PLAXTON, part of Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) – itself becoming a subsidiary of North America’s NFI Group Inc. (NFI) - hosted its first bus and coach rally recently as a celebration of its 112-year history and diverse product range, it states.
Held 8 August, 2019, it attracted 42 Plaxton coaches from 32 operators for a much fancied ‘show and shine’-type competition, with the winners announced at a glitzy seaside-themed awards dinner at the Scarborough Spa that evening, in South Bay, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England.
The event – held also as a thank-you to loyal customers – welcomed 500 visitors throughout the day and raised a respectable GBP£1,800 for its two chosen local charities: the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) to support Scarborough’s local Shannon lifeboat – named after the company’s founder Frederick William Plaxton – and Saint Catherine’s hospice.
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COMPETITION FORMAT
Entrants were split into five age-based award categories, as well as People’s Choice and Best in Rally, before being judged by a panel of four industry experts, ADL explains.
After the judging a cavalcade took place along Marine Drive, which drew much attention from the local public, the company states.
WINNER, WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER!
After a closely fought competition, the winners were announced as follows:
* Pre-1964: Johnson Bros., 1963 Panorama VAL
* 1965–1979: Kenzies Coaches, 1965 Panorama VAL
* 1980–1991: Sharpes of Nottingham, 1981 Supreme IV
* 1992–2010: Henry Cooper Coaches, 1996 Excalibur
* 2011–Present day: Country Lion, 2017 Elite
* People’s Choice: Acklams Coaches, 2017 Elitei team coach
* Best in Show: Johnson Bros., 1963 Panorama VAL
Richard Matthews, Retail Sales director for Bus and Coach, said: “Congratulations to all the winners and a heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for this unique occasion.”
“I couldn’t be more proud of the team for putting on such a fantastic event.
“It really was a celebration of what makes Plaxton great and we’re humbled by how much support we’ve received from the industry to make it happen,” he stated.
Photography: courtesy ADL