Bristol Omnibus - The Green Years

Saturday 25th April 2009 – North Somerset Coaches 40th Anniversary

 

To celebrate the anniversary of the big 40, NSC’s owner our very own Mr Dave Fricker (possibly the youngest operator in the UK!), arranged his second running day using various vehicles from Mike Walker & Martin Curtis excellent collection, The Devon & Dorset Group, The South-West Preservation Group and various other sources.

 

I have been lucky enough to attend both of Dave’s excellent running days, and am lucky enough to count Dave as a friend and fellow bus preservationist. A big thanks must go the vehicle owners, drivers, controllers, enthusiasts and the general travelling public for making this small event go like clockwork (Ish ;-).

 

I took my Tiger to the event as a possible spare, a “Just in case” vehicle. Luckily enough she was not needed but was used to shuttle the crews from the Southfields Road depot to Stock Way in Nailsea (bus stops used for departures).

 

I had a fantastic day, riding on and driving excellent vehicles. It was also a chance to catch up with the SWPG’s very good friends from the D&DG (Devon & Dorset Group), so to Woody, Graeme, Jo & of course Mr Bennett, thanks for making it a terrific day with great company!

 

I finally got to drive 1159 (AFJ766T), the only one of Terry B’s VR’s that I had not driven before today, and I must say that she is a stunning vehicle. The running day only operated over three routes, but the routes chosen were just right and any more and I think young Mr Fricker would have been tearing his hair out ;-)

 

Well done Dave, Mike and all others at North Somerset Coaches for “Another” cracking day, here’s to Next Year (LOL).

 

The chosen Charity for all the donations is to be the “Wraxall Childrens Hospice”, a very worthwhile cause.

 

Done