(03 May 2016, 12:07 pm)Adrian wrote This may prove to be a controversial statement to some, but NEBPT events aren't well promoted and organised. Apart from on this site and the classic bus listings, I can't recall seeing it mentioned anywhere else. We published details on our own Facebook page twice, which is more than NEBPT posted on their own social media.

I'm not by any means suggesting that they're poor events, but what I am suggesting is that they're not pushed and driven to the point of releasing any real potential. Instead, they're simply relying on word of mouth and the same folk attending year on year. At some point, someone needs to realise that what worked 10-15 years ago, doesn't necessarily work now, and the events just strike me as needing some fresh ideas.

On your second point, I do get where you're coming from, but I think a lot of it is people not understanding 'protocol', if you like? However, this wasnt restricted to one age group, before the inevitable conclusions begin... I've always been told that if someone is doing something voluntary for you, then give them a token of appreciation. This doesn't matter whether it's someone packing your bags in a supermarket, or someone ferrying you around on their preserved bus. It's not a commitment to have to donate a tenner at a time, but a donation is more than just monetary to me - it's appreciation and gratitude too.

However, one thing that I'm reluctant to mention, but I will, seeing as I've read some Facebook threads on the subject: it's extremely offensive to refer to anyone as 'window lickers' and other derogatory terms. It's 2016, and I really thought we were past references such as that. You have the right to be disappointed that someone isn't donating to ride your bus or go to your event, but there is absolutely no place for that.

Also trimmed above - apologies!

I agree there's need for organisational change. Poor engagement with the wider community is chronic across bus enthusiasm. The Showbus website, for instance, looks like it's using the same template from 1998 and is a complete headache to read. Even this is one of the better promotional tools as most events have no online presence. 

It would make sense for preservation groups to actively recruit some tech-savvy members who could run a professional facebook page or website. It's also about thinking outside the box. Would it be worth spending £150 on highly-effective facebook advertising? It could be organised so an advert for the Metrocentre Rally would appear as a suggested post in the news feeds of people who already live in the area and 'like' bus companies and/or pages relating to family events. The money would be repaid through increased patronage at the event. If there was a paid programme or wristband system for rides in place this could make a lot of money. 

It's about being tactical too. Harsh as it sounds some buses could be used as 'cash cows' for the event. Us enthusiasts will have our favourites and wait for the turn of that vehicle to do a run. A Leyland National or Volvo B10BLE, however, may have no appeal to the family visitor who harnesses the real donating power. Would it be worth having say, a Routemaster and on open-top vehicle doing constant short circuits around the area as these are more likely to appeal to the casual observer and potentially carry hundreds of passengers and generate £00s in donations. It would also free up space on the 'less exciting' buses for enthusiasts! 

As for the derogatory comments we've all seen made by some on facebook; those people should be ashamed. Grown adults behaving like school bullies is disgusting. BusLoverMum has posted recently around how our hobby often appeals to those with social difficulties - and even if this isn't a factor they should have the knackers to politely discuss with non-donators the cost they've encountered in restoring the vehicle they've brought. I strongly believe those brave enough to take the plunge into bus preservation should be supported by the wider community, including financially at running events. Education around the subject is clearly the way forward, rather than name-calling and exclusion.