BCSV Members' Event: Driver Classics Convoy
2017-11-11 13:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Driver Bus Lines, 45-53 Ricketts Road, Mount Waverley, Victoria, 3149, Australia
Gary & Daryl Driver from Driver Bus Lines invited BCSV members and interstate guests to join them for the Saturday afternoon convoy to Yarra Glen for the set-up, in order to secure a prime postion for the public display for the the HCVCA Historic Commerical Vehicle Display.
The convoy departed from outside the depot in Ricketts Rd Mt Waverley at 1pm on Saturday 11 November after a 12:30pm pick-up at Mount Waverley. Bus Routes 693, 703, 733, 737 & 742 all stop within walking distance.
Upon arrival at Yarra Glen, a support vehicle returned participants to Mt Waverley, arriving back about 5pm.
There was an opportunity to change vehicles enroute.

No cost was involved.

HCVCA Historic Commerical Vehicle Show 2017
2017-11-12 09:00 - 16:00 | Yarra Glen Racecourse, Armstrong Grove, Yarra Glen, Victoria, 3775, Australia
Hundreds joined the HCVC (Historic Commercial Vehicle Club of AUST.) and BCSV: Bus and Coach Society of Victoria for a relaxing Sunday at Yarra Glen Racecourse looking over dozens upon dozens of restored trucks, buses, tractors and assorted machinery at the 36th annual Historic Commercial Vehicle Display.
Entry was just $10, with kids under 14 free!
Parking and food was available onsite.
Driver Bus Lines also offered a modern transfer vehicle departing their depot on Ricketts Rd Mt Waverley around 8:30am, stopping enroute at Lilydale to collect those off the 9:14am train arrival.
Passengers returned home at 3pm onboard the vast array of vehicles in the Driver Classics hertiage fleet, dropping off at Lilydale about 3:30pm and arriving back to Mt Waverley by 4:30pm.
McKenzies 685 bus also serves Yarra Glen but operates to a limited timetable on Sundays.
Members were reminded not forget their wallet, plenty of interesting books, merchandise and bric & brac on sale!
If you have a bus or coach you’d like to display, email BCSV Secretary Paul Kennelly via secretary@bcsv.org.au or call (03) 9509 1593.
Truck owners should contact the HCVCA directly – contact Jeff Johnston, Display Day Coordinator via vicepresident@hcvc.com.au or call 0408 181 816.

BCSV November Meeting: Victorian School Buses 70s – 90s PART 3
2017-11-19 15:00 - 17:00 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
Over a dozen members joined the BCSV for our November social meeting from 3pm on Sunday 19 November where Geoff Foster presented the third and final part of his slide presentation on Victorian County School Buses of the 70s, 80s and 90s.
As always. small afternoon tea followed.
Hawthorn Tram Depot / Melbourne Tram Museum is located at 8 Wallen Rd Hawthorn near the corner of Power Street. Tram Routes 70 & 75 stop near-by, with Hawthorn Station on the Belgrave/Lilydale line a short 10 min walk.

BCSV November Tour Day 1: 40 Years of TeleBus
2017-11-25 09:00 - 18:00 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of TeleBus pioneered by John Usher, we drove over TeleBus Areas 1, 2, 3 and 4 using representative vehicles used on the TeleBus service.
This was followed by a BBQ lunch at Ventura’s Lilydale depot.
In the afternoon, we explored Lilydale depot, our first visit since February 2010, with some short rides of other buses in the fleet.
There was be a brief visit to Croydon depot as well.
Costs were $10 for members and $20 for non members (U/18 half price).
PICK-UPs
Pick up from Oakleigh Station 9:35, 624 stop – north side of station
* Connects with service ex Cranbourne 8:38 (Due at Oakleigh 9:11)
* Connects with service ex Dandenong 9:11 (Due at Oakleigh 9:31)
* Connects with service ex Pakenham 8:44 (Due at Oakleigh 9:31)
* Connects with Pakenham Service Ex Flinders St 8:48 (Due at Oakleigh 9:13)
Pick up from Glen Waverley 9:55, 623 stop
* Connects with Glen Waverley Service ex Flinders St 8:59 (Due at Glen Waverley 9:44)
The Tour commenced at Croydon Station at 10:30am
* awaiting the 10:27am arrival at Croydon Station (ex Flinders Street 9:26, take Belgrave service & change at Ringwood for Lilydale Shuttle)
DROP-OFFs
The Tour concluded at Croydon Station at 5pm to connect with the 17:08 City Service
Bus returned to Glen Waverley Station at 17:40
Bus returned to Oakleigh Station at 18:00

BCSV November Tour Day 2: Crown & Mees
2017-11-26 09:00 - 18:00 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
On Sunday 26 Novenber the BCSV visited Mee’s depot in West Heidelberg.
This was followed by an afternoon visit to the operations of Crown Coaches as part of their 50th Anniversary celebrations.
We paused for lunch at Doncaster Shoppingtown between visits.
Costs was $10 for members and $20 for non members (U/18 half price).

PICK-UPs
Mitcham Station (740 stop) – 9:15am
Box Hill Station (612 stop) – 9:35am
* connects with 9:30am train arrival from BelgraveDoncaster Shoppingtown (293 Greensborough stop) – 9:45am
Heidelberg Station (551 stop) – 10:05am
* connects with 9:52am train arrival from City (9:18am ex Flinders St)
* connects with 10am train arrival from Hurstbridge
DROP-OFFs
Please note: Drop off at Mitcham Station only at approximately 4.30pm.
Train to Box Hill & the 903 bus returned participants to the other locations

BCSV Feb Tour: Shepparton Day Trip
2018-02-25 09:00 - 19:00 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
Join the BCSV: Bus and Coach Society of Victoria for single day tour on Sunday 25 February 2018 visiting three local operators in the Shepparton/Mooroopna district – Ford’s, Dyson’s and Balfour’s.

PICK UPs:

* 8.15am – Sandbelt Carpark Moorabbin, Cnr Bignell Rd & Nellbern Rd (return 7.50pm)

* 8.35am – Caulfield – Caulfield Station, north side, 624 bus stop: awaits train from Frankston due 8.30am (return 7.30pm)

* 9.00am – Southern Cross Station – Spencer St, at 216/219 bus stop (return 7.00pm)

COST:
$10 for members, including a BBQ lunch
$20 for non-members, including a BBQ lunch
Under 18s are half price.
Pay onboard.
RSVP:
Please advise attendance for catering purposes by selecting “Going” on the Facebook event page or sending us an email to tours@bcsv.org.au
Those with dietary requirements should also let us know beforehand.

BCSV March Meeting: Government Buses in Western Australia
2018-03-18 15:00 - 17:00 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
In a new series of BCSV meetings, Paul Kennelly & Geoffrey Foster will make joint historical presentations on the government bus operators in cities throughout Australia. Paul will present from the early days till 1970 and Geoff will present from 1970 until the present.
The series kicks off on Sunday March 18 at 3pm with a look back at government buses in Perth, Rottnest Island and Kalgoorlie
Our bi-monthly Sunday meetings are held at Hawthorn Tram Depot / Melbourne Tram Museum, 8 Wallen Rd, near the corner of Power St.
Alight Tram Routes 70 & 75 at Riversdale Junction. Alternatively, Hawthorn Station on the Belgrave/Lilydale line is a short 10 min walk away.
Each meeting concludes with a short afternoon tea and chatter on the latest industry gossip.
Both members and guests are welcome, free admission.

BCSV May Meeting: Government Buses in Queensland
2018-05-20 15:00 - 17:00 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
Join us for the next installment in our ongoing series of government buses around Australia. Our next meeting at 3pm on Sunday May 20 will look back at government buses in Brisbane and Rockhampton.

Paul Kennelly & Geoffrey Foster will make another joint historical presentation. Paul will present from the early days till 1970 and Geoff will present from 1970 until the present (hopefully without any USB issues!)

Our bi-monthly Sunday meetings are held at Hawthorn Tram Depot / Melbourne Tram Museum, 8 Wallen Rd, near the corner of Power St.
Alight Tram Routes 70 & 75 at Riversdale Junction. Alternatively, Hawthorn Station on the Belgrave/Lilydale line is a short 10 min walk away.
Each meeting concludes with a short afternoon tea and chatter on the latest industry gossip.
Both members and guests are welcome, free admission.

BCSV July Meeting: PTV CEO Jeroen Weimar
2018-07-15 15:00 - 17:00 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
Each year the BCSV invite a guest speaker along to one of our Sunday social meetings to provide their unique perspective on the transport industry in Victoria.

This year we will be joined by Public Transport Victoria’s CEO Jeroen Weimar, who will discuss “Current PTV programs to improve bus services in Victoria and possibilities for the future.”

This will include discussions on the new contact arrangements for metropolitan operators, announcements in the 2018-2019 state budget & the upcoming state election.

There will also be a chance for the audience to ask Jeroen questions.

We hope you can join us, 3pm on Sunday 15 July 2018.

Our bi-monthly Sunday social meetings are held at Hawthorn Tram Depot / Melbourne Tram Museum, 8 Wallen Rd, near the corner of Power St.

Alight Tram Routes 70 & 75 at Riversdale Junction. Alternatively, Hawthorn Station on the Belgrave/Lilydale line is a short 10 min walk away.

Each meeting concludes with a short afternoon tea and chatter on the latest industry gossip.

Both members and guests are welcome, free admission.

BCSV August Tour Day 1: Castlemaine Bus Lines
2018-08-04 09:30 - 17:30 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
The BCSV are planning an action-packed tour weekend for August.
On Saturday 4 August we will visit Castlemaine Bus Lines, acquired by the Whitmore Group in mid 2017.
After assembling in Melbourne’s north-west, everyone will travel to Castlemaine onboard Moonee Valley Coaches’ magnificently restored Austral Tourmaster, where we will spend the majority of the day enjoying the hospitality of Jamie Whitmore.
We will also pay brief visits to one or two other small operators during the day as a bonus – to be announced on the day.
Then on Sunday 5 August CDC Victoria will host us at their new super depot in Wyndham. (Details – https://bcsv.org.au/event/bcsv-august-tour-cdc-wyndham-depot/ )
Further details will be advised closer to the date.
COST:
$10 for members
$20 for non-members
Half price for under 18s
PICK-UPs:
BUS 1 – EASTERN SUBURBS
* Ringwood Station first bus bay on Maroondah Hwy: 8:45am (return 6.20pm)
* Box Hill Transit Centre 612 stop: 9:05am (return 6pm)
BUS 2 – SOUTH-EASTERN SUBURBS & CITY
* Oakleigh Station 625 stop south side of station in Johnson St: 8:45am (return 6:15pm)
* Caulfield Station 624 Kew stop north side of station in Sir John Monash Dr: 9:05am (return 6pm)
* Southern Cross (216/219 stop outside Coles in Spencer Street, near Lonsdale St): 9:30am (return 5:30pm)
All times above are approximate. Please ensure you arrive 5 minutes before departure time.
LUNCH:
A BBQ lunch will be held in Castlemaine on the Saturday (included in your fare). Please advise of any dietary requirements to tours@bcsv.org.au
RSVP:
Email tours@bcsv.org.au or select “Going” on the Facebook event pages for both days
Day 1: Castlemaine Bus Lines – Saturday 4th August – https://www.facebook.com/events/724940484380347/
Day 2: CDC Wyndham & 50 years re-enactment – Sunday 5th August – https://www.facebook.com/events/207332276694280/

BCSV August Tour Day 2: CDC Wyndham Depot & 50 years re-enactment
2018-08-05 09:30 - 16:30 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
The BCSV are planning an action-packed tour weekend for August.
On Saturday 4 August we will visit Castlemaine Bus Lines, acquired by the Whitmore Group in mid 2017. Moonee Valley Coaches will transport us to Castlemaine onboard their preserved Austral. (Details – https://bcsv.org.au/event/bcsv-august-tour-day-1-castlemaine-bus-lines/ )
The BCSV: Bus and Coach Society of Victoria are excited to announce a visit to CDC Victoria’s new Wyndham Depot on Sunday 5 August 2018. This new state-of-the-art facility replaced the former Altona and Werribee depots at the start of the year.
After enjoying lunch at Pacific Werribee (aka Werribee Plaza), we will return to the inner southern suburbs to re-enact the tour that was the genesis of the Society 50 years ago – held on Saturday 27th July 1968, prior to the formation of the BCSV: Bus and Coach Society of Victoria later that year.
This tour, which followed local Nuline routes around the Brighton area, was organised by Paul Nicholson, John Masterton and Bruce Tilley. We are pleased to announce that Paul Nicholson will join us next Sunday as our guest for a re-enactment of that very first tour. At least three heritage buses will be involved in the event.
COST:
$5 for members
$15 for non members
Under 18s half price
PICK-UPs:
BUS 1 – EASTERN SUBURBS
* Ringwood Station (first bus bay on Maroondah Hwy): 8:35am (return 5.35pm)
* Box Hill Transit Centre 612 stop: 9am (return 5:15pm)
BUS 2 – SOUTH-EASTERN SUBURBS & CITY
* Oakleigh Station 625 stop south side of station in Johnson St: 8:45am (return 4:50pm)
* Caulfield Station 624 Kew stop north side of station in Sir John Monash Dr: 9:05am (return either 2:45pm & 4:30pm)
* Southern Cross (216/219 stop outside Coles in Spencer Street, near Lonsdale St): 9:30am
NB: Bus #2 will not return to the City after the re-enactment. Express trains depart Caulfield at 10 min intervals – 4:40pm train to City from Caulfield will arrive Southern Cross at 4:58pm. Also see Hoppers Crossing option below.
BUS 3 – WESTERN SUBURBS & GEELONG
* Tarneit Station – 170 stop outside platform 1 – 10:05am (awaits the arrival of the 10:04am train from Geelong)
NB: Bus #3 does not offer a return drop-off. Passengers taking this option can either leave us at Werribee Plaza at 12:45pm & take a 170 bus back to Tarneit (buses operate every 20 mins) or find their own way home from Cauflield at the end of the afternoon re-enactment (drop off at 4:30pm)
HOPPERS CROSSING DROP-OFF
After lunch (approx. 12.45pm to 1.30pm), buses 1 & 2 will travel via Hoppers Crossing Station to drop-off anyone who does not wish to participate in the re-enactment. The 1:48pm train back to Melbourne arrives Flinders St 2:37pm & Southern Cross 2:42pm
CAULFIELD AFTERNOON PICK-UP
Those only wishing to join us for the afternoon portion are welcome to meet us at Caulfield Station. We plan to depart at 2:45pm from the 624 Oakleigh stop outside the racecourse at the corner of Normanby Rd & Station St (the stand once used for the 115A to Middle Brighton & Southland)
All times above are approximate. Please ensure you arrive 5 minutes before departure time.
LUNCH:
On Sunday choose from one of the many food court options at Werribee Plaza. Lunch is expected to be between 12:45pm & 1:30pm.
High-vis vests must be worn at the CDC depot.
RSVP:
Email tours@bcsv.org.au or select “Going” on the Facebook event pages for both days
Day 1: Castlemaine Bus Lines – Saturday 4th August – https://www.facebook.com/events/724940484380347/
Day 2: CDC Wyndham & 50 years re-enactment – Sunday 5th August – https://www.facebook.com/events/207332276694280/

BCSV AGM 2018 & September meeting: Freighter Lawton
2018-09-16 15:00 - 17:30 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
Notice of the BCSV: Bus and Coach Society of Victoria Annual General Meeting to be held on Sunday 16th September at the Hawthorn Tram depot / Melbourne Tram Museum at 3pm.
Hawthorn Tram Depot is located at 8 Wallen Road Hawthorn, near the corner of Power Street and Riversdale Road. Tram Routes 70 & 75 stop outside, with Hawthorn Station a 10 minute walk away.
Elections for the Committee will be conducted at the AGM along with the presentation of the annual and financial reports.
COMMITTEE ELECTIONS
Vacant positions include:
Executive Positions:
* President
* Deputy President
* Secretary
* Treasurer
Other Officers:
* Assistant Secretary
* Tours Organiser
* Historical Research (Heritage/Archive)
* Membership
* Restoration
* Safety
* Publications Editor
* Social Media Officer
We’d also welcome those who wish to join as general committee members.
There will be a number of retirements this year and members are encouraged to put themselves forward if they believe they can make a contribution to the Society. In particular, and has been the case for some years, more people are needed to help organise tours behind the scenes.
Nomination forms have been emailed to members and can also be downloaded from our website:
PDF – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Notice-of-2018-AGM.pdf
DOC – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Notice-of-2018-AGM.doc
Nominations are welcome via post or email (secretary@bcsv.org.au) by Wednesday 12 September or otherwise can be made in person at the AGM.
PROXY FORMS
Members who are unable to attend the AGM may nominate a proxy by way of a form which clearly identifies the name of the member’s proxy and is signed by the member. To assist members, an example proxy form has been created but the use of the form is not a requirement.
PDF – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Proxy-Form-2018-AGM.pdf
WORD – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Proxy-Form-2018-AGM.doc
Proxy forms should be declared by your nominated proxy at the commencement of the AGM.
They can also be forwarded to The Secretary, Bus & Coach Society of Victoria, PO Box 33, Caulfield East, 3145 to arrive by Wednesday 12th September. Digital copies accepted at secretary@bcsv.org.au up to 24 hours before the scheduled start of the meeting.
MEMBERSHIP
For those yet to renew their membership, see https://bcsv.org.au/membership/
SOCIAL MEETING
Following the AGM, Paul Kennelly will present the next in the Body Builders series: Freighter Lawton before we finish with our usual light afternoon tea around 5pm.

Historic Commercial Vehicle Display 2018 - Yarra Glen
2018-11-11 09:00 - 15:00 | Yarra Glen Racecourse, Armstrong Grove, Yarra Glen, Victoria, 3775, Australia
Join the HCVCA (Historic Commercial Vehicle Club of Australia) and BCSV: Bus and Coach Society of Victoria for a relaxing Sunday at Yarra Glen Racecourse on November 11 enjoying the 37th Historic Commercial Vehicle Display. Gates open to the public at 9am with vehicles in position until 3pm.
Entry is $10 per person with under 14s free! Free parking on site.
Inspect some of the hundreds of vehicles on display, from vintage trucks, buses and tractors, to steam engines and older cars.
Bus operators who regularly take part include Driver Bus Lines, Moonee Valley Coaches, Dysons, Ventura, Diamond Coaches, John Usher’s Invicta collection, among others.
There will be kids amusements, including face-painting and a jumping castle, and also a Touch A Truck section where kids are able to hop into trucks and have a squizz how they all work. There will be live music all day, rocker cover races, which always draws a huge crowd, trade stalls, and of course delicious food and drink stalls.
HCVCA will also draw the much anticipated Tool Box Raffle at approx 2:30pm.
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SET-UP DAY CONVOY & DISPLAY DAY TRANSFER SHUTTLE BUS

Driver Bus Lines has once again invited BCSV members (& any interstate guests) to ride on the set-up day convoy and be picked up on the display day onboard the pristine “Driver Classics” heritage fleet. FREE!

The BCSV: Bus and Coach Society of Victoria are grateful for this offer from Gary Driver.

SATURDAY 10/11 – SET-UP DAY CONVOY

The convoy of Driver Heritage vehicles will leave the Driver depot in Ricketts Rd, Mt Waverley at 12.30pm on Saturday 10th November.

There will be an opportunity to change vehicles on the way. If anyone wishes to board at Lilydale, please email tours@bcsv.org.au

A current day coach will return attendees to the depot at around 5pm, setting down at Lilydale Station upon request.

SUNDAY 11/11 – DISPLAY DAY TRANSFER SHUTTLE BUSES

On the Sunday, members can join the transfer coach at the Driver depot at about 8.30am.

It will stop at Lilydale Station enroute to pick up members who have travelled by train from the city, meeting the service arriving Lilydale at 9.14am.

The return journey from the display, using the heritage vehicles, will leave Yarra Glen at about 3pm with drop off at Lilydale Station around 3:30pm before travelling back to the depot.
A second coach, from Firefly Coaches, will depart Southern Cross Station at 8:30am, leaving from the 216/219 stop outside Coles in Spencer St, just north of Lonsdale St. The coach will return from Yarra Glen around 3pm, returning to Southern Cross by 5pm.

RSVP

Those wishing to travel on either the convoy or display day transfer can email tours@bcsv.org.au to reserve their spot.

ALTERNATIVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Those wishing to catch public transport to Yarra Glen should note that the Route 685 bus from Lilydale only provides a limited service on Sundays.

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BRINGING A VEHICLE?
BUSES & COACHES
Bus and coach operators with heritage vehicles will be formally invited by secretary Jason Blackman to present their vehicles with relevant details.
Owners of preserved buses can contact Jason Blackman via secretary@bcsv.org.au for further details, or call him on 0406 407 004.
Parking is available from 3pm Saturday afternoon for those wishing to secure a prime position or group their fleet together. Also note the dinner & overnight camping options below.
Vehicles must remain in position until 3pm on Sunday.
TRUCKS & TRACTORS
Those wishing to present preserved trucks, tractors or other machinery should contact the HCVCA directly for bookings.
Contact one of the following people:
Shane – 0409 541 494
Cindy – 0427 684 989
Allan – 0425 718 191
Jeff – 0408 181 816
Otherwise contact Jeff Johnston, Display Day Coordinator via vicepresident@hcvc.com.au
Parking is available from 3pm Saturday afternoon for those wishing to secure a prime position or group their fleet together. Also note the dinner & overnight camping options below.
Vehicles must remain in position until 3pm on Sunday.
CAR CLUBS
Car clubs are very welcome to attend. Please contact of the HCVCA organisers to advise an approximate number of vehicles likely to attend.
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SATURDAY NIGHT DINNER & CAMPING
On the Saturday night, the HCVCA holds an annual dinner in the dining room of the Racecourse. This is always a fantastic night, filled with good friends, good food, raffles, and a guest speaker.
Tickets for this are $30 per person and MUST be pre-booked in advance by the 5th November. Payment before, or on the night is OK, by Cash or EFT. Please call Cindy on 0427 684 989 or Allan on 0425 718 191 for dinner bookings.
For those staying at Yarra Glen overnight, a $20 camping fee applies.

BCSV 50th Anniversary Afternoon Tea
2018-11-18 15:00 - 17:30 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
The Bus & Coach Society of Victoria will celebrate its 50th Anniversary at the end of 2018.
We are hosting a special afternoon tea to mark the occasion on Sunday 18 November 2018. A big afternoon is planned. We hope you can join us! Please note the event is for BCSV members and invited guests only.
Geoff Mann, the first BCSV President in 1968, and Keith Kings, one of the four founding members, will be our special guests.
Geoff Foster, the original editor of Panorama will present a special segment on the history of the publications of the Society over the years, covering the first News Sheets, through Fleetline and Australian Bus Heritage to the much-loved Australian Bus Panorama of today.

There will be a segment on BCSV Tours over the years with group photos.
Tony Finneran from Sydney, author of the Gone But Not Forgotten -Tony Finneran, is also attending as our special guest. And much more!
A Special Commemorative Edition of Australian Bus Panorama will be released on the day, dedicated to the photography of Keith Kings, Geoff Mann, Bruce Tilley and John Masterton.
10 door prizes (books & models) are up for grabs!
Catering will include sandwiches, scones, fruit and drinks.
Make sure to arrive at Melbourne Tram Museum in Hawthorn by 3pm to be part of this special afternoon.
Melbourne Tram Museum / Hawthorn Tram Depot is located at 8 Wallen Rd Hawthorn, near the corner of Power St.
Tram Routes 70 & 75 stop adjacent, with Hawthorn Station on the Belgrave/Lilydale line a short 10 min walk away,
Please RSVP to the event page as “Going” if you intend to come – https://www.facebook.com/events/349405362224400/

BCSV Members' Tour: Volgren Dandenong
2019-01-25 | Volgren Dandenong, 221-243 Hammond Road, Dandenong, VIC, 3175, Australia
We are pleased to confirm the date and time for our members-only tour for January 2019, to be held on the afternoon on Friday 25 January 2019.
Some significant late changes have been made.
In some good news, we have been able to secure an additional 10 spaces for the visit to Volgren. All members on the wait list will now be able to attend. Thanks to those on the wait list for their patience.
Unfortunately, Kingstons Tours have cancelled the planned tour bonus. Management has advised us that, due to work requirements and availability of staff, they will not be able to host us at this time. We apologise for this, but the decision was beyond our control.
For the Volgren tour, those currently on the wait list will be emailed a copy of their ticket from TryBooking over the weekend. However, given the modest numbers attending, we will not require presentation of the tickets on the day. We have used this “no cost” tour to trial the online booking process and will modify it in the future based on our experience and feedback from members.
Due to the overwhelming demand, Volgren has now requested we stagger the arrival of the groups of attendees to best manage the day, especially the brief induction period which can only be done in small groups. The cancellation of Kingstons has also allowed an earlier start (first group 2pm), also something that Volgren welcomed given the size of the group.
To ensure the staggering of groups of the Volgren visit, we are going to request that attendees reserve a spot in one of four groups. These are split up into those who will be driving and those who are using the transfer options from Dandenong.
The visit for each group will remain approximately 2 hours in duration. Those who are driving will be able to leave at the end of their guided tour or otherwise hang around for the group shot at the end.
TOUR GROUPS
The four groups are as follows:
GROUP 1 – ARRIVE VOLGREN BY CAR for a 2pm start, finish approx 4pm
GROUP 2 – ARRIVE VOLGREN BY CAR for a 2:15pm start, finish approx 4:15pm
GROUP 3 – HERITAGE TRANSFER BUS departing Dandenong Station (V/Line Bus Bay) around 2:15pm, return to Dandenong by 5:15pm
GROUP 4 – MODERN TRANSFER BUS departing Dandenong Station (V/Line Bus Bay) around 2:30pm, return to Dandenong by 5:15pm
Those in Groups 3 & 4 will have the option to return back to Dandenong on the alternative vehicle.
Those driving or carpooling should park in the staff carpark off Hammond Rd with overflow parking on the side street (Ruhr Street). Volgren advises some staff will still be in attendance in the factory on the day of the visit despite the RDO.
RSVP
We suggest you make contact with friends you hope to share the afternoon with and then email tours@bcsv.org.au with your preferred option. Spots will be allocated on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Should an option reach capacity, will we place you on the list for the alternative choice, mindful of friendship groups.
Most attendees who failed to select an option were contacted on Wednesday with an allocation made by the tours team, to ensure they are aware of the changes.
Please note that these bookings are restricted to those who had previously secured a spot via an online bookings or had placed their name on the waiting list before it closed. No late comers.
EXTREME HEAT FORECAST – 44 degrees (REVISED AGAIN!)
Please be aware of the current forecast of 44 degrees on Friday ahead of an afternoon cool change. We can only hope the cool change arrives early at this stage, as it will be a sleepless 29 degrees overnight too.

The option of postponing the tour would have been best made on Sunday when the committee met for their bi-monthly meeting, but at that stage the official BoM forecast for Friday was just 35 degrees with a lunchtime cool change. (Meteorologist Jane Bunn on Channel 7 took it upon herself to issue a more realistic forecast of 40 degrees on Sunday night’s news, while the committee meeting was already underway)
At this stage, the tour will proceed as a number of members have chosen to take the day off work to attend, and alternative dates in school term are difficult for a number of people who study or work as school charter drivers.
Older members may wish to give the visit a miss on health grounds. We’d appreciate those who are no longer coming to advise us via reply email so the attendance list can be updated.
For those who decide to attend, chilled water and soft drink will be offered at both the start of the day, during the visit and with afternoon tea at the end. This will be at no cost to attendees.
DRESS REQUIREMENTS – Pants & Hi-Vis Vests mandatory
As advised over the weekend, Volgren has strict requirements for all visitors to wear full length pants in the production areas of the factory. As the factory will be partly operational on Friday, this requirement has not changed despite the forecast of 43 degrees.
Those who wear shorts (or indeed less) may find themselves forced to sit out for large sections of the tour.
We’d further suggest wearing a shirt/T-shirt with at least half-length sleeves, rather than a singlet.
Members should also ensure they bring their hi-vis vest as required by Volgren inside the factory. A small number of vests will be available on the day.
Closed shoes are also required. Ideally leather shoes would be worn, however rubber/vinyl runners/sneakers will be accepted given some members may not own leather shoes.
Volgren have asked us to stress that, “If attendees are not wearing the correct attire they will not be allowed into the factory.”

As the tour will include the outside sections of the plant, we’d encourage members to wear a hat to avoid getting sunburnt. The society will have a bottle of sunscreen available upon arrival.

VOLGREN CODE OF CONDUCT
The code of conduct for visitors at the Volgren factory covers other key rules including not being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, no mobile phone usage inside the plant and photography restrictions.

Agreeing to the code of conduct is part of the requirement of entering the factory. Failure to comply with the code will see ejection from the plant.
Those with access to printers are encouraged to print their own copy out, sign it and bring it on Friday, however printed copies can be obtained upon arrival.

E-TICKETS
Please note the presentation of E-Tickets from Trybooking are not required for this tour. The E-Tickets are issued automatically and were to confirm your spot when bookings opened. As we know everyone coming well, we’ll simply cross your name off the attendance lists for each group.

Save some paper and just print off the Code of Conduct attached!

QUESTIONS
Any last minute questions should be directed to tours@bcsv.org.au or call BCSV secretary Jason Blackman on 0406 407 004.

BCSV March Meeting: Buses in Adelaide, Hobart & Launceston
2019-03-17 15:00 - 17:00 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
Join us at 3pm on Sunday 17 March 2019 for our March social meeting as Paul Kennelly & Geoff Foster look back at government buses in Adelaide, Hobart & Launceston from 1920 to today.
Our bi-monthly Sunday meetings are held at Hawthorn Tram Depot / Melbourne Tram Museum, 8 Wallen Rd, near the corner of Power St.
Alight Tram Routes 70 & 75 at Riversdale Junction. Alternatively, Hawthorn Station on the Belgrave/Lilydale line is a short 10 min walk away.

Each meeting concludes with a short afternoon tea and chatter on the latest industry gossip.
Both members and guests are welcome, free admission.

BCSV May Meeting: Coaches in the snow & MTT Adelaide encore
2019-05-19 15:00 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
Change of May Social Meeting Syllabus Item
We had planned to have Cos Sita as our special guest speaker at our May Meeting, along with Pino Gattellaro (Sunshine Tours)
However, Cos’ mother has recently passed away.
The Society extends its condolences to the Sita family. Because of this, Cos has asked for his address to be postponed to September, and we are happy to accede to his wishes.
An alternative programme has been arranged at short notice, featuring “Coaches in the snow“, using footage on the NSW Snowfields taken by Greg Travers and part of his Australian Buses No 7 DVD.
Paul will also complete our feature on Adelaide government buses from their beginnings in the 1920s through to the Volvo B59s and AEC Swifts. This will include trolleybuses as well as the petrol and diesel MTT buses.
Our bi-monthly Sunday social meetings are held at Hawthorn Tram Depot / Melbourne Tram Museum, 8 Wallen Rd, near the corner of Power St.
Alight Tram Routes 70 & 75 at Riversdale Junction. Alternatively, Hawthorn Station on the Belgrave/Lilydale line is a short 10 min walk away.
Each meeting concludes with a short afternoon tea and chatter on the latest industry gossip.
Both members and guests are welcome, free admission.

BCSV June Tour: Optares & Ventura Monbulk
2019-06-23 13:00 - 16:00 | Croydon Railway Station, Wicklow Avenue, Croydon, VIC, 3136, Australia
The BCSV: Bus and Coach Society of Victoria will hold an afternoon tour on Sunday 23 June featuring a chance to sample the Optare Solo and Tempo buses along with a visit to Ventura’s Monbulk depot.
The tour will commence at Croydon Railway Station in outer eastern Melbourne at 1pm (awaiting the 1pm train arrival from Melbourne) and conclude around 4pm with a drop off at Croydon Station.
Fares are $5 for BCSV members and $10 for non-members.
Attendees should have lunch beforehand (or at least bring a packed lunch), although cold drinks will be available on the day.

BCSV July Meeting: Guest Speaker - Dr Chris Lowe (BusVic)
2019-07-21 15:00 - 17:30 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
The BCSV are excited to announce another guest speaker for our programme of Sunday social meetings in 2019.
Dr Chris Lowe, Executive Director of BusVic, has kindly accepted our invitation to present at July meeting on Sunday 21 July at 3pm.
BusVic is an industry body that provides various forms of support to operators across the state and advocates to government on the behalf of private operators, both small and large.
Having lead BusVic for over a decade, Dr Lowe has a thorough understanding of the bus industry in Victoria.
Chris will present BusVic’s 10-point vision for enhancements across Victoria’s bus network, as developed ahead of the 2018 state election. He will discuss the various opportunities and challenges that lie ahead along with the likely consequences of ignoring the industry’s recommendations.
He will also provide valuable industry insight into the new metropolitan bus contracts signed with the state government last year.
The afternoon will close with a chance for the audience to ask Dr Lowe questions, followed by a hot drink over afternoon tea.
Our bi-monthly Sunday social meetings are held at Hawthorn Tram Depot / Melbourne Tram Museum, 8 Wallen Rd, near the corner of Power St.
Alight Tram Routes 70 & 75 at Riversdale Junction. Alternatively, Hawthorn Station on the Belgrave/Lilydale line is a short 10 min walk away.
All welcome, free entry!

BCSV AGM 2019 + Buses of Eastern Europe
2019-09-15 15:00 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
AGM NOTICE
The BCSV: Bus and Coach Society of Victoria Annual General Meeting is to be held on Sunday 15th September at the Hawthorn Tram depot / Melbourne Tram Museum at 3pm.
Hawthorn Tram Depot is located at 8 Wallen Road Hawthorn, near the corner of Power Street and Riversdale Road. Tram Routes 70 & 75 stop outside, with Hawthorn Station a 10 minute walk away.
Elections for the Committee will be conducted at the AGM along with the presentation of the annual and financial reports.
Vacant positions include:
Executive Positions:
* President
* Deputy President
* Secretary
* Treasurer
Officers:
* Assistant Secretary
* Tours Organiser
* Historical Research (Heritage/Archive)
* Membership
* Restoration
* Safety
* Publications Editor
* Social Media Officer
* Website & Virtual Museum Content Officer
We’d also welcome those who wish to join us as general committee members.
As always members are encouraged to put themselves forward if they believe they can make a contribution to the Society, particularly helping us organise tours.
NOMINATION FORMS
Nomination forms have been emailed to members and can also be downloaded from our website:
PDF – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Notice-of-2019-BCSV-AGM.pdf
DOC – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Notice-of-2019-BCSV-AGM.doc
Nominations are welcome via post or email (secretary@bcsv.org.au) by Wednesday 11th September or otherwise can be made in person at the AGM.
PROXY FORMS
Members who are unable to attend the AGM may nominate a proxy by way of a form which clearly identifies the name of the member’s proxy and is signed by the member.
To assist members, an example proxy form has been created but the use of the form is not a requirement.
PDF – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Proxy-Form-BCSV-AGM-2019.pdf
WORD – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Proxy-Form-2019-BCSV-AGM.doc
Proxy forms should be declared by your nominated proxy at the commencement of the AGM.
They can also be forwarded to The Secretary, Bus & Coach Society of Victoria, PO Box 33, Caulfield East, 3145 to arrive by Wednesday 11th September. Digital copies accepted at secretary@bcsv.org.au up to 24 hours before the scheduled start of the meeting.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
For those yet to renew their membership, see https://bcsv.org.au/membership/
AGM LOCATION
Our bi-monthly Sunday social meetings are held at Hawthorn Tram Depot / Melbourne Tram Museum, 8 Wallen Rd, near the corner of Power St.
Alight Tram Routes 70 & 75 at Riversdale Junction. Alternatively, Hawthorn Station on the Belgrave/Lilydale line is a short 10 min walk away.
Each meeting concludes with a short afternoon tea and chatter on the latest industry gossip.
Both members and guests are welcome, free admission.
MODEL RULES
A copy of the BCSV model rules can be found on our website – https://bcsv.org.au/about/model-rules/
We encourage all members planning to nominate to familiarise themselves with the model rules ahead of the AGM.
COS SITA UPDATE
We had planned to have Cos Sita as our special guest speaker at our May Meeting, along with Pino Gattellaro (Sunshine Tours)
However, in the lead up Cos’ mother sadly passed away so we postponed the guest speaker appearance until September, on Cos’ wishes.
Recently, the committee made contact with Cos to reconfirm his attendance. Unfortunately, after a change to his travel plans, Cos will be in transit back from Italy on this day, so we will unfortunately have to postpone it till another time.
In his place, Geoff Foster will present “Buses of Eastern Europe” featuring dozens of highlights from his recent overseas trip.

Ethanol Scania Farewell
2019-10-13 11:00 - 16:00
Enjoy a final sugar-hit to send off Ventura’s Ethanol-powered Scania L94UBs on Sunday 13 October.
After nearly 19 successful years of service, these trial vehicles are soon to be withdrawn ahead of the arrival of another 15 Scania K310UB low floors in the final months of 2019, thus bringing the experiment to an end.
These are believed to be the only three 100% Ethanol powered buses in Australia, each powered by sugar cane waste by-product.
Common in Sweden and Brazil, the cost of ethanol fuel in Australia has been a large barrier, prohibitive for a widespread roll-out. A similar trial of Canola bio-diesel by Invicta in 2001/2002 also came to a halt due to cost and the availability of the fuel.
We will use two of the three Ethanol buses for our farewell tour on Sunday 13 October. The date has been chosen to avoid a clash with the two-day Adelaide tour in late October.
Our tour will commence at Huntingdale Station bus interchange at 11am (awaiting the 10:55am train arrival from Melbourne) and travel along sections of Oakleigh Depot routes the trio were commonly used on.
We expect to return to Huntingdale around 4pm.
Those seeking a shorter day are welcome to depart the tour at Box Hill around 2:30pm. Attendees also have the option to board the latter part of the tour here and join us for the last hour & a half.
A lunch stop will be provided at Forest Hill Chase Shopping Centre (own expense).
Owing to the short notice, the BCSV committee has decided that the tour will be free to BCSV members, including those who join or renew on the day. The non-members fare is $10, with under 18s half price.
Membership info – https://bcsv.org.au/membership/
We thank Ventura management for their assistance in making the farewell possible.

Spring Heritage Hurrah to Seymour
2019-10-19 09:00 - 18:00
Join the Bus & Coach Society of Victoria for a heritage bus and coach running day on Saturday 19th October, featuring various heritage buses and coaches from both Moonee Valley Bus Lines & Driver Bus Lines.
Our ultimate destination for the day will be Seymour, including a visit to the Seymour Railway Heritage Centre (SRHC), who will be hosting a public open day.

PICKUPs

We can confirm the following pick-up info. Oakleigh and Caulfield are both out due to station works and the Caulfield Cup respectively. There will be parking available around Malvern station for those who wish to join there.

Bus 1 – Vehicle(s) from Driver Classics fleet (TBC)

* Huntingdale Station (601 stop in bus interchange): 8:45am

* Malvern Station (City-bound rail replacement stop on Dandenong Rd, outside Contour Panel Works): 9:05am

* Southern Cross Station (216/219 stop on Spencer St at Lonsdale St, outside Coles): 9:30am

Bus 2 – 1989 ‘Eagle Model 20’ from Driver Classics fleet

* Mt Waverley Shops (733 ‘Box Hill’ stop on Stephensons Rd): 8:30am

* Box Hill Station (612 stop in bus interchange): 8:45am

* Essendon Station (903 ‘Mordialloc’ stop on Mt Alexander Rd) – 9:35am (on request to tours@bcsv.org.au)

Anyone planning to meet us at Moonee Valley Coaches should arrive by 9:50am for a 10am start.

DROP-OFFs

The same vehicles will return participants home, as follows (all times approximate):

Bus 1

* Southern Cross Station: 4:45pm

* Malvern Station: 5:10pm

* Huntingdale Station: 5:30pm

Bus 2

* Essendon Station: 4:30pm (on request)

* Box Hill Station: 5:20pm

* Mt Waverley Shops: 5:40pm

MORNING TEA & LUNCH

After our heritage rides at Moonee Valley Coaches we will enjoy a late morning tea before departing for Seymour.

Seymour Railway Heritage Centre (SRHC) has advised that the local SES will be hosting a community BBQ on site as part of their open day. Accordingly, we have agreed to forgo our private BBQ, and instead participants can either support the SES and purchase a snag from them or alternatively, may wish to BYO sandwiches (etc) from home.

FARES

The members’ fare remains at $5, which includes morning tea. SES BBQ lunch at your expense.

Non-members fare has been dropped to $15 with the SES BBQ lunch at your expense.

Under 18s half price ($2.50 members & $7.50 non-members).

VESTs & TOUR ETIQUETTE

Hi-vis vests will be required at Moonee Valley Coaches. Limited spares available.

Attendees are encouraged to refresh themselves with our tour etiquette guidelines – https://bcsv.org.au/events-overview/tour-etiquette

RSVPs

Anyone who has booked a one-way trip home on either the R707 or DERMPAV heritage train services departing Seymour early afternoon MUST email tours@bcsv.org.au to ensure that we aren’t looking for you when we leave Seymour.

Likewise, those wishing to board Bus 2 in Essendon must request this pick-up.

For everyone else, we’d greatly appreciate if you could select “Going” on the Facebook event page to indicate your planned attendance.

Link – https://www.facebook.com/events/369115680706899/

OPTIONAL TRAIN RIDES HOME!
We have ensured our programme for the day will allow participants the chance to partake in an OPTIONAL alternative way home.
Both 707 Operations Inc and Dermpav Victoria will be operating heritage train services to Seymour on the same day as part of Tastes of the Goulburn 2019 and are offering one-way fares.
Our programme will include a 90 min morning visit to Moonee Valley Coaches including rides on restored vehicles before we depart for Seymour. We expect to arrive Seymour around 1pm.
Our lunch stop & second highlight will be Seymour Railway Heritage Centre (SRHC) who are hosting a public open day.
Our coach convoy is expected to depart Seymour between 2:30pm & 3pm.
Participants who wish to travel back by heritage train have two exciting options:
* R707 steam train, departing Seymour at 2:05pm, arriving Southern Cross at 3:50pm ($45 one-way)
* DERM railmotor 58, departing Seymour at 3:12pm, arriving Southern Cross at 4:54pm ($30 one-way)
Participants can also consider an early afternoon shuttle ride on the DERM in the Seymour area ($15) but will need to make their own way back to Melbourne via either the DERM option or the regular V/Line services ($12.46 Zones 1+6 full fare).
Details regarding bookings & intermediate stops enroute can be found online at:
R707 – http://www.707operations.com.au/
DERMPAV – https://www.dermpav.net.au/
Those wishing to travel back to Melbourne by train MUST book their seats themselves via the respective heritage group websites in advance and additionally advise us via email at tours@bcsv.org.au to assist with our headcounts departing Seymour.
BOOKINGS ON THE TRAINS ARE STRICTLY LIMITED.
All enquires regarding the train options should be made directly to the respective heritage train group.
The BCSV takes no liability for any missed train connections due to unforeseen delays or issues with the return train services.

Yarra Glen display sneak-peek afternoon
2019-11-09 12:30 - 17:00 | Driver Bus Lines, 45-53 Ricketts Road, Mount Waverley, Victoria, 3149, Australia
Keen to ride some of the Driver Classics heritage fleet?
Interested in getting some shots at Yarra Glen before the buses are parked and without the crowds?
Got other plans for Sunday 10 November?
Or maybe you just live and breath buses?
Gary Driver is once again inviting BCSV members to ride the convoy of restored Driver Classics’ buses and coaches to Yarra Glen on the afternoon of Saturday 9 November.
Interstate guests coming down for the main display are also welcome to join us.
The convoy will depart the Driver Bus Lines depot at 45-53 Ricketts Rd Mt Waverley at 12:30pm.
The convoy of Driver Heritage vehicles will leave the Driver depot at 45-53 Ricketts Rd, Mt Waverley at 12.30pm on Saturday 10th November.
A second stop in Lilydale will also be available. Email tours@bcsv.org.au if interested.
Attendees will need to find their own way to the depot – nearby options by bus include:
* 693 & 742 along Ferntree Gully Rd
* 703 & 737 along Blackburn Rd
* 733 along Stephensons Rd
There will be an opportunity to change vehicles in Lilydale on the way.
A current day coach will return attendees to the depot around 5pm, setting down at Lilydale Station enroute upon request.
The afternoon is free for both BCSV members and interstate guests and we thank Gary for the kind invite.
Details about the main HCVCA Historic Commercial Vehicle Display on Sunday 10 November can be found on the separate event page – https://www.facebook.com/events/383576758960693/

Historic Commercial Vehicle Display 2019 - Yarra Glen
2019-11-10 09:00 - 15:00 | Yarra Glen Racecourse, Armstrong Grove, Yarra Glen, Victoria, 3775, Australia
Join the HCVCA (Historic Commercial Vehicle Club of Australia) and BCSV: Bus and Coach Society of Victoria for a relaxing Sunday at Yarra Glen Racecourse on Sunday November 10 enjoying the 38th Historic Commercial Vehicle Display.
Entry is $10 per person with under 14s free! Free parking on site.
Inspect some of the hundreds of vehicles on display, from vintage trucks, buses and tractors, to steam engines and older cars.
Bus operators who regularly take part include Driver Bus Lines, Moonee Valley Coaches, Dysons, Ventura, Diamond Coaches, John Usher’s Invicta collection, among others.
There will be kids amusements, including face-painting and a jumping castle, and also a Touch A Truck section where kids are able to hop into trucks and have a squizz how they all work.
Enjoy live music all day, rocker cover races, which always draws a huge crowd, trade stalls, and of course delicious food and drink stalls.
HCVCA will also draw the much anticipated Tool Box Raffle at approx 2:30pm.
==========
SET-UP CONVOY &
DISPLAY DAY SHUTTLE BUS
On Saturday 9 November Gary Driver has kindly invited BCSV members & interstate bus enthusiasts to sample the Driver Classics heritage fleet and get some photos at the set-up afternoon. Full details – https://www.facebook.com/events/2174646439503244/
On Sunday 10 November a transfer bus will depart the Driver Bus Lines depot at 45-53 Ricketts Rd, Mt Waverley at 8:30am and Lilydale Station at 9:15am (awaiting train from the City).
The return journey from the display, using the heritage vehicles, will leave Yarra Glen just after 3pm with drop off at Lilydale Station around 3:30pm before travelling back to the depot in Mt Waverley, arriving back at 4:30pm.
==========
BRINGING A VEHICLE?
BUSES & COACHES
Bus and coach operators with heritage vehicles will be formally invited by secretary Jason Blackman to present their vehicles with relevant details.
Owners of preserved buses can contact Jason Blackman via secretary@bcsv.org.au for further details, or call him on 0406 407 004.
Parking is available from 3pm Saturday afternoon for those wishing to secure a prime position or group their fleet together. Also note the dinner & overnight camping options below.
Vehicles must remain in position until 3pm on Sunday.
TRUCKS & TRACTORS
Those wishing to present preserved trucks, tractors or other machinery should contact the HCVCA directly for bookings.
Contact one of the following people:
Allan – 0425 718 191
Jeff – 0408 181 816
Shane – 0409 541 494
Otherwise contact Jeff Johnston, Display Day Coordinator via vicepresident@hcvc.com.au
Parking is available from 3pm Saturday afternoon for those wishing to secure a prime position or group their fleet together. Also note the dinner & overnight camping options below.
Vehicles must remain in position until 3pm on Sunday.
CAR CLUBS
Car clubs are very welcome to attend. Please contact of the HCVCA organisers to advise an approximate number of vehicles likely to attend.
==========
SATURDAY NIGHT DINNER & CAMPING
On the Saturday night, the HCVCA holds an annual dinner in the dining room of the Racecourse. This is always a fantastic night, filled with good friends, good food, raffles, and a guest speaker.
Tickets for this are $35 per person and MUST be pre-booked in advance by the 5th November. Payment before, or on the night is OK, by Cash or EFT.
Please call Cindy on 0427 684 989 for dinner bookings
For those staying at Yarra Glen overnight, a $20 camping fee applies.

BCSV November Meeting: NSW Government Buses over the years
2019-11-17 15:00 - 17:00 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
Join the BCSV on Sunday 17 November for our final Sunday social meeting for 2019. We’ll take a comprehensive look back at the government bus operations across both Sydney and Newcastle. Paul Kennelly will present the early years, while Geoff Foster will cover developments over more recent decades.
The timing of the meeting is rather apt, given the recent announcement by the NSW Liberal State Goverment to privatise the remaining sections of State Transit in inner Sydney.
Our bi-monthly Sunday meetings are held at Hawthorn Tram Depot / Melbourne Tram Museum, 8 Wallen Rd, near the corner of Power St.
Alight Tram Routes 70 & 75 at Riversdale Junction. Alternatively, Hawthorn Station on the Belgrave/Lilydale line is a short 10 min walk away.

Each meeting concludes with a short afternoon tea and chatter on the latest industry gossip.
Both members and guests are welcome to attend, free admission.

BCSV Tour and Depot Visit to McHarrys, Geelong
2021-01-31 08:00 - 18:00 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
The Bus and Coach Society is pleased to announce that its first post-covid lockdown tour to McHarry’s, Geelong will take place on Sunday 31 January 2021, visiting both the main depot and a satellite depot with a BBQ lunch included. This event was to have run in March 2020 but had to be deferred.
COST
Tour cost will be $10 for members, and $20 for non members with a 50% discount for persons under 18.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
For those yet to renew their membership for 2020-2021, see https://bcsv.org.au/membership/
Cash payments will be accepted on the day.
TRANSFER COACH / PICK-UPs
The transfer coach for the day has kindly been provided by Bayside/ Nuline with volunteer driver and BCSV member Jason Lipszyc at the wheel. We thank both the company and Jason for their involvement. People may be aware that the company has provided a lot of support for the Fight MND charity, including having a coach in wrap livery. As a mark of our respect for Bayside/ Nuline, the BCSV Committee has agreed that all revenue from the tour, less expenses, will be donated to Fight MND. We also thank McHarry’s for their willingness to host our visit.

**UPDATE** We are pleased to announce that a second tour coach has been generously provided by Gary Driver & Driver Bus Lines. This will ensure enough seats for everyone and allow greater social distancing.

Members can choose to travel on either coach.

COACH 1 – BAYSIDE
* Bayside Depot at 36 Whiteside Road, Clayton at 8am (please park in the drivers’ car park NOT the main bus yard. This is NOT a depot visit on this occasion and attendees should move straight from car to the transfer coach.).
* Caulfield Station, north side, 8.25am
* Malvern Station, south side, outside Tyreplus, 8.30am
The coach will then run express to Geelong.
Drop offs on the way home will be at around 5.25pm at Malvern and 5.30pm at Caulfield with arrival at the Bayside depot at about 6pm.

COACH 2 – DRIVER
* Driver Depot at 45-53 Ricketts Road, Mt Waverley at 8.25am (please be at the depot by 8.20am).
* Southern Cross outside Coles near the intersection with Lonsdale Street at 9am
The coach will then run express to Geelong.
Drop off at SC on the way home will be at around 5pm for those with connections. Arrival at Mt Waverley should be around 5.30pm.
GEELONG LOCALS
A pick-up at Marshall Station at 10:15am will still be available for those who have requested it. For anyone wishing to drive directly to McHarrys, parking is available in Reeves Court, Breakwater.

For anyone wishing to drive directly to McHarrys, parking is available in Reeves Court, Breakwater.
The depot visit will last from approx. 10.30am to approx. 3.30pm.
2020 BCSV AGM
The 2020 Annual General Meeting of the Bus and Coach Society of Victoria will be held on Sunday 31st January 2021 at the McHarry’s Buslines depot, 6 Reeves Court, Breakwater at 1pm, prior to lunch.

The AGM is now being held at Geelong in order to allow tour attendees joining at Geelong to participate.
Elections for the Committee will be conducted at the AGM along with the presentation of the annual and financial reports.
Further details including committee nomination forms & proxy forms can be found at https://bcsv.org.au/event/bcsv-agm-2020/

COVID-SAFE RULES

Hi Viz vests will be required to be worn inside the McHarry depot premises and a few additional covid safe rules will apply.
Be aware that these may be subject to change if there are any changes to Government Health directions.

In addition to recording names in the attendance book, your phone number will also need to be recorded. This applies to both members and non-members.
Masks are to be worn on board the transfer coach, on board any McHarry buses taken out for a run and inside the McHarry office/ workshop buildings. Masks will probably not be required whilst out in the depot yards.
Supplies of hand sanitiser will be available. Please use it regularly during the day and especially before eating lunch.
Please observe social distancing requirements as far as is possible.
The procedure for photo lines for posed vehicles may be adjusted to have 6-8 people at a time taking pics instead of everyone crowding together. Participants will need to abide by instructions from the tour organisers to make this go smoothly.
RSVP
Please advise of your attendance to the Facebook event page. Alternatively, contact BCSV Secretary Paul Kennelly – Phone: (03) 9509 1593 or Email: secretary@bcsv.org.au

BCSV AGM 2020 (new date)
2021-01-31 13:00 - 13:30 | McHarrys Buslines, Breakwater, 6 Reeves Court, Breakwater, VIC, 3219, Australia
AGM NOTICE & LOCATION
The 2020 Annual General Meeting of the Bus and Coach Society of Victoria will be held on Sunday 31st January 2021 at the McHarry’s Buslines depot, 6 Reeves Court, Breakwater at 1.00pm.
The AGM is being held in conjunction with our previously announced January 2021 tour and is now being held at Geelong in order to allow tour attendees joining at Geelong to participate.
The 2020 AGM was delayed due to the Covid-19 restrictions in accordance with authorisation from Consumer Affairs Victoria.
Elections for the Committee will be conducted at the AGM along with the presentation of the annual and financial reports.
ANNUAL REPORT
A copy of the annual report for 2020, along with reports for previous years, can be viewed on our website at https://bcsv.org.au/about/annual-reports/
COMMITTEEE ELECTIONS:
Vacant positions include:
Executive Positions:
* President
* Deputy President
* Secretary
* Treasurer
Officers:
* Assistant Secretary
* Tours Organiser
* Historical Research (Heritage/Archive)
* Membership
* Restoration
* Safety
* Publications Editor
* Social Media Officer
* Website & Virtual Museum Content Officer
We’d also welcome those who wish to join us as general committee members.
As always members are encouraged to put themselves forward if they believe they can make a contribution to the Society, particularly helping us organise tours.
NOMINATION FORMS
Nomination forms have been emailed to members and can also be downloaded from our website:
PDF – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Notice-of-2020-AGM.pdf
DOC – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Notice-of-2020-AGM.doc
Nominations are welcome via post or email (secretary@bcsv.org.au) by Wednesday 27th January or otherwise can be made in person at the AGM.
PROXY FORMS
Members who are unable to attend the AGM may nominate a proxy by way of a form which clearly identifies the name of the member’s proxy and is signed by the member.
To assist members, an example proxy form has been created but the use of the form is not a requirement.
PDF – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Proxy-Form-2020-AGM.pdf
WORD – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Proxy-Form-2020-AGM.doc
Proxy forms should be declared by your nominated proxy at the commencement of the AGM.
They can also be forwarded to The Secretary, Bus & Coach Society of Victoria, PO Box 33, Caulfield East, 3145 to arrive by Wednesday 27th January.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
For those yet to renew their membership for 2020-2021, see https://bcsv.org.au/membership/
Cash payments will be accepted at the McHarry’s tour.
MODEL RULES
A copy of the BCSV model rules can be found on our website – https://bcsv.org.au/about/model-rules/
We encourage all members planning to nominate to familiarise themselves with the model rules ahead of the AGM.
As usual, only eligible BCSV members will be entitled to nominate and vote on the day.

Driver Coaches 90th Anniversary
2021-04-10 12:30 - 2021-04-11 17:30 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
Join the BCSV as we celebrate 90 years of operation for Driver Bus Lines in Melbourne’s eastern & south-eastern suburbs. The tour weekend over two days will include visits to the depots in both Mt Waverley and Hastings and opportunities to photograph and ride the extensive Driver Classics heritage fleet, especially on Saturday afternoon.
Saturday 10th April
MT WAVERLEY DEPOT including DRIVER CLASSICS FLEET SHOWCASE
* Suburban pick up at Oakleigh Station (south side Route 733 stop) 12.30pm.
* Commence at 45-53 Ricketts Road by 1.00pm (street parking is available for those travelling by car).
Opening ceremony, inspection of depot area and small group photography of a variety of pre posed buses around the depot.
During the afternoon there will be further posing buses for photos and bus rides in both heritage and modern vehicles.
Event will conclude around 5.00pm with a transfer available back to Oakleigh Station.
Please note there will be no catering for this afternoon other than the availability of soft drinks so please ensure you have lunched beforehand. No food is to be consumed on site.
Sunday 11th April.
HASTINGS DEPOT
* CBD (Flinders Street near Elizabeth Street westbound V/Line bus stop) pick up 8.30am – UPDATED due to tram works
* Caulfield Station (north side route 900 bus stop) pick up 8.55 am.
* Glen Waverley Bus Interchange (623 bay) pick up 9.00am (Bus 2) – ADDITIONAL STOP ADDED
* Depart Ricketts Rd Mt Waverley (street pick up, no entry to depot this morning) by 9.20am.
* Travel to Hastings depot 6B Bray Street, arriving approx. 10.30am. Street parking in Bray Street is available for those travelling direct to Hastings by car.
10.30am-12 noon depot inspection, posing of buses for photos, bus rides
12 noon – 1.30pm Travel to Hastings foreshore for BBQ lunch.
1.30pm-4.00pm further bus rides and posing of buses for photos.
4.00pm depart Hastings for return to Caulfield, City (approx. 5.30pm) and Ricketts Rd, Mt Waverley.
Costs:
Saturday: Members $5, Non-Members $10. U/18s half price.
Sunday: Members $10, Non-members $20, including BBQ lunch. U/18s half price.
Safety and Covid Requirements (Please read carefully)
Please note that as Driver Coaches are required to have a comprehensive Covid Safe Plan in place for their business, the BCSV event covid plan is required to be consistent with that as far as is possible. A copy of the plan is available for download.
Our sincere thanks to Mark Driver for his guidance and co-operation and to Gary Driver, Ben Knight and Jason Lipszyc for much of the organisation.
Hi Viz vests will be required to be worn inside depot premises and additional Covid safe rules will apply. Be aware that these may be subject to change if there are any changes to Government Health directions.
In addition to recording names in the attendance book, your email address or phone number will also need to be recorded. This applies to both members and non-members.
Masks are to be worn on board the transfer coach, on board any Driver buses taken out for a run but are now not required in buildings. The only exceptions will be those who have demonstrated a medical exemption from mask wearing. Masks will not be required whilst out in the depot yards.
Supplies of hand sanitiser will be available at the depots and on board transfer buses. Please use it regularly during the day and especially before eating lunch. Coughing etiquette (into your elbow) should also be observed.
Please observe social distancing requirements as far as is possible. Please distribute yourselves more or less equally between transfer buses and those used for rides. Opportunities to change bus will be provided.
RSVP
Please advise your attendance on the Facebook event page (BCSV: Bus and Coach Society of Victoria) or email the Secretary at secretary@bcsv.org.au
Fare payment (cash) on the day.

Ventura Artic Riding Day - old & new
2021-05-16 10:30 - 16:30 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
After two successful depot visits, its time for something different.
In 1985-6 Grenda and Invicta were two of the operators to acquire ex Tsukaba Expo Volvo/ Fuji artics.
By 2000 these were wearing out and new Scania L94UA/ Volgren artics replaced them mainly between 2000 and 2003. Now these too have had their day and are currently being replaced by current model Scanias.
On this “riding” tour we plan to use two of the original ex Grenda / ex Invicta (now Ventura) Scania low floor artics that are soon to be retired, both a Dandenong and Lilydale Scania L94UA. During the day, we will swap one for a brand new Scania K360UA.
We thank Andrew Cornwall at Ventura for providing the vehicles, and members Andrew Fairhall, Craig Halsall and Nathan Lawlor for the organisation.
Itinerary:
Pick-up Ringwood Station – 963/969 Night Bus stop on Maroondah Hwy – 10:00 (1 bus)
Pick-up Dandenong Station – V/Line bay – 10:30 (2 buses)
Lunch at Dandenong Plaza 13:30 – 14:30 at you own expense
Drop-off Dandenong Station 16:30 (1 Bus)
Drop-off Ringwood Station 16:45 (1 bus)
Advance notices suggest buses will be replacing trains Camberwell to Belgrave and Lilydale on that weekend, so Dandenong is strongly recommended for those coming from the City.
Tour cost:
Free for members, non-members $10 or free if they join for 2021-22 on the day.
COVID-SAFE requirements
The Covid requirements for the tour will involve mask wearing whilst on vehicles along with the use of hand sanitiser.

BCSV daytrip to MOVE museum (Shepparton)
2022-01-29 08:20 - 18:00 | Museum of Vehicle Evolution (MOVE), 7723 Goulburn Valley Hwy,, Kialla, VIC, 3630, Australia
Following the official opening of the expanded Museum of Vehicle Evolution in Shepparton in November, and the placement of five buses into the display, the Bus & Coach Society of Victoria is planning to make a visit for the bus enthusiast community on Saturday 29th January 2022.

This will be a full day trip, with lunch provided in Shepparton.

AGM:
We will also take the opportunity to hold our Annual General Meeting (deferred due to COVID-19 restrictions) at the MOVE facility where they have a conference room.

Formal notification of the AGM can be found on our website – https://bcsv.org.au/event/bcsv-agm-2021-2022/

TRANSFER BUSES:
Due to RSVP numbers, we are now taking only one bus from the Driver depot and that bus will pick up at Oakleigh, now also at Caulfield and in the City. It means an earlier start.
For regional attendees and those living Melbourne’s west, we have also added an additional Deer Park pick-up which will wait for trains from Geelong and Ballarat.
Buses will leave from a number of points in Melbourne:
BUS 1 (DRIVER GROUP)
note earlier times & extra Caulfield pickup
* Mount Waverley Depot – Ricketts Rd 7:50am
* Oakleigh Station (south side bus stop route 733 – Johnson St) 8am
* Caulfield Station (north side bus stop route 624 Kew – Sir John Monash Dr) 8.20am
* Southern Cross Station (216 bus stop on Spencer St opposite Lonsdale Street, near Coles) 8:50am
BUS 2 (SUNSHINE SCENIC TOURS)
note extra Deer Park pickup
* Deer Park Station carpark (rail replacement stop) 8:30am
* Broadmeadows Station (general bus stops – Pascoe Vale Rd) 9am
There will be a 15-minute toilet stop at Wallan where attendees will be able to change vehicles. On the return we will do the same at Tallarook.
For anyone making their own way to the Museum, we aim to arrive by 11:30am. Please wait for the buses to arrive.
Our return arrangements will be a departure by 3:30pm with a drop off at the various Melbourne pick up sites by 6:00pm.
COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS
Attendees of the daytrip and AGM are required to be double vaccinated and to use the QR code check-in on the buses and at the museum.
Masks are to be worn on the buses and as directed by MOVE staff at the Museum. Hand sanitiser will be available throughout the tour and AGM. Attendees should socially distance as much as the circumstances allow.

COST:
The tour will be free for BCSV members with non-members to be charged $20. This includes entrance to the museum and lunch.

New members can join on the day and not have to pay to attend – https://bcsv.org.au/membership/
RSVP:
Select “Going” on the Facebook event page – https://www.facebook.com/events/223291673292382
Alternatively, email secretary Paul Kennelly at secretary@bcsv.org.au
