WE PUT OFF BIRKENHEAD TRAFFORD PARKS LORRIES INSTEAD

As it seems that many bus operators will be at least doubling their subsided key worker services from this weekend it seemed a bit daft to go to Birkenhead today and struggle rather than wait until Monday when the weather should still be fine and services I think roughly doubled. We didn't get up too early and after breakfast its a quick drive to Trafford Park, the new tram route was running and the whole complex throws up some new photo opportunities which I explored at the end. I managed to get two hours of film and still got home to spend a wonderful hot sunny afternoon in the garden with Mandy punctuated with real lemonade, beer and  G&Ts, what a prefect day. The Metrolink tram drivers were as enthusiastic and the lorry drivers in their waves and an afternoon like that restores your faith in human nature, the only big downside I have seen is a decrease in standards of driving and increased speed and road rage.

The truckers are invariably friendly and whatever their origins, the Polish lorry drivers wave away as much as any yet their breathren from the bus world inhabit that world of new fascism and try to implement their disgusting views by threats and intimidation, the great sorrow is that companies are aware of this and some like First, Rotala and West Coast Motors to name but a few do nothing to rid their ranks whereas Stagecoach whatever their shortcomings are always quick to act and week out the offenders. Already Hungary has become a virtual dictatorship we implore those settling in Britain leave your opinions behind you if you come to this county. Lilewise National Express Group and their West Midlands staff are exemplary just again the Scottish branch. I had been a poor year though before the pandemic when I was physically attacked and assaulted by a woman Trent Barton employee, that I never would have believed possible.

We heard the sad news today that Bill who used to help out with Graham Lunn on his rally stand has passed away, he always had a witty work of wisdom whether you wanted it or not but was always the first to offer assistance back in the days when he was mobile.

Each film visit filming can create its own ambience and lend you to imagine associations with past experiences. The bright dazzling sunshine and friendly drivers of Metrolink at Trafford Park and the almost quiet empty neighbourhood made me recall outings in the south of France where businesses almost always seemed to be closed, I rather thought lock down there must have looked as normal times from British eyes. The landscaping and gentle curves were taking off to Montepellier etc although slightly less colourfull or lengthy trams.

The next Bus Spot Ultra could well be Burton on Trent and I am nearly minded to start the film of old London trolleybuses and British made buses in Portugal and Spain from HD scanned films. Meanwhile shots from Manchester Trafford Park