McKenna Brothers are pleased to announce the appointment of Derek Dawson as Managing Director. Derek has worked for the company for a number of years in the position of Commercial Director. and has been involved in the transport industry for over 29 years. His career started at East Lancashire Coachbuilders as an apprentice coachbuilder, from there he had a short spell within the rail industry before moving to McKenna Brothers when they became agents for Mobitec back in 2000. Derek moved to Wrightbus as National Account Manager but returned to McKenna Brothers in 2004.

This position became vacant when Vincent McKenna decided to retire. Vincent says “I have been Managing Director of McKenna Brothers for over 33 years and have worked in this industry for 44, as I have now reached my 60^th Birthday I have decided that now is the time to take more of a back seat in the company, and know that Derek is the ideal person to fill the position. He knows and understands our company and has been the driving force bringing us to our present position. The order book is at an all time high and sales this year have exceeded all expectations. There are further opportunities to be gained within our market and I believe he is the right person to take the company forward.  I have no doubt that he is the right man for the job and have complete confidence that the company is in good hands and will continue to flourish under his direction.

Vincent will retain his position as Company Chairman

Transport Authority (RTA) was held in the MENA Region in Dubai.

Over 2,000 delegates were present coming from 80 countries with

252 exhibitors and 9,700 visitors attending.

Oliver Wels (Ceo/President DRI Corporation)
Derek Dawson (Director McKenna Brothers)

Mobitec Exhibition Stand

The ever-friendly crew at Manchester based destination blinds specialist McKenna Brothers set themselves a challenge for Red Nose Day-to grow a beard. Far from being a hair-raising experience, it appears the lads enjoyed themselves-as this picture shows. Seen left to right are: Derek Dawson, Vincent McKenna, Chris Hunt, Phil Oldham, Malcolm Randles, Andy Bottomley and Gary Beech. The end result was a more than commendable sum of £500 raised for the charity. Judging by his attire, we wondered whether Vin’s dedication to the business, and indeed the industry in general is such that he’d come direct from the previous day’s St Patrick celebrations. He certainly seems to sport a cut above the rest. However, and just for fun, here’s a challenge to you- can you spot the imposter? Clue ‘the Bank of Vincenzo’.

Unfortunately since the re-launch of the museum a couple of years ago the fitted destination sign has been of the LED type, which is not permitted by Transport for London.

I am now pleased to confirm this is no longer the case, as we at McKenna Brothers have donated and installed the latest LED backlit Smartblind signs that are standard fitment in today’s London bus.

Smartblind signs are fitted with a traditional destination and number blind, that has a unique barcode printed down one edge that allows the driver to select a destination and route from the cab, which can be seen on a screen on his cab controller, this then sends a message to all signs on the bus and after approx. 3 seconds they begin to scroll before stopping at the requested displays.

On the exhibit blinds, various routes have been chosen for their historical interest, and closeness in operation to Covent Garden, and whilst on a visit to the museum can be seen to rotate at approx. 30 minute intervals, stopping at well known places such as Paddington, Elephant & Castle and Waterloo.

To see the Wrightbus exhibit and Smartblind visit The London Transport Museum, Covent Garden, open seven days a week.

For details visit www.ltmuseum.co.uk

It all started at the North West CPT Dinner dance in January earlier this year, when one of the prizes in the charity auction that night was “A Tram Training Experience” donated by Blackpool Transport. Well as the night drew on and the wine flowed the auction commenced, and before I knew it I had bought this unique prize.

As chance would have it my best friend was born and bred in Blackpool and although he has lived in Manchester for over 35 years he returns to the town every week to visit his mother (92 years young now), he is also a keen enthusiast of public transport and has already spent a day driving a steam train, so this prize seemed an ideal gift for him.

The day after the auction I was speaking to Mr. Trevor Roberts (MD Blackpool Transport), and I was explaining to him that I would be giving the “Experience” to my friend as a gift, but he insisted that I join my friend on the day making it a double “Experience”.

So here I was at 8:00am in the morning travelling to Blackpool with Les. We arrived at Rigby Road bus and tram depot at 9:00am and I must admit to feeling a little trepidation of what was to come during the day.

We were greeted at reception by the instructor Martin Flemmington and taken to a meeting room for the first part of our practical training. This took approx. 1 hour and explained the do’s and don’ts, tram traffic signs, emergency procedure, what to do if you derail the tram and such like. Martin then went on to explain the route we would be taking, and although I had expected we would only be allowed to drive along the small stretch of track that is fenced, I was somewhat surprised to hear that we were going to drive the full length of the promenade from the Pleasure Beach to Bispham including sections of the track on the main road, now I’m worried.

Martin then took us on a tour of the tram depot, and it didn’t take long for him and Les to start reminiscing about the old days and how things have changed as we walked amongst the vintage trams of a bygone age. You very quickly get the impression that Martin likes his job and his trams. It is very interesting to see the trams in various states of repair and reconditioning, all the work is completed in house using skills that have mostly disappeared. They even have their own forge and the biggest lathe I have ever seen, with much of the equipment as it was fifty years ago.

Time had come to actually take out a tram; our vehicle for the day is to my surprise “The Fishermans Friend” which is shaped like a trawler. Martin takes us out of the depot on the small journey to the prom, parks up and hands the controls to us, I quickly nominate Les as designated driver. Full of confidence Les takes control and off we go towards Bispham. Up one notch of speed then two then three, power off, cruise, note the signs, watch for pedestrians, slow at stops all our earlier training put to the test Les takes this all in his stride and we reach Bispham still in one piece, no problem. Out we jump, switch tracks, go to the opposite end of the tram ready for the return Journey and the new driver, ME.

Well I must have taken note in the classroom because after a few miles I felt somewhat in control and enjoying myself immensely. I found that the biggest problem driving a tram is how alert you have to be for pedestrians especially on the open prom, although at the time I did this drive it was early season and the weather was not too good. I would dread to think how difficult it must be for drivers in high season when the town is full of holiday makers. After another run to Bispham we then park up and have lunch (Fleetwood Fish and Chips superb). After lunch it’s the same again another couple of runs, stops for photo’s, then back to the depot.

I have to say that it was an “Experience” I will never forget, a most enjoyable and interesting day, and I offer my thanks to all at Blackpool Transport, especially Martin for making it so special. I would urge anybody that would like to take this unique “Tram Training Experience” to do it now, for you never know when you might get another chance.

The conference took place over a two day period starting 18th May, with the main event preceded by the annual Golf Competition organised and hosted by the Optare Group.

McKenna Brothers were represented by Derek “Mickelson” Dawson, Ian “Tiger” Grimshaw and Andy “Poulter” Bottomley who steadily hacked around the wonderful De-Vere Course. They returned scores of “Mickelson” 28, “Tiger” (who had been in poor form recently) 14 and “Poulter” 30, not bad really considering none of the players had been on a course for over twelve months. Rumour has it; Ian had to evict a Mouse from his golf bag prior to playing, as the mouse had taken up residency due to the lack of movement. From the course the event moved to the nineteenth hole where a sumptuous Hog Roast was served, washed down with a few glasses of the local brew.

This year Malcolm Robson, MD of Ipswich Buses officially opened the Conference. The theme being “Challenging Times” the bus industry has had to recently face. Many papers were delivered from many illustrious guests culminating with Sir Moir Lockhead from First Group. The whole proceedings were expertly brought together by David Guest, the BBC North West Chief Reporter. In-between the papers, the other delegates were invited to visit the 35 supplier stands of which McKenna Brothers was one, to view and discuss the latest products.

The conference came to a close with the Gala Dinner, and funds being raised for the local charity St. Elizabeth’s Hospice. The organisation currently has 40 companies with around 120 members who operate over 5600 buses. ALBUM meaning: The Association of Local Bus Company Managers was formed on the 8th October 1984. The objective of ALBUM is a networking opportunity.