Every year the Omnibus Society holds its most prestigious event, the summer Presidential Weekend, located in the area of the current President, who this year is Chris Moyes, until recently CEO of Go-Ahead Group plc, which operates bus services in and around the North East, and also in London, Oxford, Brighton & Hove, Crawley, Wilts & Dorset, and the West Midlands.
Sadly we have to report that our President passed away on Tuesday, 12th September 2006. His obituary from the Daily Telegraph can be read here. He will be greatly missed.
The event is residential and therefore allows a good social mix. It gives a great opportunity for newer members, and for longer-standing members - whether frequent or infrequent attendees - to enjoy the events and to see much of what the Omnibus Society is about:
The Society's 2006 President, Chris Moyes, has unfortunately had to resign from his position as CEO of Go-Ahead Group plc, because of a sudden serious illness. Peter Huntley, MD of Go-Ahead North East, is deputising as host for the Presidential Weekend based at Colingwood College, University of Durham.
The programme is as follows:
Friday, 1st September
Afternoon tour of South Durham in a preserved vehicle, to the National Railway Museum at Shildon and Garnetts Coaches, Bishop Aukland, depart 1400, return by 1730.
Evening welcome by the President's deputy, including finger buffet and sherry reception at 1900, followed by the President's illustrated talk, given by Peter Huntley, - "A personal view of the Go-Ahead Group".
Saturday, 2nd September
Departing at 0900, a morning tour of North Durham and Tyneside, featuring depot visits, the guided busway and a river crossing by tunnel or ferry. After a break for lunch in central Newcastle (not provided) there will be further depot visits, and the opportunity to sample the Quayside hybrid bus and Centrelink, before travelling on past the Angel of the North, back to Durham for 1730.
Presidential Dinner at Collingwood College at 1900 for 2000.
Sunday, 3rd September
Departing at the slightly later time of 0930, a Wear and Tees tour, allowing time to sample the Tyne & Wear Metro estension from South Hylton to Sunderland Interchange, and visit the new Hartlepool Bus Station and Stagecoach Hartlepool.
Participants will be sustained by a packed lunch as we pass the controversial American Naval ships at Graythorp, before crossing the Tees as foot passengers on the Transporter Bridge. A preserved former Middlesbrough Corporation bus will take the party via the Tees Barrage to Stockton, to visit Arriva and Stagecoach depots, and part of the collection of the Aycliffe and District Preservation Group, returning for 1730.
Optional Dinner in College
The Provincial Historical Research Group will meet in the Weardale Room at 1930, where the author and OS Member Chris Warn will give an illustrated talk - "A Century of Northumberland Bus Services".
Alternatively there will be an evening Mystery Tour, travelling one-way in an open-topped bus (weather permitting) to a suitable hostelry where bar meals (not included) will be available. Return by 2200.
Monday, 4th September
Departing 0900, a grand Dales Tour, calling at Stanley Bus Station then visiting first, at the invitation of Roland Gibson, the premises of his Weardale Motor Services at Frosterley and Stanhope. From here we shall enjoy the scenery as we make our way past the Killhope Lead Mining Museum to the premises of Wright Brothers at Nenthead. Ian Wright will display his preserved vehicles and give a talk on the development of his family firm.
Time for lunch in Alston, possibly followed by a visit to the Motor Museum. Returning via Hexham and Tyne Valley Coaches at Acomb, to Durham for 1700. The coach will drop off at Durham Railway Station, if required.