Vintage buses and taxis line up for inspection Photo: Ray Duff
By Ray Duff – A sunny Sunday was the perfect setting for the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch steam railway’s annual vintage bus rally, which drew thousands of visitors to New Romney station.
Loco ‘Black Prince’ arrives at New Romney station Photo: Ray Duff
The event featured a display of buses and other vehicles from different eras and locations, as well as free rides to various destinations on the marsh.
Many people arrived by steam train from Hythe and other stations, and then boarded the vintage buses to explore the scenic and historic sites of the marsh. Some of the stops included Littlestone, where the RNLI held its emergency services day, Greatstone, Lydd on Sea, where the Pilot Inn offered refreshments, and Dungeness, where the railway station, the Roundhouse, the Old and New Lighthouses, and the decommissioned Power Stations were open for visitors.
One of the vintage open top buses, this from Brighton Photo: Ray Duff
Some people chose to travel by steam train to Dungeness and then return by bus, or vice versa, enjoying the views of the wide open spaces and the wildlife along the way.
At New Romney station, people could also visit the cafe, museum and stalls selling memorabilia and souvenirs related to the vintage buses and the railway.
Loco Doctor Syn awaits a departure from Dungeness station Photo: Ray Duff
The vintage buses were privately owned by enthusiasts who had travelled from various parts of the UK, such as Dover Transport Museum, Brighton, London and beyond. Some of them were contrasted by more modern buses from different companies.
Vintage buses below the Roundhouse, Old Lighthouse and Power stations Photo: Ray Duff
The event was a huge success and everyone had a great time. Many people expressed their anticipation for next year’s rally.
Vintage buses await passengers at Dungeness Photo: Ray Duff
Further Info:
Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. www.rhdr.org.uk
Dungeness: https://dungeness.org.uk/history/
Littlestone RNLI station: https://www.facebook.com/littlestonelifeboatstation/