WELL DOWN AT HEATON PARK DESPITE SOME SUNSHINE

It was a shame that the only rally this year to show much worse returns than the previous year was Heaton park but the sparsity of visiting vehicles gave an early indication that all was not well. There were only a few sales stands which should have helped a bit and most we knew very well and it was as ever a great feelings to be on home territory with friends all around but not enough to make a difference and the Trans Lancs must now join the ranks of those which can easily be missed should there be a greater call on our time. I understand the same clash between Bus Gaydon and Lathalmond will occur in 2017 but I think we shall certainly be going to Fife. The bookings for stands at Showbus looks very light at present, this probably reflects a general trend and yet another relocation albeit that it suits us very will only being about 70 minutes away this year.

We packed the van up with Showbus in mind with just photos to come out and refreshed stock of DVDs to go on board. The weather was very wet through the night and still drizzling this morning but it stopped and eventually even the cloud cover broke to let the sun through for most of the afternoon although a stiff breeze took the edge off the temperature. Lorries again had a very light showing and buses had almost dried up, if it weren't for the various local museums and collections and a couple of operator entries it would have been a disaster. I only got a few minutes of video so will pop the lot on Youtube tomorrow.

 The trip to Ireland starting next Sunday is looking as if it will go ahead although it's still very early on the weather forcast front. The rally at Dublin has already been called off for October. We do have a strong following in Ireland and with my DNA results back I can confirm I'm 55% Irish! The tales of someone Swiss in the background seem to be true with that part of Europe showing a substantial percentage plus a reasonable dollop of Englishness. I'm going to try and get the greenhouse finished tomorrow and start preparing to paint the garage. The back end of the week should see trips to more Greater Manchester bus locations, certainly Stockport and Ashton perhaps Bury. Photos from Heaton Park today.
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