shopping weekend, so if a coach trip want to head to the MetroCentre, where would you park a coach if the coach park is closed off for a event?

Dread to think where the event could take place but apparently the rally is going to happen on April 30th, venue TBA.

(15 Nov 2016, 6:41 pm)MurdnunoC wrote The main reason why this is all happening is because Intu want to use the car-parking facilities at the Coach Park for staff in order to free up parking elsewhere around the Metrocentre. The more observant among you may have noticed that it has been renamed to something like 'Metrocentre Staff and Coach Park'.

(15 Nov 2016, 6:33 pm)Jimmi wrote Problem is though, May Bank Holiday Weekend is often a busy shopping weekend, so if a coach trip want to head to the MetroCentre, where would you park a coach if the coach park is closed off for a event?

(15 Nov 2016, 6:46 pm)Michael wrote Which is a fair point from them, they need the space, shame the road etc won't be re-tarmacked and new lines etc, like the multi-story car park.

(15 Nov 2016, 11:51 am)RBZ 5459 wrote The Metrocentre management no longer wish to use the coach park for events, but the Trust have been seeking alternative locations. 
North East Festival of Transport still one to look out for in the last weekend of July.

(15 Nov 2016, 5:45 pm)jack wrote its not fare it should be at the metrocentre or somewhere close to that this is why i dont like the metrocentre because of bad decisions made by  the intu shopping group limited

(15 Nov 2016, 10:04 pm)Ambassador wrote That car park has been the official staff car park since the Centre opened in the 80s, they've just stuck a sign up because intu are dishing out PCNs to overstaying staff cars in the 'public' car parks and now they are trying the 'friendlier' approach.

At the end of the day, intu are a very successful retail landowner. Their business is shopping and leisure, not bus preservation. The decision isn't a bad one, it's the right one for them and their customers. With all due respect, enthusiasts ain't a group they want anywhere near their brand.

Perhaps GNE could hole a mini preservation type event in the location at Riverside?

(15 Nov 2016, 10:04 pm)Ambassador wrote That car park has been the official staff car park since the Centre opened in the 80s, they've just stuck a sign up because intu are dishing out PCNs to overstaying staff cars in the 'public' car parks and now they are trying the 'friendlier' approach.

At the end of the day, intu are a very successful retail landowner. Their business is shopping and leisure, not bus preservation. The decision isn't a bad one, it's the right one for them and their customers. With all due respect, enthusiasts ain't a group they want anywhere near their brand.

Perhaps GNE could hole a mini preservation type event in the location at Riverside?

(15 Nov 2016, 10:37 pm)Adrian wrote That is quite a stereotype to apply there mind...

(15 Nov 2016, 10:37 pm)Adrian wrote That is quite a stereotype to apply there mind...

(15 Nov 2016, 5:46 pm)jack wrote i hope the rally will stay at metrocentre because thats the best rally of the year in my opinion

• Metro Arena - Though Low Bridges around the area could be too risky
  
• Team Valley - There is or was some hard standing at the North End of the industrial area that has been used for funfairs, not sure if the land is still available.
  
• Great Park, Park and Ride Site - Tarmac Area with easy access from the A1, no facilities though.
  
• Gateshead Stadium - Though I believe parking isn't so good these day
  
• Gosforth Park / Newcastle Racecourse - Mainly grassed areas and could involve vehicles getting a bit stuck.
  
• Spillars Wharf