Guest Post ~ Clacton Bus Rally

A big thanks to Patrick Munford for sending in this report on Clacton's latest bus rally.

"31^ST May was the day for Clacton Bus Rally at Clacton Common Shopping Village Car Park. The weather was a mixture of wet and dry which meant most traders/show entrants left earlier than usual.

I travelled on AJN825 which is a Bristol K with ECW Lowheight Bodywork. It was new in 1939 to Westcliff On Sea Motor Services.

Upon Arrival there were Mulleys Newly Acquired Scania Omnicity YN54NXK acting as Rally Control with M530RHG and UVX7S which was new to eastern National and then Hedingham L114. Also Parked up was Hedingham 1519 YN06JYD. 

BBC Radio Essex was also in attendance for part of the morning interviewing the 825 Preservation Group.  All other entrants started to turn up including the rally's sponsor Panther Travel, with their two newest acquisitions DC04PAN and SB07PAN 

Also in Attendance was Ben Fosker (Venturer Coachways) Project ‘X’ Which was Former Hedingham L148 WPH135Y.

The star of the show was newly restored but yet to be painted Northampton Crossley 146 VV9146.

 Some of the Preserved Vehicles operated special services around Clacton or to Weeley or even onto Harwich,  it is certainly an event to go to.

The furthest travelled bus was from The Isle of Wight Bus Museum; a Bristol Lodekka FS YDL315. (pictured at the top)"

Words and images by Patrick Munford