Charity announces summer bus rally
By Connor Steel
PROVINICAL SOCIETY organisers have outlined initial plans for their annual bus rally to be held in Gosport later this summer, working alongside the Friends of Stokes Bay group to publish information in a press release and via their website over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.
The event is due to be held on August 7 (Sunday) between 10am and 4:30pm in Stokes Bay, with parking available in nearby car parks for the normal fees as specified on information signs. Otherwise the day is completely free to all visitors and transport enthusiasts across the area.
As seen in previous editions of the event, old static buses and transport vehicles will be lined up across a designated area; visitors encouraged to explore and ask questions of the volunteers at each vehicle. Stalls selling transport related merchandise and charity information sites will also be available for all to visit.
In past years showcased vehicles have included those from bus companies First and Stagecoach alongside National Express coaches and Southampton CityBus. Historic transport examples have further seen the Leyland, London Transport Buses and Southdown, which were all on show in August 2021 following the cancellation twelve months earlier due to Coronavirus lockdowns and social distancing restrictions.
From 1:30pm onwards, there will be a huge chance for all visitors to travel on vintage buses around the Gosport peninsula area in a short journey, which is open for all ages with the driver’s permission and remains completely free. Back in 2021 the event saw a convoy of vintage buses travel the route which includes view of the coastline and popular town features of the area; with organisers hoping to encourage more visitors this time around by raising early awareness of this event.
To further boost their audience the charity are offering a free shuttle bus service to and from Gosport Ferry frequently throughout the day; which has links to trains in Gunwharf and the Isle of Wight ferries. Signs will be placed around the area to direct visitors coming by car or walking to the site in Stokes Bay.
The event has been supported by First Solent for the 2022 edition, with a souvenir timetable and programme scheduled to be available one week before the date. For more information and future updates in the coming weeks on the rally, readers are encouraged to visit www.provincialsociety.org.
PICTURED BY FRIENDS OF STOKES BAY: Two buses line up on grass during 2021 edition of rally, which was held at an overcast Stokes Bay on August 1 last year and saw hundreds of visitors to Gosport.
