The Oxfordshire Bus Enthusiasts Society (OBES) says it has realised the huge gap left behind in the bus rally calendar by the demise of the popular King Alfred Running Day held in Winchester each year. In 2015 two buses belonging to OBES members took part in a small event based around Newbury which was well received.
The group is now organising a new running day event, called the ‘Icebreaker’ and is centred in the West Berkshire town.
The event takes place on January 1, 2016 and will feature a selection of preserved buses operating free trips from Newbury Bus Station over former Newbury & District & Thames Valley routes into the countryside, providing an attractive backdrop to the vehicles in service.
Newbury was chosen as access from major A roads and motorways, rail access from London and Reading and plenty of parking in the town centre for visitors. Newbury is an attractive town with many other attractions in addition to the event itself, making it a great family day out too.
Event programmes will go on sale later in the year, with more details about routes and times also being added to the society website www.oxbuses.webs.com
The society is interested in hearing from vehicle owners and trade stand holders who wish to take part in the event. Contact can be made by calling 01235 413537 or by emailing [email protected]
Formed in June 2010, the aim of the OBES provides monthly meeting with speakers covering a range of bus and coach related topics in the Oxford area.
