Theobold’s Coaches MT60 WKA at the Barton Mills Picnic Area - 14 Aug 2021 (P1090503)

Saturday 14 August 2021 (0934) – Theobold’s Coaches of Luton, Bedfordshire MT60 WKA, a Neoplan N2216 new in January 2011 to Weardale Coaches, Stanhope, County Durham.

It was seen during a refreshment/toilet break (0930-0954) at the Barton Mills Picnic Area (A1065) when operating the holiday express service to Great Yarmouth which Theobold’s has operated for quite a few years. It was nice to see it revived again for 2021 despite all the Coronavirus uncertainties. (Operated on 29 May, 5 June, 24 and 31 July, 7, 14, 21 and 28 August 2021). As well as carrying holiday passengers who stay at the coast for a week or two, the coach is also advertised as a day excursion. It would give day visitors an arrival at about 1130 returning about 1630.

On the two previous Saturdays the coach didn’t make a stop at Barton Mills and passed straight through (on 24 July at 0917 and on 7 August at 0939).

In past years various points have been used in Suffolk for the break including the café at Red Lodge (2017) plus the Shell Service Area and the Picnic Area (both in 2018). I don’t think the service operated in 2019 due to the pandemic.

I recall in the 1980s/1990s there was quite an abundance of companies that operated Saturday holiday services to the Norfolk coast which travelled through this district making a call at one of the catering establishments in Red Lodge or Barton Mills. Nowadays these holiday services are all but gone. Glad to see there is at least one survivor!