COLD WINDY BUT WE SAW IT THROUGH AT POPS

The saving grace at POPS was that it never rained, it threatened to a couple of times but never did. I had a bit of a calamity the battery charger has been playing up and my spare camcorder battery wouldn't work , I ended up making the trip back to home, round trip an hour wasn't bad and I ended up with about 70 minutes  It was a difficult day with very strong winds on the exposed position at the Britannia stadium at Stoke on Trent. The numbers of buses held up well despite some former regulars dropping out. I think i totted up to the 80s which makes it quite a substantial event nationally. The wide range of vehicles seemed to centre on the Midlands and some said Northern Ireland!

Anyway a great mix even if the age profile has now crept up and matches most other events, I miss the golden oldies though. Anyway trading was quiet, the same as last year with no return to Wedgwood centre figures, we seem to have lost a few regulars although of course it was great to see a lot of familiar faces today but it wasn't really a day for lingering around chatting. Mandy retreated to the warmth of the cab a few times, we topped up with fuel on the way back ready for the yomp over to Newark next week for the AEC rally, I'll have to find out exactly where it is, its been a good many years since we last attended I like it at Nottingham.

I'm now editing today's material and should have it ready this evening, I'll get clips on Youtube as well, both the Derby and Stoke films were ready for today and the Stoke programme went very well, needless to say I spotted in town yesterday. Anyway to those who endured the terrible weather well done and support for the event is much needed and it was down to two other bus company sponsors to ensure it went ahead with a fearsome charge for the facilities.