A busy summer for Black Prince!
It's non stop, here at the Black Prince family right now, with great news to report all round, one poorly bus is now back in traffic, with two more MOT'd.
Recent local events at Batley, Leeds and Heath Common have been highly enjoyable and a great success for all involved. The Batley mill village running day, operated in conjunction with Dewsbury Bus Museum, saw the unveiling of Stephen Whiteley's Optare "Vecta", M73WYG, restored to as-built condition, which was a really popular vehicle carrying full loads for most of the day, alongside Mercedes-Benz 577. It was really rewarding to see the vehicles operating side by side in red and yellow Black Prince livery once again.
Steve had also arranged a private gathering for close friends to enjoy the fruits of his effort in restoring his little "Vecta", with 73 conveying us to the Yorkshire Sculpture park, for a relaxed afternoon of lovely views, a picnic and scenic tour, cheers, Steve!.
441 was scheduled to attend at the Batley event to complete the current line up, being it's first entry at a local event since repaint, but unfortunately as is often the case with heritage vehicles of all types, problems sadly beset the bus the day before, resulting in a costly recovery to a safe place (Thanks to Classic Connections, Bradford) to receive the attention of the engineering department! (Well Done Dave!).
Privately, the weekend after 441 was deemed fit for service, we enjoyed birthday celebrations for our own Dave Crowther and friends on board our newest restored Mercedes-Benz, where the bus performed faultlessly driving us around West Yorkshire with several "refreshment" stops in the timetable!. A Grand Day Out!. Group photo thanks to Julie Crowther.
Sunday the 21st August saw 441 finally making its local rally debut, at the well attended Leeds classic bus "runday", with 577 joining in to provide a half hourly Morley to Leeds bus service, just like the old days!. 441 was very well received and under the extremely professional care of Black Prince driver Matt Stockwell, completed a fine days service over old stamping ground. Photo courtesy of Phil Stevens.
In other news, it's great to report a successful MOT pass for 202, our next venture and addition to the preserved fleet of Morley's famous bus operator!
I'm sure Brian and Sheila would be very proud!. :-)
