ALMOST A PERFECT DAY LEAMINGTON SPA AND STRATFORD

The weather outlook changed yet again yesterday evening so we swapped from York to Leamington Spa and Stratford upon Avon and as it turned out the choice worked really well for us, we went down in Mandy's car which was washed and fueled ready for York so just a change of Satnav destination. The traffic to Leamington was heavy, we passed streams of new Stagecoach and National Express Coventry buses as we got to the outskirts and things looked very promising. Both operators obviously have a big market in shifting lots of students around Warwickshire.

I saw just one 69 reg Nat express in Leamington but lost count of the Stagecoach 69's, great to see so many new deckers about and then there were the ex Unibus ones which were in the old livery with the vinyls peeled off showing the old lettering in outline. I was #spotted' by one of our viewers within minutes of setting up, a big hello if you are reading this and had some chats to really nice people and I had all the film I needed in the bag before I expected. We had a tean and cake at a new Portuguese cafe by the main bus stops, highly recommended, bright, clean and super cakes.

Then after Leamington Spa we travelled on to Stratford upon Avon, the light was again spot on, light cloud, ideal. Had lots of activity and at times Johnsons had I think four buses in a line at the main stops. I had chats with several lovely people and noted that there were lots of police going past, must be near their station and remarkably everyone had a smile, wave or thumbs up, well done lads and lasses, I'll send a note to Warwickshire police commending them, a small thing but great to feel we are actually on the same side looking out for each other.

Photos this evening from Leamington. At home I'm on the last leg of the first stage of shelving in the display cum editing room, I've got nearly all the models on somewhere, I've one cupboard to put up on the wall and paint and I'll put a few models in the small unit I left as was in the main office. I'll possibly have one shelf spare for new additions. I'll get the glazing installed tomorrow then if all fits well I'll order the last two sheets of perspex.