The date for the 2013 Spring Gathering – the 40th – will be announced shortly.
The volunteers who arrived at Wisley at 6.30am on Sunday 29 April to open up the 2012 event, found that the overnight storm had left a trail of destruction – wrecked tents, fallen trees and flooding. Nonetheless, thanks to their efforts, the event opened on time at 10am and, despite a wet morning, over 150 show vehicles and over 1,300 visitors braved the elements and arrived at the showground by lunchtime. The catering establishments were in hot demand, the Museum shop did a roaring trade selling the event’s special models and, with the sun coming out after lunch, the remaining stallholders were able to open up and do some business.
Despite the rain, the horse-bus rides went ahead and were well patronised and the drive-a-bus facility was sold out. Our huge thanks to FirstBus London and their instructors for arranging and operating drive-a-bus once again on our behalf. Amongst the many other attractions at the event were the display of the Three No 1s – RT1, RM1 and LT1, as well as the re-launch of the 1952 North American Tour bus – RT2775 – after a lengthy restoration by the Museum’s volunteers.
The Museum extends its thanks and appreciation to our volunteers, stallholders, entrants, bus-service providers and visitors for supporting the event, despite the appalling conditions in the morning, and for making it such an enjoyable occasion. Apart from the snow of 2008, this was the worst weather we have encountered since establishing the event in 1974. Here’s to next year!
Scroll down from here for some pictures from the day.
RT1 of 1939, RM1 of 1954 and LT1 of 2011 line up in the afternoon sunshine at Wisley on 29 April 2012. Each bus the first of its type and each specially designed for London. © Peter Zabek
The Museum's 1890s horse-bus poses by LT1 during the morning's heavy rain. © Guy Marriott
The re-launch of RT2775: Peter Hendy, London's Transport Commissioner, presents a 1952 US Tour photograph to Audrey Dennis, widow of Albert Dennis, one of the drivers of RT2775 on the tour. © Peter Zabek
RT2775 in all its newly-restored glory and resplendent with all the 1952 US Tour advertisements, blinds and insignia. © Peter Zabek
Gleaming 1960 AEC Reliance RW3 makes its debut after a full restoration.
