2017 Ipswich Bus Rally

A gloriously warm sunny day coincided with yesterday's 2017 Ipswich Bus Rally and it was my first visit to the town since May 2010 - how time flies!

Eastern National ECW lowbridge bodied Bristol K5G VNO859 enjoying the sun at Portman Road

I am reliably informed that the number of entrants was down on the previous year with Ipswich Buses and First Ipswich being notable absentees. Never the less there were some interesting visitors with some arrivals from our area attending. Overall it was a very enjoyable event.

Neil Bowyer's ex London Transport MCW Metrobus GYE394W keeps an eye on Our Bus MX58AAY

Local entrants were Our Bus Optare Solo MX58AAY and Anglianbus Scania OmniCity YN05HFG which deputised at the last minute for OmniLink AN61BUS which had door issues prior to leaving for the journey south.

Don't I know you? Former Anglian OmnICity YN03UWJ (now with Mulleys) meets up again with YN05HFG

First Essex sent along ex Chelmsford Park & Ride BJ11ECN now rebranded for the Basildon - Southend service

My personal favourite was ex Northampton Crossley VV9146 followed behind  by similar Sunderland GR9007

After many photos at the venue, I sought some sustenance and decided to head for Tower Ramparts which would also provide a different background for more photos. Almost immediately a certain 'Mr Vardy' headed towards me driving Ipswich Transport Museum's Lodekka GNG125C

Reg Vardy poses ECW bodied Bristol FS5G GNG125C at Tower Ramparts Bus Station

The new look at Ipswich ADL Enviro200 YX66WCJ - one of four new in September last year

After further observations I headed back to Portman Road to meet up with fellow bloggers SteveW of Steve's Bus & Train Page, Sam from Norwich Buses Blog, Zak from Norwich Bus Page, Clive from Ipswich Bus Blog and last ,but not least my fellow partner in crime, Grahame Bessey. (oh and I almost forgot the illustrious Tim Miller). A great reunion of like minded persons!

Since my visit earlier in the day, I was now able to get a better photo of ex City of Oxford Bristol VR NUD105L. Entered by David Clements, it had an ultra low height body with semi coach seating

Finally, I looked in at Ipswich Station to take in the changes there since my last visit and found this former First Great Yarmouth Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse-Urban in use there.

My thanks to everyone involved in organising the event and hopefully there will be a higher number of entrants for next year

Roy