The sun shone in Colchester on the morning of September 22nd as I set out on my journey. It continued to shine over Sudbury, Long Melford and Clare. However by the time I reached Haverhill, a few clouds had gathered in the north west. Yes, it was Showbus Sunday.
The countryside along the Suffolk-Essex border looked as it always did, despite the absence of farmers and other country folk who had taken themselves to the Big Smoke for the day to upset Mr. Blair - obviously, they didn't know there was a bus rally on. My brother and I speculated that this was a golden opportunity to run amok across their land without any possibility of our dog (if we had one) being threatened with execution. Despite the obvious temptations, we elected to press on to Duxford.
Showbus was its usual self, apart from the presence of a large number of Golden Jubilee buses. I have to say that I have mixed feelings about bus rallies. It's rather like visiting a zoo rather than going on safari. The place to photograph buses is on the streets - the fascination for me is as much about what buses do as what they are. I also spend considerable energy feeling annoyed with myself for not photographing some of the older vehicles in service when I had the chance.
Nevertheless, Showbus is the unmissable event of the year, even if the organisers do park most of the buses the wrong way round. There is often some sunshine at Showbus, even if the assembled masses of buses and their followers do somehow generate an area of low pressure over south Cambridgeshire. It doesn't help photographers (particularly those who don't have the most expensive digital camera money can buy) if the rear of most of the buses is facing the sun.
Having completed my photographic activities, it was now time to do that which I had promised myself (and my wife) that I would not do. I visited the various stalls and came away clutching an M&D AEC Regal going to Wilkins Corner together with the Maidstone & District Limited Edition Gift Set. And yes, I do know where Wilkins Corner is. I've even been there.
There was still something missing from Showbus 2002 and I couldn't quite place my finger on it. Then it hit me - on the forehead I think. Dark clouds had rolled across the airfield and the first of many Showbus showers had begun.