City Sightseeing re-starts its open-top tour of Norwich following a brief hiatus
Norwich can once again look forward to seeing the familiar sight of the City Sightseeing Open Top Tour Bus journey around the city’s streets as a date is confirmed for when the tour will re-start. The tour was temporarily halted on Monday 3rd July due to the sudden death of its proprietor, David McMaster. David, of Awayadays and City Sightseeing Norwich, died suddenly but peacefully at the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital on 1st July 2023 and consequently, David’s family suspended the tour as a mark of respect.
The tour will recommence on Wednesday 12th July and it will be operated by David’s loyal and dedicated team of drivers, conductors and support staff - all bus enthusiasts - keen to continue to show people the very best of Norwich. Visitors to Norwich and locals alike can take the open-top bus tour and enjoy panoramic views of Norwich with fascinating recorded commentary along the way on the history and background of what was once the largest walled city in Europe. Passengers can hop-on and hop-off at any of the 9 different stops to explore some of the wonderful attractions along the route or remain aboard the bus for the duration of the tour. The tour runs seven days a week. For tour times and prices visit www.awayadays.com. Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver on the day of your visit.
The sightseeing tour which runs seasonally from April to October is now in its 20th year, all the time being under the direction and operation of David at Awayadays. David was a tourism professional and passionate ambassador for Norwich and Norfolk. His tourism remit extended to being a former Director of VisitNorwich and Chairman of Norwich Attractions and he worked tirelessly to promote the city as one of the UK’s top tourist destinations.
David’s knowledge of Norfolk grew from his position managing the farming co-operative, Aylsham Growers. In 1997 he decided on a complete change of lifestyle and he created Awayadays where he was able to use those past links to enable him to include tours to areas of Norfolk and farm estates not always accessible to the general public. He also introduced evening tours of Norwich with a Blue Badge Guide. In 2003, global franchise firm City Sightseeing, which operates open-top sightseeing buses around the world, helped him set up City Sightseeing Norwich. 2023 marks a major milestone as City Sightseeing Norwich celebrates 20 years.
Over the years David and his team also became well known for offering free Christmas bus rides around central Norwich using their vintage buses, raising money for local charities.
Beryl McMaster, David’s wife of fifty two years says “I feel immensely proud to have worked alongside my husband promoting Norwich and Norfolk. He never wanted to retire, he thoroughly enjoyed driving the bus and welcoming visitors to the city. We have experienced many other sightseeing tours around the world and we were always very proud of what we offered in Norwich with so much history and heritage jam packed into such a compact city. I am fortunate that the team we have in place at Awayadays and City Sightseeing Norwich is carrying on David’s relentless drive to promote our fine city.”
Enrique Ybarra, President & CEO, City Sightseeing Worldwide said “I was saddened to learn of the passing of David McMaster, our partner and, more importantly, our friend. This is sad news that no one wanted to hear. I first met David in 2003, when he joined the City Sightseeing network, running its Norwich operation through his company Awayadays. Every year, David would represent Norwich and indeed the UK, attending the City Sightseeing Annual Conference where we would catch up. He was one of the most loyal operators at our major annual event. Always friendly, pleasant and attentive, David was a pleasure to talk to. He will be sorely missed.”
Notes:
The funeral service will be held at St. Faith Crematorium on Monday, July 24th, 2023, at 3.30 p.m. Donations to benefit the Big C may be given online at www.ivanfisher.co,uk or sent c/o Ivan Fisher Independent Funeral Home, The Old Bank, 2-4 Norwich Road, Aylsham, NR11 6BN.
Awayadays also offers its open top buses and vintage vehicles for hire for special events and weddings. All enquires for Awayadays and City Sightseeing Norwich to ivan@awayadays.com
Awayadays - www.awayadays.com
City Sightseeing Worldwide - www.city-sightseeing.com