THE SCOTTISH VINTAGE BUS MUSEUM - 2000 ALFORD CAVALCADE PARTICIPATION

On Sunday, 23rd July, 2000 the museum's own China Motor Bus represented the SVBM at the Grampian Transports Museum's "ALFORD CAVALCADE 2000", an enhanced version of the annual vintage vehicle rally. The organiser, Bev Ross specially requested the appearance of the Guy Victory for special interest sake and to enter the "Scottish Built" class (even if its assembly was elsewhere in the commonwealth).

Rolland Williams prepared the bus for its MOT and plugged a number of air leaks to get it through its test. The vehicle was washed, hosed out and rubbed up with windowlene to make it as presentable as possible for its judges.

Jim Crichton, Bob Leys, Tom Pringle, young Steve Methven and myself bravely volunteered to endure the journey in the airy luxury of the upright Formica seats. The bus left Lathalmond on a pleasant sunny afternoon and made it's way north at a steady 34 miles per hour. There was plenty of time to admire the scenery during the trip. Our outward journey took us via King Street, Aberdeen and Bob proudly paraded the bus along Union Street, turning many heads as he went. First Aberdeen were sponsors of the Alford event and when we arrived at King Street we were taken in hand by the depot staff who were very good to us indeed. We declined the offer of a pass through the bus wash fearing that the large brushes would open up the sliding windows and wash the passengers as well.

From Aberdeen, Jim Crichton took the bus on to our Hotel near Alford, where there was ample parking for the oriental beast. The accommodation recommended by Bev Ross was very satisfactory with good food and a breakfast to last all day.

I took the bus into Alford on Sunday morning along a 7 mile country route which was a pleasure to navigate. The vehicle comes into its own on the slower winding roads where you have to drive slow anyway. We entered Alford on an overcast morning which improved quickly and parked up for an interesting day with many varied events the best of which was a low flypast by a DC3 Dakota vintage aircraft (below).

Seen arriving, the vintage Aberdeen Corporation Albion.

Despite the young vintage of the Victory we had many curious visitors to the bus and some of the Grampian bus enthusiasts came to see us. The bus was too big to go out on the road run but we received free passes for the nearby museum which was worth the visit.

Our bus was one of seven PSV entries, some of which are seen with us in the Scottish Built area, but we were not the farthest travelled. We received a visit from the judges who checked inside and out but we won no prizes.

The climax of the day - the Cavalcade itself - in the arena, followed by a mass line-up and the announcements of the prizewinners

The day passed quickly, more quickly than the return trip via Aberdeen which passed without breakdown. Tom brought the beast back into Lathalmond in the dark on Sunday night where it was abandoned for the comfort of our own homes.

The Alford Vintage Vehicle Rally has the reputation of a good event and we were not disappointed.

Jim Methven