Nick Shakesby RIP

The Society suffered a great loss on 17th March. Its Chairman, Nick Shakesby, died suddenly, aged only 58. Nick will be sorely missed: he was always of upbeat attitude, and a big contributor to the fitters’ team.

His funeral took place in Yarm on 27th March, at St John’s Church, Egglescliffe, and afterwards at the Teesside Crematorium. A large contingent of the Society’s members attended, and, together with many of his family and friends, packed the church. Transport for mourners was provided by the Society in its Bristol L and Daimler vehicles.

Sad news – Nick Shakesby

The Society suffered a grievous loss during last week when its Chairman, Nick Shakesby, died suddenly. Nick will be fondly remembered for his always upbeat attitude and his sterling achievements in the fitters’ team. Condolences to his family and friends.

Bus shuttle at Locomotion

On 15th and 16th February, the Society’s Bristol L, LHN 860, and its crew provided the shuttle bus service at Locomotion, Shildon. Throughout both days there was a steady demand for the service from both young and old. Of course, there are many family groups, often just grandparents and half-term holiday grandchildren, out for a day with the trains and the other activities in the Exhibition Hall. Bus crew members entered the spirit of the occasion, with period uniform, vintage tickets, and an opportunity for small persons to take an active part in providing the service by opening the door, ringing the bell, and helping to reverse the bus. A great day out for all!

Acquisition of a Leyland National!

Former United 3733, Northumbria 733 and King’s Coaches of Middlesbrough was handed over by Ken King to the Aycliffe & District Bus Preservation Society.

Photo: James Stoker

It was based predominantly at United’s Ashington Depot sporting NBC ‘poppy red’ livery. Towards the end with Northumbria it had a plain all-over grey livery and was route branded for the Newcastle – Blyth X1 service.

 A bit of a local Teesside celebrity with its yellow and white King’s livery, photographed many times, especially during the 500 Group’s – ‘Transporter Bridge Running Day’ .

 The intention is to return MHN 131W to: as first delivered United NBC poppy red.

Children in Need at Beamish

On Friday 18th November, our L type single-decker and a team of three ADBPS volunteers helped out at Beamish’s “Children in Need” event. Whilst I’m not sure if we actually appeared on the TV, we did shift a few full loads of people and got to meet Pudsey .

When Pudsey met the L Type.

Shildon!

A big thankyou to all who made our Shildon rally such a success today! Our team were hard at work on our buses and our stall, thanks also to all the vehicle owners who bought their buses along, the traders, Locomotion and of course all our visitors!

5 days to go…

…until our Shildon rally – please do come along and see us at Locomotion, the National Railways Museum at Shildon on Sunday 31st July!