It needs to be remembered that a significant number of preserved and restored buses in our area are owned privately by individuals like myself, and not by large groups or charities. Unfortunately there are a number of factors which affect the attendance of buses at events. Sometimes it's down to costs involved. At £1.30 a litre for diesel, it cost me roughly £1 per mile in fuel for my buses to attend any event. Whilst I personally want to support all local events and share my vehicles with fellow enthusiasts, this isn't always possible. With regards to Whitley Bay rally, it is unfortunate that I could not attend due to work commitments. This is the same for quite a few other owners. Whilst I do my best to take holidays/time off for events, this isn't always possible, especially as we enter the busy holiday period. Hopefully there will be a better attendance at Seaburn.

(15 Jul 2018, 9:45 pm)Charles41 wrote I  did not attend the rally today. I feel the real issue is why it is attracting so few vehicles. This is a long established rally held by a long established organisation which had months to prepare for.  If only nine preserved vehicles turn up then it's very disappointing. Quite frankly if I'd travelled for a number of hours I would be very unhappy with the turnout. In fact I'd ask who was in charge and complain to them. It's good that Go North East did attend or it would have been even more of a non event.

It appears that yet again the North East Bus Preservation Trust is seriously lacking in organisational ability.

Charles