One of the first things the 500 Group got involved in back in 1990, was the return to Teesside of TRTB no5, GAJ15, a 1950 Sunbeam F4/Roe Trolleybus, which had for several years been residing unwanted at the Beamish Museum. Shockingly they were going to scrap it to use in the restoration of their 1927 Bradford Trolleybus. Luckily, thanks to Mr Peter Price (who was a linesman at Southbank) this scandal didn't happen and he was able to save it from what would have been an unforgivable disgrace. The 500 Group set up negotiations between Mr Price, Beamish Museum, and Kirkleatham Hall. This Museum which is located near Redcar and specialises in Teessides Industrial History. They had expressed an interest to the 500 Group in acquiring it for display owing to the vehicle's importance to the area. Arrangements were made to enable the vehicle's return, and Cleveland Transit very kindly made available the Leyland Clydesdale Recovery Tender G16, and this together with members of the 500 Group set off to Beamish to retrieve the Trolleybus. This was done smoothly without any problems, and even included a photo stop at Southbank Depot. The vehicle is now restored and on display at Kirkleatham Hall in it's own shed, and it comes out for exhibition on their vintage vehicle rally every July making a fine sight. A happy ending then, for a rare vehicle.

In October 1989, the Bradford Museum of Transport held it's last event at it's long term premises at Ludlam Street Depot in Bradford. The 500 Group were invited to attend this with 500 Bus. However, as a dry run for taking L544 to an event, we used instead one of the 1977 Bristol VR's then in the process of withdrawl. I thought it would be a good idea to show one of these before they were all gone. H114 the last of the class, was chosen, as it was also the last of it's type, and the last in service with it's original two piece blind (as opposed to the single piece type on H106). Even back then, the 500 Group was interested in purchasing one for preservation, and after the rally enquiries were made to effect that. However, H114 had been sold along with H113 & H106 to Jones on Anglesey. The spooky bit is that I made up a display board featuring the Bristol VR's, and on this I showed two photos, one for each of the liveries carried. The picture showing a Transit VR in the then new de-regulation livery was...H106, now under restoration by the 500 Group! Eventually when H106 is finished, the 500 Group will once again be able to take a Cleveland Transit Bristol VR to a rally again.

It is said that the strength of a group lies in it's the strength of it's members. The results of what the 500 Group has achieved so far in the eighteen years of it's existance, well and truly bears this out. This collection is dedicated to all those who are currently in, or who have been in the 500 Group over the years. This collection will show the members at the many and varied events that we have been to over the years, sometimes in hilarious situations!
As one of the founder members, I have seen the group develop from strength to strength. We have grown from an initial group of 'Bus Enthusiasts' in 1988, to one of the primary preservation organisations in the North East, which to me is something that we can all be proud of. Please remember that some of the views are tongue in cheek, and do not intend to cause any offence, however should anyone have any real objection to appearing here, then please don't hesitate to get in touch and I will remove their image. As a final word, I would just like to say thanks to all of those involved in the many aspects of our 500 Group Enjoy!

The 500 Group has been in existance since 1989, and this collection will show photos taken before I acquired my digital camera.
There will be lots of these eventually, and in order to provide variety for the viewer, they are not in any particular order.

The Metro Centre Rally held in Gateshead Tyne and Wear, has been restarted after a few years break. This selection of photos show some of the vehicles displayed at 2008's event. Eventually as I get older Rallies up, you will see the wide variety of vehicles which have appeared over the years. The event is also a show ground for Go Ahead Northern's (as it was then) new vehicles, and it's a sign of the times that some of these are now appearing as vintage exhibits!
Anyway, enjoy and comments are welcome.

Our annual event is now eight years old, and has gone from strength to strength, it is an excellent oppertunity to bring together our friends and a wonderfull selection of Historic Buses for people to enjoy.
Many thanks to all those who gave their time and effort into making it such a great day.

The first Rally of the Year for us with the Fleetline L544, it was a risk going in the snow, but the day was worth it.