"TOASTRACK" CC 8671 has been owned and operated by the Engineering Faculty Society of Southampton University since then, and has travelled widely in Europe on some celebrated journeys, including Italy, Jugoslavia, Germany, Russia and Spain. There was also a dark time when she broke down and was abandoned for a while in Portugal.

Click here for the University's own web site for the vehicle.

On Thursday before the 2000 Festival this fine vehicle made a faultless run up from Southampton in 12.5 hours. After receiving a new engine in 1999, she was in the rudest of health and earned her keep by carrying the Mayor around the town and joining the evening road runs, although the awesome Orme ascent was not tackled out of respect for her age. Instead she played a key part by dropping off the marshalls along the route and returning them at the end (including your author - who enjoyed the trip immensely). There is nothing like travelling in an open vehicle - somehow you are part of the scene, and not simply an observer.

We were fortunate to also have the company of another Dennis charabanc this year, RD 111 originally a fire engine in Reading. This one did ascend to the Orme Summit - and it was a remarkable ride.

Watch out for the other ex-Llandudno vehicles that are to be found on the field this weekend.