Just the ticket! EACH staff and volunteers get in gear to support the Fenland BusFest event in Whittlesey

May 17, 2022

All aboard! It was a case of ‘on the buses’ as charity shop staff revved into action to support a popular transport event in Whittlesey.

Fenland BusFest, billed as one of the area’s largest vintage vehicle gatherings, took place in Market Place on Sunday. The East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice (EACH) shop opened especially and dressed its window with a range of bus-related items and gifts.

Shop manager Jeni Baines said: “It was great to be part of what’s always a very fun, popular and quirky event. It brings people into the town who don’t normally come to Whittlesey. That means we have a big footfall and a whole new audience of customers walking around our beautiful shop. The hope is they liked what they see and come back.

“We don’t normally open on a Sunday but, for me, it’s a no-brainer opening for BusFest. We don’t rotate anything in the week leading up to it so make sure our shop is particularly well stocked. We also dress our window with any items related to buses, so do our best to support the event and get in the spirit.”

BusFest is popular with families and enthusiasts alike and organisers run a network of free services to Ramsey, Peterborough, March, Turves, Yaxley and Thorney.

Visitors can also hop on a bus and head to the Classic Car Show at Ramsey and Fenland Light Railway at Mereside. All the buses arrive and depart opposite the shop.

“Thankfully the rain held off and the weather was better than forecast,” added Jeni.

“From our point of view, it’s a real team effort and I’m lucky to have some brilliant volunteers who are very keen to support the shop.”

To find out more about volunteering in EACH’s Whittlesey shop, pop in, email jeni.baines@each.org.uk or call 01733 200810.