Chairman’s Message 2009

And so we have reached the final newsletter of 2009, it’s been a busy but enjoyable year in the group’s history. We have gained a number of new members and have added a few vehicles, either donated or loaned to our collection. I also think that we should congratulate Viv Corbin on the quality of the newsletters this year, please continue to support him through your articles and photos.

After he had finished organising our Merthyr rally we allowed Glyn Bowen to move away to Telford with a small send off, we shall miss him. He has been a stalwart of the group since its’ beginning and has organised many rallies over the years and was instrumental in securing, with a small group of friends, the first Cardiff Bus (a 1949 Crossley) for preservation way back in 1966, we have much to thank him for, though he has promised to return, hopefully with a bus for our rallies next year. On that subject we will need a new coordinator for Bus & Coach Wales 2010, please have a think about whether you can assist.

Speaking of this years rallies it has been noted generally that attendances are up, whether this is a result of people not travelling or an upsurge in interest remains to be proven all we can say is we had large public attendances at both Barry and Merthyr with 99% of the feedback being positive. Next year we need to look at other initiatives at the Depot to raise funds and keep up people’s general interest in what is going on there.

You may have noticed that HWO 323 the Red & White Leyland Tiger coach made the centre spread in Bus & Coach Preservation in September, I think we have received very good publicity during 2009 both in local and in the enthusiast press this needs to be maintained so that we continue to grow as a Charity both is size and influence.

In January as normal we will hold our AGM, we encourage all members to please come along if you are able and share your ideas on fund raising and let us have your opinions on how we are doing.

Over the normal Christmas period the Depot will be open more frequently than the normal weekends, if you would like to visit please contact me beforehand to save a wasted journey.

As we approach the end of our first full year at Barry I would like to thank all those who helped to make the CTPG and the Depot a success, I look forward to working with you again next year and hope that more of the membership will join us.

On behalf of myself and the CTPG Committee I would like to wish all members and readers best wishes for 2010 and good fortunes in whatever you do.

Mike Taylor.

Tel: 01443 862144

Email : mikeystrad73@btinternet.com

Please note; the Cardiff Transport Preservation Group AGM will be held at our usual venue, County Hall, Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff on the evening of Wednesday 20^th January 2010 commencing at 7.30pm prompt.