Post by Admin on May 24, 2013 7:52:59 GMT
The annual Clacton Bus Rally is organised by members of Colne Estuary Preserved Buses (CEPB). As many as 50 buses converge on the car park of Clacton Factory Outlet Village on the first Sunday in June. Many are preserved historical vehicles representing fleets from all over the country. Some are over 70 years old and still going strong. At the other end of the spectrum, local bus and coach operators take the opportunity to show off their most modern vehicles. The rally attracts up to 3,000 local people and visitors.
Some of the preserved buses, including open-toppers, give free rides to Clacton's station and town centre, and along the seafront or scenic routes to neighbouring villages. Older visitors have told us they enjoy riding the more vintage buses for nostalgia reasons. Meanwhile, the younger generations enjoy riding older buses because it's a completely different experience from modern vehicles - boarding a bus at the back to see the driver high up in his cab at the front is a novelty for them.
CEPB's open-top Southdown Queen Mary (BUF 426C), and visiting open-toppers from nearby collections, are always favourites to ride on. The 1960s and 1970s coaches show what used to be considered the height of luxury on longer journeys! The preserved Eastern National vehicles generate nostalgia among visitors who remember travelling on them. For fans of the London scene, there are usually several Routemasters and RTs present. In past years, the rally has hosted vehicles that originally operated in Sunderland and in Jersey. In previous years, a visiting NYPD police car was a favourite attraction for youngsters.
While enthusiasts and the simply curious visit the bus displays and chat to the owners, or browse the stalls, there's plenty for friends and family to do. Shopping, snacks and catering are available in the Factory Outlet. It's a short bus ride to the seafront shops and amusements.
The CEPB stall has CEPB postcards, badges and fridge magnets for sale and second hand transport-related books, models and magazines. For non-enthusiast family members, we usually have some non-transport-related DVDs, CDs and puzzles on the stall as well. All proceeds go towards the cost of running the Clacton Rally.
The 5th Clacton Bus Rally will be held on Sunday 2nd June 2013 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more info see: www.colneestuarypb.co.uk/clactonbusrally.htm
Some of the preserved buses, including open-toppers, give free rides to Clacton's station and town centre, and along the seafront or scenic routes to neighbouring villages. Older visitors have told us they enjoy riding the more vintage buses for nostalgia reasons. Meanwhile, the younger generations enjoy riding older buses because it's a completely different experience from modern vehicles - boarding a bus at the back to see the driver high up in his cab at the front is a novelty for them.
CEPB's open-top Southdown Queen Mary (BUF 426C), and visiting open-toppers from nearby collections, are always favourites to ride on. The 1960s and 1970s coaches show what used to be considered the height of luxury on longer journeys! The preserved Eastern National vehicles generate nostalgia among visitors who remember travelling on them. For fans of the London scene, there are usually several Routemasters and RTs present. In past years, the rally has hosted vehicles that originally operated in Sunderland and in Jersey. In previous years, a visiting NYPD police car was a favourite attraction for youngsters.
While enthusiasts and the simply curious visit the bus displays and chat to the owners, or browse the stalls, there's plenty for friends and family to do. Shopping, snacks and catering are available in the Factory Outlet. It's a short bus ride to the seafront shops and amusements.
The CEPB stall has CEPB postcards, badges and fridge magnets for sale and second hand transport-related books, models and magazines. For non-enthusiast family members, we usually have some non-transport-related DVDs, CDs and puzzles on the stall as well. All proceeds go towards the cost of running the Clacton Rally.
The 5th Clacton Bus Rally will be held on Sunday 2nd June 2013 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more info see: www.colneestuarypb.co.uk/clactonbusrally.htm