Every year the Omnibus Society holds its most prestigious event, the summer Presidential Weekend, located in the area of the current President, who this year is John Owen, Managing Director of Thamesdown Transport, which operates bus services in and around Swindon.
The event is residential and therefore allows a good social mix. It gives a great opportunity for newer members, and for longer-standing members - whether frequent or infrequent attendees - to enjoy the events and to see much of what the Omnibus Society is about:
the mix of individual interests. Meet members involved in transport history
those members with local knowledge and the keen-eyed photographers
those who work in the industry - perhaps have reached the top and retired with good memories, - and those with views on how they see the future of the industry
The Society's 2005 President, John Owen, Managing Director of Thamesdown Transport, is hosting his Presidential Weekend based at the Thistle Hotel, Fleming Way, Swindon SN1 1TN.
The programme was as follows:
Friday, 9th September
Welcome Meeting at the Swindon Steam Museum, including a Museum Tour and a light buffet
Saturday, 10th September
Visits to the Science Museum storage site at Wroughton Airfield, then to Wilts and Dorset in Salisbury
Presidential Dinner at the Thistle Hotel at 1900 for 2000.
Sunday, 11th September
Visits to Thamesdown Transport's new depot, then Stagecoach in Cheltenham and some operators in the Cotswolds.