D-day 11/05/14

Since arriving in Nottingham, and apart from a week in the custody of Tiger European at Colwick while we awaited confirmation on storage, 2599 had been residing on a storage site at Langar. Unfortunately, the site was difficult to access for all concerned, somewhat hampering progress in the restoration, with ever-increasing conditions and restrictions being placed on what we could and could not do. When we first moved in, we were under the impression we could work on the bus, however upon our arrival we were told if we did any 'heavy' work that our rent would increase - and dramatically! Relationships with the site owners had also become increasingly sour during our short time at Langar, one incident back in March involving Paul trying to source a cup of tea from the reception for our Tanvic man while he fitted the tyres. Having sourced said brew, one of the site owners entered the reception, started growling about wanting payment for the brew, snatched it off Paul before any sort of payment could be discussed, almost burning him in the process, before storming into an office and slamming the door in his face.

It was just one of a chain of events which led us to look for alternative accommodation for the bus. I had been in talks with my good friend Michael Rogan, who owns a Barton Leyland Leopard and a Midland General Bristol RE, about the possibility of a space on the farm where he stores his vehicles at Watnall, on the other side of Nottingham to where 2599 was kept. After a lengthy negotiation process, we were given the green light to move in and a date of Sunday 11 May was pencilled in to undertake the move.


Michael very kindly offered his services to drive 2599 for the journey, and around lunchtime, Paul and I met up in Hucknall, and we drove to Watnall. A minor miscommunication meant that we arrived a little prematurely at the farm, however this gave Paul a chance to meet our new landlords, and for me to become reacquainted with them, having not seen them for above a year! We pressed on to pick up Tim, before returning to Watnall to pick up Michael, and from here we set off to Langar, feeling even more positive that we were making the right move.


While Tim did a walk-round check of the bus to make sure all was as it should be, I started her up and Paul placed the relevant trade plates at each end. The customary photographs were taken before our departure and after Michael had taken the wheel, we set off around 1430hrs, leaving Langar behind for the final time. From my position in the front nearside seat, I could see Michael's grin getting wider and wider as we pressed on. Tim followed in the support car most of the way, apart from a couple of points where he sped ahead to get photographs and video footage of the move in progress. Michael let Paul take the hot seat on the A52 near Gamston, and apart from a slight diversion via Hucknall to surprise former group member Peter, we made good time, arriving at the farm around 1600hrs.

More photographs were taken, before Michael reversed the bus into its new home. After much discussion, and with time not being on the side of both myself or Paul, Michael offered to reverse 2599 into her allocated bay under the barn for us, something that would take some skill with several parked vehicles from other parties hampering progress. A group photo was taken, and after saying our goodbyes, Paul ended up playing taxi once again, dropping me off at work in Alfreton for a late shift, and Tim off at home in Hucknall.

It was an emotional moment for all of us. We had done it, 2599 was now safely tucked up at her new home at Watnall. A great relief for the group! We had more freedom to tackle some of the bigger jobs that needed doing, the new landlords are friendly and accommodating, and our expenses each month had reduced considerably!

A corner had been turned, and a new chapter in the 2599 story had begun...