The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) London & South East Region’s fifth annual Ride-and-Drive event, has been hailed as the most successful event, and also raised £1,000 for the Essex and Herts air ambulance.
Staged at North Weald airfield, a blustery, and occasionally showery, summer evening failed to deter more than 200 people from attending.
With 28 vehicles, mainly coaches and minibuses, loaned by 15 suppliers, operators had plenty of choice to drive on a circuit around the airfield’s perimeter road, or try out the passenger experience.
A barbeque and hog roast was provided, with refreshments in the 1940s-themed original Nissan huts, now preserved for events.
The CPT has expressed its thanks to the suppliers: Arriva Bus and Coach, BASE, Close Bros, Dawson Rentals, EVM, EvoBus, Irizar, MAN, Minis to Midis, Moseley, Optare, Plaxton, Scania, Volvo and Yutong.
Says CPT Regional Manager Karen Tiley, who organised the event in association with CPT Essex: “This was the 5th ride and drive event we have held at North Weald Airfield and the most successful.
“CPT's supplier members brought along 28 vehicles, many still bearing trade plates.
“We know what difficult investment decisions our members have to make so events like this where you can try before you buy offer a unique and very useful showcase for what is on offer. And we had some fun too.
“A personal thanks goes to CPT Officers, Fourways Coaches and Lodge Coaches who helped with the marshalling and parking.”
