It looks like we've got ourselves a CONVOY....and one being led by a Volvo VN too. Biglorryblog's good mate Rikki Chequer, community manager at TrucknetUK (and you can visit the site by using this link) http://www.roadtransport.com/StaticPages/drivers.htm ) Rikki has sent me this report on The East Coast Truckers Club which held their annual childrens' convoy this weekend. "I thought it a worthy topic for BLB!" And quite right too Rikki.
Rikki explains: "On the Sunday Morning, a group of truck drivers met up and, closely marshalled by police set, off on a slow drive through Norfolk's roads. Given the recent rises in fuel its a wonder that fuel protests are not happening in more cities, But this wasn't a fuel protest but the East Coast Truckers club flagship annual event---The children's convoy. Drivers and owners giving up a major part of their bank holiday weekend to give disadvantaged children a day out to remember." And what an excellent charitable job by the club and also a terrific way of showing yet another positive side of road transport, though as Rikki says "I suspect that is one of the last things on the Convoy participants' minds. "now click through here for more....
Assistant Convoy Director, owner driver Rob Billman tells BLB: "This is the convoy's 24th year, started in 1986 by Glenn Johnson, Our first convoy had 22 trucks, yesterday there were 85 Carrying 80 plus children, all supported by10 police outriders. Plus various other support vehicles. Leaving county Hall Norwich at 10am in brilliant sunshine, we were led out of the grounds by a marching band. Through the streets of Thorpe and out onto the A47 passing Acle, Great Yarmouth, through Gorleston and into Pleasurewood Hills theme park near Lowestoft."
Whilst at the Pleasurewood Hill theme park the kids were escorted around the site and on the rides, Then it was time for a picnic lunch a few more rides and a show before departing for home back through Gorleston and then into Yarmouth and down Marine Parade returning to County Hall.
Rob continues: "The route was lined by thousands on both out bound and homebound journeys. Great Yarmouth seafront was packed!! There's never seen such a gathering of well wishers, waving banners,ballons. Grown men and women fighting back the tears (drivers too) I am immensly proud of all those that played such an important part in this incredible journey." To which BLB adds a hearty well done all---a truly fantastic effort for the kids.
And you can see the crwods from this in-cab shot! Rikki adds: "Credit has to go not only to the members of the club who have been planning this all year, but to the drivers from around the country who turned up to provide marshals along the route for the public's safety many enticed to take part from the postings on the TruckNetUK forums." RC tells me that Roband his colleagues are alerady planning the biggest convoy yet for next year" Thanks Rikki and Rob.
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