Family friendly event marks 100 years of bus travel in Devon
The largest gathering of historic Devon General buses for many years will be on display at Newton Abbot Racecourse, to celebrate the centenary of Devon General.
The Devon General Centenary Rally will take place at Newton Abbot Racecourse on Sunday 4 August, from 10am to 4pm, and promises to be a fun-filled day for families and bus enthusiasts alike.
Organised by the Devon General Society and supported by Stagecoach South West, the free to enter event marks 100 years since the founding of Devon General, giving members of the public a chance to admire and travel on a range of vintage buses.
Bob Dennison, Managing Director of Stagecoach South West said: “Stagecoach South West are proud to be supporting the Devon General Society as we commemorate 100 years of bus travel in Devon with events and activities throughout the year. The Centenary Rally on Sunday 4 August is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to come along and celebrate with us, and appreciate the value bus travel continues to bring to our communities.”
Over 50 classic buses will be on display at the racecourse and refreshments will be available to purchase throughout the day. Some of the historic buses will be running free trips to local destinations, including Teignmouth (these will be open-top buses, weather permitting), Bovey Tracey, Chudleigh and Ipplepen.
The commemorative book ‘100 years of Buses in Devon’ by Pat Avery, a local transport author and Stagecoach South West’s Commercial Officer, will also be available to purchase at the event for £15 per copy.
Paul Jenkins, of the Devon General Society said: “We are grateful to all the bus owners for bringing their vehicles along to our rally. Let's hope that the sun will shine for the open-top bus journeys as we take a trip down memory lane!”
Visitors coming to the event are encouraged to use the number 2 bus service from Exeter to Newton Abbot Racecourse. There will be a free shuttle bus service linking Newton Abbot railway station with the event. There is also free car parking is available at the racecourse.
