SOUTH West Truckers Cornwall arranged for a convoy of 44 vehicles to take a group of children/young adults, who have either experienced or are experiencing challenging difficulties, out for an action packed, fun filled day.

Drivers congregated at Bude Rugby Club on Sunday, May 20, to register and enjoyed a bacon sandwich while waiting for their passengers to arrive. Passengers began to arrive at 9.45am and were introduced to their driver and presented with a goodie bag, which included a personalised baseball cap, key rings, sweets, an ice cream voucher for their day out and many other items.

Dawn Bewes kindly took a picture of each group in front of their designated lorry, to ensure each person had a special keepsake. The convoy left Bude Rugby Club at 10.30am and travelled out of Bude and onto the A39 for a journey to The Milky Way Adventure Park near Clovelly.

The atmosphere was electric as the air horns blasted and the passengers waved at the people who were out in abundance to see this amazing sight. Along the way, further photographs were taken by Andrew Jury, Daryl Parkhouse and Edgar Mills, who are all keen truck photographers.

On arrival, each lorry driver, along with their passenger and carer, were admitted free of charge courtesy of The Milky Way. All other family members that had joined the convoy were entitled to enter at a half price discount.

Whilst at The Milky Way, fun was had by all. Big and little kids alike enjoyed the roller coasters, jumping pillows, a magic show and a ‘Truckers only’ dodgems session to name but a few.

At 3:30pm, everybody gathered back at the lorries, where a group photograph was taken. All passengers then boarded their lorries again for the return journey to Bude Rugby Club. The return journey was just as atmospheric as the outbound, with plenty of smiling faces and a lot of hooting.

People dispersed with huge smiles on their faces having had a thoroughly enjoyable day all round.

Reggie Vanstone, organiser of the convoy and chairman of South West Truckers Cornwall, said: “Huge thanks must go to Petra Horton of Bude Rugby Club, who was also celebrating her birthday, for her excellent hospitality, The Milky Way for their kindness and generosity, Dawn Bewes, Andrew Jury, Daryl Parkhouse and Edgar Mills for their photographs. Huge thanks must also go to Philip Cook, Kevin Butler of Briant Tyres, Stephen Keen (Keano) and Big Wave Campers for their excellent escort vehicle services and participation in this event. Also to Keiran Powell for providing a minibus service for other passengers to get to and from The Milky Way. Massive thanks must also go to our sponsors, which allowed us to provide some pretty amazing goody bags, Devon Truck Show 2018, Phil Cook Builders, Lee and Eddie Street, Mandi and Shaun Brooks, Neil Campbell (Autosmart), Morrisons Bude, Tesco Braunton and Harpers Feeds, Holsworthy.

“Finally, massive thanks to all of the drivers and vehicle owners for giving their time and vehicles, as without these, the convoy would not have been possible.”

The group is looking forward to next year’s South West Truckers Convoy already.