One year on: A time to celebrate 28/12/14

Sunday 28 December 2014 dawned, bringing with it freezing temperatures and snow on the ground, however we pressed on undeterred as this was to be the start of a day of celebration. Having secured a deal on some parts from Tony Challons and safely stored these out of harm's way with the buses at the farm, we headed off in the direction of Nottingham to meet up with shareholder Calum and friend of the group Matt Barker for a night of feasting and beverages at Peachykeens World Buffet Restaurant.

 The purpose of our feasting? 28 December 2014 marks exactly one year since the Ulsterbus 2599 Group was established with a view of preserving the newest surviving Bristol RE, Ulsterbus 2599 (BXI2599). From four unknown and unproven bus enthusiasts turned up at the door of Mike Nash's farm with a wad of the Queen's English and a rough vision, the group has firmly established itself to become well known both here and across the Irish sea through the use of social media, this 'ere blog and the usual enthusiast 'jungle drums'. It has also been deeply satisfying on multiple occasions to hear people tell of their surprise and amazement at how much work and effort has gone into the project during its first year.

And in addition to 2599, a significant survivor herself, the group is now also the custodians of another significant vehicle in the form of Ulsterbus 1321 (RXI3321), the prototype Alexander Q-type Leyland Tiger, purchased by group member Calum Maclennan in November 2014.

I find myself sitting here wondering where the year has gone. Its like I've blinked and missed it! But wow, what an emotional rollercoaster its been. OK, so there were a few downers near the beginning, like losing one of our founding members a fortnight into proceedings, finding the list of jobs required to get 2599 roadworthy increasing in size and cost, and enduring issues with storage, but with help from many circles, deep pockets and the bonds of friendship keeping us together, we're still here, stonger than before and becoming more established as we go on. At this stage, on behalf of the group, some key people we owe thanks to include:

• Our financial contributors Paul Waplington and Calum Maclennan, who like myself have been ploughing hundreds of their hard earned pounds into the project to move it in the right direction, and often questioning our sanity in the process!  
• Our engineering team of Gary Crosby, Tim Moss, Nik from Silverdale and Dominic from Hammonds for all of their hard work, time and effort in getting 2599 closer to the road, and for getting 1321 through her first MOT.
• Mr Mike Nash, our purveyour of fine omnibuses, for supplying both buses and going out of his way to accommodate us, despite his recent health problems and other injuries.
• Mr Thomas Jason Mitchell for actually pointing Paul in the direction of Mr Nash and 2599 way back in Winter 2013.
• Mr Tony Challons for supplying us with many useful parts to aid in the restoration of 2599.
• Mr Michael Rogan for his efforts in securing space at the farm where the buses are kept.
• The lads of the Ards Bus Preservation Group in Northern Ireland for their efforts in providing numerous parts/advice/assistance at many stages during the project.

Our facebook page has grown to 158 followers at present and is still expanding, while many more follow progress through this very blog, which at the time this post was published had received 3132 views since we launched back in May! Thank you to you all for your continuing support.

There are still many challenges to face as we move into our next year, and the future. 2599 still has several jobs that need completing, including the alternator, some electrical work and the brake overhaul before she can be submitted for an MOT, while 1321 will need a small defect with the water system checking before a return to the road, and hopefully the 2015 rally circuit. Behind the scenes, and over several beverages (alcoholic in most cases) a rough rally calendar has been drawn up with both buses in mind in the long term, of which more will be revealed at a later stage in the new year. 

So once again, a massive shout-out to all our followers and fans, we really do value all you've done for us and the well wishes you've given us. Without you, there would be no group and we'd be going nowhere fast. I leave you now with some snaps from our night of celebrations, which are not for the faint hearted!

And on that note, here's to the future...cheers!