MAY OPEN DAYS
The Bank Holidays at the beginning of May, as usual, were a little quieter than Easter but ticked over very nicely in all departments. Again visitor numbers were substantially up on last year. The rate of increase was higher on the Sunday, probably because the weather on the Monday was predicted to be poor. Nevertheless the Monday weather cleared up early and still managed to be the busier of the two days.
May is Museums and Galleries Month and the theme this year, usefully for us, was Travelling. We billed the days as Travelling through the Countryside and introduced our new route via Alvechurch and Beoley. The BMMO S16 proved very popular on this and the Museum may have created a new transport industry record by having a conductor (the legendary Phil Hoole) 56 years senior to his driver (Jim Munro), but we stand to be corrected on this!
The country theme was repeated on the Sunday of the Spring Bank Holiday long weekend. For the first time we had to pit this weekend against not only all the traditional attractions but also the Motor Show at the NEC. The Sunday trade was quite a percentage down and we feared for the Monday, the Two Museums Day, traditionally one of our best days of the year - a similar reduction would be serious. Again poor weather was expected but such predictions are good for us - especially when the rain stays falling on Dave in Devon, the sun shines on us and the relieved punters go home happy! Admission income was just a bit up on last year - £17!
This was the first weekend back in fare-paying service for the Cheltenham District Lodekka. Firstly the list of eager drivers demanding familiarisation runs had to be dealt with, followed by each one comparing the ease or otherwise of the gearbox compared to the L5G. Old Bristols, tough but rough, you either love them or hate them; there’s no middle ground. You soak up a lot of information upon my ticket-checking perch at the entrance. One bloke staggers off the Lodekka declaring “What a load of rubbish, best place for a Bristol is Barnsley”, followed closely behind by another saying “Wow, what a superb trip. Great!” North Birmingham Busways, as usual, provided one bus on the Monday and here was another change - not the usual Atlantean but one of the recent purchase of second-hand Volvos. It carried special side adverts celebrating ten years of the company. Congratulations to all at NBB and continued success in the future.
Lots of faces were around on that Monday and I was introduced to several new ones but with familiar names from around the country. You never know who you’re welcoming through the admissions! Amongst them was one of the many previous owners of the LS18 who was pleased to be reassured that 5212 had found a permanent home. As usual, the team had emptied the Scania Hall for the major Model Bus Federation so smart looking buses were distributed around the site and the public looked very happy. Regulars know that Liz will provide good sandwiches at Wythall and our cafeteria struggled over an extended lunchtime peak. All available labour was sent in there, but, for those toiling, it must have seemed like the Motor Show visitors were lunching at Wythall too. Labour was not in generous supply because, in addition to the buses running to and from Aston Manor, the Britannic car park was again in use, requiring more volunteers on parking and shuttle bus work. Thanks to everybody who worked so hard and cheerfully. Mike Wilson of the Model Bus Federation has also written to thank Museum staff for our efforts before, during and after the show, enabling the MBF display to go so well.
Malcolm Keeley
Chapel Lane, Wythall, Worcs B47 6JX
Tel : 01564 826471 e-mail us
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