Trevor shares this report from last weekend’s successful Beer, Buses & Walks weekend. Ed
“A thoroughly enjoyable and well organised event.”
“…the most organised, professionally run event I’ve ever attended.”
“Thank you all for a fantastic weekend.”
These are just a few examples of the comments left on social media this week for the organisers of the Isle of Wight Classic Buses, Beer and Walks Weekend.
Held last Saturday and Sunday, 15/16 October, the event saw over 70 classic buses and coaches on display or in service on 11 routes covering the length and breadth of the island. Thousands of passengers were carried on the free buses over the two days, with some vehicles operating at or near maximum capacity. More than 60 pubs participated, with many reporting greatly increased levels of custom.
Tim Marshall, of the Isle of Wight branch of CAMRA, said,
“We were monitoring the network closely and received regular reports from bus crews and local CAMRA stewards.
“This allowed us to send out additional buses to cover major peaks in demand. Despite this, we were aware that some customers experienced delays to their planned journeys, and for this we apologise. However, most people were good-natured and sympathetic to the voluntary nature of the event.”
Ben Bartram, the event co-ordinator, said,
“The owners of the visiting vehicles did us proud and enjoyed themselves too. Given the number and average age of the vehicles, we experienced remarkably few problems, most of which were quickly resolved. We’ve had some excellent feedback and I’ve already had enquiries about next year’s event.”
The organising team will be having a well-earned break over the next few weeks, but planning for the 2017 weekend will commence before Christmas.
The dedicated Website will carry information as soon as the plans are sufficiently advanced.
Image: © Southampton & District Transport Heritage Trust
