THE SCOTTISH VINTAGE BUS MUSEUM – NEWS
SPRING 2009
On May 17th, we hold our first
event of the year, the Running Day. As its title suggests, it is all about
buses running on services, carrying passengers. There are five principal
routes: Dunfermline – 45 min round trip; Gask Circular – 30 min; Kelty - 45
min; Saline – 45 min; Townhill – 30 min; Internal – 15 min. Buses depart from
the Bus Station every 6 minutes and the buses range from25 to 60 or so years
old. You will see the bus station, in the big green hanger, up to the right as
you come in the gate. Travel is free and you are welcome to board any bus as
often as you like.
Schedules and site plans will be posted round
the site so you can see where and when your favourite will be operating – and
plan your trips accordingly.
There will be stalls next to the Bus Station
and, in the Exhibition Hall, as well as a fine display of vintage buses and
other vehicles, there is a café and shop. We also have a group of railway enthusiasts resident on site and you will be surprised and
impressed with what they have achieved.
THE BUSES ARE PRIVATELY OWNED AND ARE GIVEN VOLUNTARILY FOR YOUR
PLEASURE. PLEASE TREAT THEM WITH RESPECT
WINTER 2009
Welcome to the first DUPLICATE of 2009. The
credit crunch has descended upon us with amazing rapidity, and there's now talk of it turning into a
full-blown Depression with all the uncertainty that surrounds uncharted waters.
However, some hope exists in that with the
general belt-tightening and cutting back on foreign holidays it's being
reported that more people are opting to holiday in the UK and that's good news
for attractions such as ours. We've decided that a modest increase in our
admission charges for 2009 is appropriate, and we reckon we provide good value
for money if the feedback we get is anything to go by. Let's keep our fingers
crossed that we may see an increase in visitor numbers as a result of more
people holidaying here. Remember, the £ in your pocket ain't
worth the $$s it used to be!
As many members are aware, the state of the Exhibition
Hall roof has been giving concern for some time and at a recent meeting of the
Management Committee it was decided to take action. Accordingly after
submission of tenders a contract was awarded to a local construction firm for
the complete replacement of the roof. Work commenced at the beginning of the
year and was expected to take five weeks to complete. This involves
constructing an insulated roof on top of the existing one, with additional
translucent panels to provide more natural light. This is inevitably placing
a heavy burden on the Museum's financial resources and an appeal
for funds appears elsewhere in this issue.
AUTUMN 2008
Despite a particularly poor season, weather-wise,
the Museum has seen a number of previous season records tumble during 2008. The
Guide Sunday Volunteers (excluding Doors Open) welcomed almost 850 visitors,
which was an increase of some 260 visitors (45%) above our previous best in
2007. Even allowing for an improved system of recording tickets sold, this is a
significant achievement and our thanks must go out to Eddie B's enthusiastic
team of volunteers, who turn out in all weathers to welcome members of the
public.
A Scottish Tourist Board Assessor visited us
on 7th September, which coincided with the 2008 Doors Open Day - not the best
of days to judge our performance!! The Report, which followed, however,
commented very favourably on the various improvements to the Site and
Exhibition Hall, introduced since the previous inspection in 2006. Led by the
quality of the presentation of exhibits and the skills of our Guides, the
Attraction/ Presentation aspect of the Museum has consolidated its 3 Star
quality rating. Other elements of our product, such as Signage, Catering and
Retail, whilst only slightly behind on score, remain within the 2 Star rating,
and, consequently, the Museum retains its overall 2 Star rating for
2009/2010.
Shop takings for the Season increased by
almost 20% - a fantastic achievement, made possible, largely through the
welcome donation of models and books, by two well known personalities in the
enthusiast press!! Donald Stewart's enthusiastic management, and clearly
effective sales techniques, have been the other key elements in the Shop's year
on year successes.
The Annual Running Day attracted almost 800
visitors - a 15% increase on 2007. Sadly, Roland Williams, whose baby the
Running Days have become, was unable to participate fully in the organisation,
through illness. Gordon McGregor and Jim Methven stepped in, to ensure the
Event's continued success. Shop Income hit an all time record - a 40% increase
on its previous best in 2005.
The Annual Open Weekend, whilst falling short
of the 2,500 visitors record, set in 2006, still
managed to attract in excess of 2,200 visitors. Net Income, from the Event
however, did break all time records as did the Shop.
In summary, the success of the 'public face'
of the Museum continues and all our Volunteers, from the regulars on Guide
Sunday, to the others who help with the preparation and running of the 'big
events', should be proud of their achievements - many, many thanks.
Graeme Fraser
