(16 Aug 2016, 5:25 pm)Craig Smith wrote 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 C622LJR 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.
I quite like the idea of Beamish as a venue, and it would be a win-win really. Whilst I think it's a bonus that Beamish get new members in the process, my concern would be around rally footfall, when admission is £18.95 (?) for adults alone. A family pass would set people back about £42. I fear this would deter people, and it's almost double what showbus costs for adult admission.
I don't think that charging admission is a problem, as long as it provides value for money. There are plenty other places that an admission fee could be charged, where the funds raised come back to the groups to support the hard work they do. You wouldn't get that at Beamish, so I suppose it's something to think about
