Bus Running Day - East Grinstead 2025

Have you ever been to a 'Bus Running Day'?

What is a bus running day?

'A "bus running day" is an event where preserved or classic buses operate on their historic routes, often with free or discounted fares, offering a nostalgic journey for enthusiasts and the public. These events typically feature a variety of vintage buses, with some routes recreating past services and destinations.'

Since publishing my first storybook, ‘Jay-Jay the Supersonic Bus’, I have attended the East Grinstead bus running day each year and had a book stall outside the Bookshop, which has my books on its shelf.

Much like the buses, my bus stories come a few at once. The first storybook and photographic history book has now increased to fifteen, with a further book due to be published sometime this year.

I set up my books and banner, ready for the day.

It was a lovely sunny day with very little wind.

The Bookshop hosts a chess club, which meets on Sunday at 10:30. Today, the weather was perfect for the players to sit outside and play. Six chess tables were set up, and they were soon filled with eager players of all ages.

Meanwhile, the vintage buses trundled along the road, taking the enthusiasts and visitors on a bus journey. The sunny day made it a perfect day for an open-topped bus ride.

I'm sure my grandson would have loved this, especially the open-topped bus.

My grandson had never been on a bus ride before, so on one of our play days, I took him on one that took us through East Grinstead.

Alexander's bus ride

Passers-by stopped to chat and to find out more about my bus stories.

Throughout the day, most of the bus stories were bought by passers-by and signed upon request.

I hope 'Maggie' enjoys her Maggie storybook.

Noah and his mummy stopped for a chat. Mummy bought a signed copy of Daisy's story for his bedtime read. It was lovely to meet mummy, who follows me on Facebook as 'Four Oaks Tutoring'. It was certainly good to put a face to the name.

The sunny day certainly was friendly and calm.

I have been to the Bookshop on other occasions when my books were released; it is always good to have Jon Pye and his independent bookshops' support.