Here’s another vid I’ve found of them on the dual carrageway
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIzMHiowrL8&feature=player_embedded#!
That is an impressive sight…all credit to ya Rob and all the others
Hello all, from an emotional and very drained Mr V. Thank to so many people that got in touch with so many words of encouragement, to those that made the journey from all over the country. To the 101 truck drivers that put together a fantastic display of great lookin machines. To the 150 or so ground crew that made the day work so smoothly. As with any event there are always odds and ends that you feel could be better worked and fine tuned. The weather unfortunatly wasn’t as kind as it could of been.
All in all, 92 diasvantaged children spent the day with us. They were chaffuer driven, fed and shown a good time and given armfulls of gifts and clothing. The world is full of special little people. Children that are less fortunate than our own. On this day we show them love and attention un conditionally. I truly wish I had of had the fortune of meeting such a group of individuals when i was a pup.
If anyone is un clear as to my roles and postion, (spanky) here is a brief history lesson.
In 2006 I was approached by several friends that were ECTC members and asked if I would put my truck into the convoy. After much soul searching and making excuses i finally agreed to take part. On the morning of the convoy, a very nervous Mr Vain drove into the grounds of county hall and booked in as truck 68. The day itself was perfect, weather was glorious. My child for the day George, was escorted by my family and myself and his father John. (George is a remarkable young man. George and I have become mates and this year he rode with me again.) Well the day came to a close, the children of the day wearily made their way home. For me the day had been stunning. The icing on the cake was for me to be awarded with the best kept truck trophy (Mr V’s very first trophy). At the end of the evening, I approached the convoy’s organiser, Glenn Johnson, took his hand and held it tight, really tight! Bearing in mind I’m a big lump standing 6’1" and Glenn is about 5’5", he must of wondered what the hell had just got hold of him. I told him how i felt about the day and how i’d be around. The following weekend we attended the Gala day which cemented the bond between Glenn and I. From that time on, we spoke most days. Well by christmas 06, Glenn was talking of retiring from the convoy, his aim was to make convoy 25. With this in mind, he asked if I would take the job on. I laughed and told him no way! Either way, he wanted me to think about it. This was a massive undertaking for someone that had literally just shown up. Well, by the time convoy 07 had come around, i had established myself firmly as a team player. The day before the convoy, Glenn pushed me for a firm answer. With the backing of my family, I agreed. Glenn anounced it the next day after the convoy. There were a few lead balloons if you know what I mean, but either way, the future was set. By the February 08, we had started planning the 23rd convoy. So much to learn. History was to be something I had to learn inside out too. So, with the guidence of Glenn, I began booking the drivers in. The job was full of highs and lows. But, either way, a successful convoy came and went and Glenn felt my traing was going well. By the time the 24th convoy came around, I was handling most aspects of the general running. On the evening of the 24th, Glenn approached me. He said that he was tired and felt that I was ready to take on the whole ship. His plan was that he would take a back seat for the 25th. His main role was to be the lead truck. So, January 2010, i began the planning for a 100 truck convoy (previous years had only ever been an average 83) I was flying solo and in at the deepend. Glenns sole role was purely advisery. I’m not going to say it was easy. Meanwhile, my standing within the charity was stronger than ever. After much pursuasion, I was put forward to stand for chairman (I stood the previous year, un successfully) and in apil 2010 I was duly elected. A wonderful day, I was delighted. So as you can appreciate, running the charity and organising the convoy had now become a mammmoth task. But, either way, convoy 25 has been and gone. A complete success. It was only made possible by the team around me. If I am to be any good as a chairman and convoy director i will need this team around me for many years to come. So a massive thank you to all at ECTC, and the volunteers that manned the sea front and of course the thousands that lined the route. My long suffering wife and children, patience of saints x. Last but not least, I owe everyone at TNUK a massive thank you. I’ve had some really rough times over the last 3 years. The support that I have recieved from some of you has been a great comfort to me. I am just an everyday Joe tryin to make the world go round.
I’m gonna sign off now. I’m very tired. But happy. Rob Billman. Chairman and convoy director to the East coast truckers charity 2010 and Mr Vain pilot!
keep it up rob
Rob you are a star, If only there were more people in the world with the passion and energy for things like you do. Well done for your efforts with the convoy, the Children are all very lucky to have you as a friend 
I feel kinda proud to know you, even though I don’t really 
But I do hope that one day I do get to meet you and shake your hand. 
Glad to help Mr B
but you know that anyway.
Wouldn’t miss it for the world now Rob, will see you there next year 
The camcorder footage that i took this year.
