Cornwall Bus Preservation Society

On Saturday 18 September 2010 the sun was shining, the town was busy and nearly every other person was clutching a camera because it was the 3rd Kingsbridge 7' 6" Vintage Bus Running Day when buses dating from the 1930's to the late 1990's were back in the town to operate the services and routes they used to work. To organise and put on such an event on this scale is down to 'friend' Colin Billington and Terry Partridge who between them seem to have all the contacts with all the necessary vehicles. I was delighted, along with several other 'friends', to be part of the 'advanced party' working to get the vehicles washed, cleaned and prepared for service at Loddiswell. We had our VR 1003(VDV 141S), LH 716(MUO 328F) and Vario 52529(S529 RWP) entered for the event and all three looked very smart on the Saturday. At about 09.15 hours, some fourteen vehicles, about half of those entered, meandered their way down to Kingsbridge to gather at the old railway station yard now occupied by bus and coach operator, Tally Ho. I had our LH 716 in which I was due to run to East Allington at 10.35 hours. Unfortunately, I couldn't get the doors to work so when I arrived at Tally Ho's depot, we attempted to fix the problem only to lose all the electrics and we couldn't fire up the engine. With only 10 minutes to my departure from the bus station, I transferred everything into our Vario 52529 and headed off down to the town. I picked up my four passengers, who were issued with special souvenier tickets, and went to East Allington. As we got nearer to our destination, I was pleased to be in the 7' 6" wide Vario as the roads were very narrow and I may have encountered a problem with the 8' wide LH. After the photographic stop, we returned to the bus station which was now even busier than earlier. I was really looking forward to my next trip as it was service 93 to Slapton Village and I had Bristol VRBristol VR was Bristol's rear-engined bus chassis, designed as a competitor to the Leyland Atlantean and Daimler Fleetline. 1056(OTA 290G) to drive. This bus operation proved very popular with the enthusiasts with the top deck almost full when we departed just after midday on our way to Frogmore, Stokenham and Torcross before running along by the beach at Slapton Sands. We managed to meet First Devon & Cornwalls service buses in a few awkward spots during the outward and return journey's however I can report there was no coming together, just near misses! It was interesting to talk to some of the passengers who had chosen to ride on 1056 rather than the newer vehicles now operated. Back at the bus station, a quick turn around was required before I had to take 1056 off on service 429 to RAF Hope Cove. My group of enthusiasts enjoyed this trip as we picked our way down the narrow roads from Marlborough to the old bunker at Bolt Head. After 1056 had posed for photographs, we headed back to Kingsbridge bus station where I was 'stood down' and 1056 was rested at Tally Ho's depot. At 15.15 hours I rode as a passenger while 'friend' Joth took Bristol LHS 1560(FDV 790V) on service 162 to Inner Hope via Thurlestone, South Milton, Marlbporough and Outer Hope. A journey time of 45 minutes was given to Inner Hope which we achieved in 65 minutes due to some car drivers only managing to find reverse gear for apparently the first time and some very indifferent parking at Outer Hope. Joth did well though and kept smiling getting us safely back to Kingsbridge just after 17.00 hours. I think most people enjoyed the day so a big thank you to Colin and Terry and special thanks to our chairman, Mel, who was at the bus station throughout making variations to the running order to ensure all workings were covered even though 716 and a couple of other vehicles were unable to take part. If you missed out on this event this year I recommend you pencil it in for 2011.