Jurassic Mule runs again for 2018

[whole diary]

[LiskeardRich]

I am please to say we have secured sufficient funding to allow us to operate in 2018. We will be running a special launch day on 22nd July, and then running daily from 25th July until 2nd September.
We felt the need to return after receiving 1000s of messages of support following the issues at the end of 2017. We have amended our timetable so the buses don't wait time in the Underfleet area of Seaton where the issues were found.
We have a new operations manager who is well known and local to Seaton, and formerly operated a heritage bus operation in the Saltash area. Details of who he is will be unveiled soon. Derek plans taking a back seat, doing some driving days and running when the operations manager is unavailable.
We have also set up a new website with plenty of information about the service www.jurassicmule.co.uk
We have secured the use of up to 6 open top buses this year. The 2018 fleet will be:
Open Top Bristol RE^▸ (Religious Education) TDL564K,
Open Top Bristol VRs UWV614S, UFX856S, BJG674V, VDV138S
Open Top Volvo Olympian P772SWC

[chuffed]

Bravo ! More power to your elbows and the metaphorical reversed 2 finger salute to the whiners that stopped you running in the first place !

[JayMac]

Mods. Maybe a thread title amendment to better reflect this excellent news.

Finn and I certainly intend to make use of this service at some point during the summer. Tied in with another trip on the trams.

[grahame]

Mods. Maybe a thread title amendment to better reflect this excellent news.

Done!  .... and I'll make sure key dates make the diary!

If you want to look back at the old thread, it's at http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=18298.0

[LiskeardRich]

Thanks Grahame.

Following discussions this week, we will now run on Saturday 21st July and Monday 23rd July also.
There will be no service on Tuesday 24th July as we had already been committed to some end of school term hires in Taunton for the last day of term.

[Chris from Nailsea]

Fair enough.  I am a great fan of Taunton, as you will all know by now. 

[LiskeardRich]

New operations manager unveiled for the 2018 season,

JURASSIC MULE RIDES AGAIN!!
 
 
We are very pleased to announce that after much speculation from members of the public, Jurassic Mule Motorbus are to re-introduce their tourist services for the summer season, running the 124 open top tour service form 21st July to 2nd September 2018.  Services are again to be operated by a fleet of classic open top double decker buses with the occasional appearance of “Eric” the rare open top single decker.
Derek Gawn, the Mendip Mule/Jurassic Mule proprietor has appointed a new, enthusiastic Operations Manager who will oversee the entire operation for this season.
Edward Jacobs, will already be familiar to many of you as he is well known as a professional musician, entertainer, musical director and music teacher working all over the South West of England and other parts of the U.K. What many of you may not know is that he also has a transport industry background, having run his own bus and coach company in South East Cornwall for 20 years up to 2007. He has also managed a stretch limousine and wedding car company in Plymouth and currently runs “Jeeves”, a resurrected smaller wedding car company based in East Devon. Some of his vehicles may be used in conjunction with Jurassic Mule advertising.
Edward is very excited about this forthcoming opportunity and is looking forward to managing this year’s Jurassic Mule operation, allowing Derek to take more of a back seat ….. except of course when he is driving one of the Jurassic Mule buses!
Edward commented: “I am excited about the challenge of managing the Jurassic Mule operation this year and looking forward to stepping up to the challenges ahead and working with the team. This will be very different from my usual line of work and gives me a welcome opportunity to return to the public transport industry.  I know that we can help generate business and income for this beautiful part of East Devon and bring pleasure to many people who would like to ride our scenic route.”
Edward had already been working closely with Derek to make initial preparations for the forthcoming season and is currently meeting with team members and overseeing the preparation of the vehicles which will form the operational fleet. He will be working very closely with drivers, publicity staff, mechanics and volunteers.
Edward will also be liaising with local town councils and residents to form valuable working relationships and develop a positive ethos within the area.  Further developments of the Jurassic Mule operation will be in the local newspapers and posted on the Mendip/Jurassic Mule Facebook page.
Jurassic mule also has a new website: www.jurassicmule.co.uk
[\quote]

[LiskeardRich]

4 weeks today is the 2018 launch. Here is the timetable for this summer. Discounted tickets available online from www.jurassicmule.co.uk/book-online

[bradshaw]

Season Tramway opened its new station today.
Report on Spotlight at 18.45 tonight

[chuffed]

Yes, the seasoned operators of  Seaton Tramway seem to have upped their game to compete with the increasing professional approach to operations, stations,uniforms, and all round customer experience as exemplified by such leaders as SVY, NYMR^▸ (North Yorkshire Moors Railway) ,WSR and the G&W Rly. Other operators are available, everyone will have their own favourites.
Impressive new building and very busy today and combined it with a return ride on the AVMT 899 from Sidmouth to Seaton (v,v). It was very nearly the 999 and ride a donkey to the rescue as we abandoned the bus with smoke pouring out the back,(dubbed the Branscombe Blazer) outside the donkey sanctuary on the return journey. The Sidmouth hopper came to our rescue...but concessionary pass holders note.. you have to pay a pound and be issued with that rare artifact ..a ticket.
It was very hot, the vehicle was very elderly and the engine seemed to be either thrashing up hills, regeneratively braking, or reversing. No criticism of the driver, the route and timings do not allow the bus to be cosseted and nursed.I am sure the Jurassic Mule will prove much more resilient in the equestrian stakes.

[JayMac]

Few days ago I saw an Axe Valley Mini Transport (AVMT) bus broken down in Axminster. The classic scene of the engine cover up and the driver peering in scratching his head.

[LiskeardRich]

Few days ago I saw an Axe Valley Mini Transport (AVMT) bus broken down in Axminster. The classic scene of the engine cover up and the driver peering in scratching his head.

AVMT have a fleet of close to life expired vehicles, interesting bunch of drivers too!

[LiskeardRich]

Saturday is the relaunch day.
Here is our confirmed fleet. I cant confirm what will be running each day, although it is intended subject to mechanical availability that the RE^▸ (Religious Education) will work weekends. It is too low capacity for nice days in the week, and no shelter for less nice days!

[bradshaw]

I see the Jurassic Mule is linking West Bay, Bridport to the Sir John Colfox School tomorrow for the Bridport and District Model Railway Club exhibition.
With more space at the school than their usual venue this is expected to be the largest they have put on.

http://www.bridportnews.co.uk/news/16377669.bridport-and-district-model-railway-club-exhibition-on-track-to-be-biggest-yet/

[LiskeardRich]

I see the Jurassic Mule is linking West Bay, Bridport to the Sir John Colfox School tomorrow for the Bridport and District Model Railway Club exhibition.
With more space at the school than their usual venue this is expected to be the largest they have put on.

http://www.bridportnews.co.uk/news/16377669.bridport-and-district-model-railway-club-exhibition-on-track-to-be-biggest-yet/

An approximate timetable is attached.