2012-02-05T20:35:00.002Z

Sunday 5th February 2012

Western Greyhound
LFJ8588W
operated the following, yesterday Sat 4th February.
592 - 12.30 Plymouth - Liskeard
Thanks for todays News from - SC

2012-02-04T19:35:00.003Z

Saturday 4th February 2012

Western Greyhound
258 - LFJ858W
Western Greyhound are continuing to show how useful a bus the Bristol VR can be, with regular weekday use between Newquay and St Ives. Today however, Saturday 4th February 2012 the bus ran to PLYMOUTH on routes 593 and 592. Other than the yearly Plymouth Hoe rally, the last known time a VR run in public was (sadly as long ago as) early in August 2006 when a drive to move down the average age of First Devon & Cornwall vehicles saw VRs removed from the First fleet.

Recently logged workings for this bus (please do contact us at ndl642m@yahoo.co.uk if you can add further - even if it's just the same working as usual we *are* still interested, thanks) are as follows;

Saturday 04/02/12
593 - 10.30 St Columb Major interchange-Liskeard
592 - 11.25 Liskeard-Plymouth Bretonside
592 - 12.33 Plymouth Bretonside-Liskeard
593 - 13.30 Liskeard-St Columb Major interchange
Wednesday 25/01/12
NIS - Summercourt depot to Newquay
547 - 10.20 Newquay to St Ives
547 - 12.30 St Ives to West Cornwall Retail Park
547 - 13.58 West Cornwall Retail Park to St Ives
547 - 14.30 St Ives to West Cornwall Retail Park
547 - 14.58 West Cornwall Retail Park to St Ives
547 - 15.30 St Ives to Newquay
559 - 17.30 Newquay to St Columb Minor
NIS - St Columb Minor to depot
Tuesday 24/01/12
NIS - Summercourt depot to Newquay
547 - 10.20 Newquay to St Ives
547 - 12.30 St Ives to West Cornwall Retail Park
547 - 13.58 West Cornwall Retail Park to St Ives
547 - 14.30 St Ives to West Cornwall Retail Park
547 - 14.58 West Cornwall Retail Park to St Ives
547 - 15.30 St Ives to Newquay
559 - 17.30 Newquay to St Columb Minor
NIS - St Columb Minor to depot

Other News
CJH119V
A former Western Greyhound VR (107 - DSU107), by coincidence, was sold by Classic Bus North West to an owner in Florida for sightseeing open top tours. CJH119V was originally converted with an offside doorway for export to Budapest but in the event the vehicle was not required and the bus was offered for sale. In the next few weeks the VR will report to Liverpool docks once the shipping has been arranged, sale was completed on 31st January 2012.

Thanks to Simon Coates, Philip Higgs, and Neil Markwick for the information

2012-01-19T11:17:00.011Z

Thursday 19th January 2012

Western Greyhound
258 - LFJ858W, photos below
This is the only Bristol VR that we are aware of working any public services so far this year and of course these days there are few options for this to happen.
Please let us know if you are aware of others throughout the year - this website is here to record workings of VRs on any services including at events etc, however rare or normal you might consider that working to be. If you are sending photos from events please include information on whether the bus(es) you have photographed have worked any services or not at the events, there is more likelihood of your images being shown here much quicker if we have something to write about the image being sent by you. We like to log for historical reference the information provided here from events and service and have been doing so since early in 2006, but as we are not familiar with every vehicle/event because of the amount of these it is not possible for us to automatically be able to provide anything interesting to say about it or to find out the vehicle workings from events. Thanks for your help and support with this matter.
If you would like links to your Flickr sites providing below any photos we show of yours or for us to put copyright information on the photo itself please let us know.
LFJ858W has been used on several occasions this year because of a small number of Volvo Olympians being unavailable for service. Sister bus 259 - JWV259W is currently also unavailable.

This is 258 - LFJ858W at St Ives bus terminus on 17th January 2012 before a short working on route 547 to Hayle.
photo copyright of Shaun C

258 at Hayle on the 14.58 West Cornwall Retail Park to St Ives. The bus is branded for Penzance to Lands End service 501, though it was out of service through much of the summer and was not logged working this service at all - a Volvo Olympian being the usual vehicle. However 258 is said to have worked twice and twice only on the 501 in 2011.
photo copyright of Shaun C

Back at Newquay bus station, still on 17/01/12, 258 between the 15.30 St Ives to Newquay route 547 and already blinded for the 559 at 17.30 to St Columb Minor.
photo copyright of Shaun C

2012-01-17T20:05:00.004Z

Tuesday 17th January 2012

Western Greyhound, Summercourt
258 - LFJ858W
Worked the following services today.
NIS - Summercourt depot to Newquay
547 - 10.20 Newquay to St Ives
547 - 12.30 St Ives to West Cornwall Retail Park
547 - 13.58 West Cornwall Retail Park to St Ives
547 - 14.30 St Ives to West Cornwall Retail Park
547 - 14.58 West Cornwall Retail Park to St Ives
547 - 15.30 St Ives to Newquay
559 - 17.30 Newquay to St Columb Minor
NIS - St Columb Minor to depot
Thanks for todays News from - SLC

2012-01-14T17:22:00.003Z

Saturday 14th January 2012

Western Greyhound, Summercourt
258 - LFJ858W
This VR was out on service 547 yesterday (13th Jan). It worked the following services.
10.20 Newquay to St Ives,
12.30 St Ives to West Cornwall Retail Park,
13.58 West Cornwall Retail Park to St Ives,
14.30 St Ives to West Cornwall Retail Park,
14.58 West Cornwall Retail Park to St Ives and finally
15.30 St Ives back to Newquay.
THanks for todays News from - Simon Coates, Richard Jackett

2012-01-02T16:12:00.005Z

Monday 2nd Janurary 2012

King Alfred Running Day 1st Jan.
5070 - GEL686V
Operated the 93 service to Twyford Water Works
10:40 Winchester Bus Stn - Twyford Water Works - Winchester Bus Stn 11.2
11.40 Winchester Bus Stn - Twyford Water Works - Winchester Bus Stn 12.20
12.40 Winchester Bus Stn - Twyford Water Works - Winchester Bus Stn 13.20
13.40 Winchester Bus Stn - Twyford Water Works - Winchester Bus Stn 14.20
Thanks for todays News from - J. Burrows, 5070 member.

2012-01-01T18:50:00.008Z

Sunday 1st January 2012

HAPPY NEW YEAR

King Alfred Running Day, Winchester, 01/01/12
NDL637M, JOU160P, UFX858S, UWV623S, GEL686V

NDL637M "Car Graph" as follows
Ser 69, 07:15 Ryde Esplanade - Portsmouth - Cosham - Wickham - Bishops Waltham -
Winchester Bus Station (arr) 10:10
Ser 67, 11:20 Winchester Bus Station - New Cheriton - Winchester Bus Station (arr) 12:15
Ser 93, 13:10 Winchester Bus Station - Twyford Waterworks - Winchester Bus Station (arr) 13:50
Ser 93, 14:10 Winchester Bus Station - Twyford Waterworks - Winchester Bus Station (arr) 14:50
Ser 93, 15:10 Winchester Bus Station - Twyford Waterworks - Winchester Bus Station (arr) 15:50
Ser 69, 16:10 Winchester Bus Station - Bishops Waltham - Wickham - Cosham - Portsmouth -
Ryde Esplanade (arr) 18:55
Further info, the bus travelled over on the ferry St. Clare (08:00 ex Fishbourne) and returned on St. Faith (18:00 ex Portsmouth)!

These VRs were in use. Photos are shown below, though workings are not yet known. If you have information on the workings any of these buses worked they would be appreciated to record here for others to see.

photo copyright of Nikki C.

photo copyright of the editor

photo copyright of Nikki C.

photo copyright of the editor

photo copyright of Nikki C.

photo copyright of the editor

Thanks for todays News from - Nigel Harris - Chris Finch & NDL

2011-12-27T15:27:00.005Z

27th December 2011

King Alfred Running Day, Winchester 1st January 2012
VR's attending subject to availability are:
Mortons Travel UWV623S
Hants & Dorset UFX858S
Solent Blue Line NDL637M
Damory Coaches GEL686V
Stagecoach South JOU160P
Others may also attend as static exhibits.
Thanks for todays News from - Chris Finch & Adrian Morton

2011-12-25T20:28:00.004Z

Sunday 25th December 2011

MERRY CHRISTMAS

FDV781V

Also further to the last posting regarding UFX857S, here is FDV781V in its early life in the UK - seen at Taunton station with a few other VRs operating a service to Minehead's Butlins site.

Southern National's 1169 at Taunton railway station FDV781V in summer 1985.
photo copyright of Darren Harris

An alternative angle, 1169 closest to the camera, also with 1163 AFJ770T and 1166 AFJ773T.
photo copyright of Darren Harris

2011-12-24T18:46:00.004Z

Saturday 24th December 2011

UFX857S

Following the report posted two days ago of VRs in Philadelhia including UFX857S, here is a photo of that bus with New Forest Tour branding which we have not previously shown. Photo taken around 2004 or 2005.
photo copyright of Chris Finch

2011-12-22T20:04:00.005Z

Thursday 22nd December 2011

Big Bus Tours
USA - Philadelphia
VRs operate on the Big Bus City Tour in Philadelphia. In the summer months additional departures are operated by open top ex London DMSs, though their web site and literature do depict pictures of DMS vehicles. The tour lasts 90 mins with spells where speed and hilly terrain make for an enjoyable ride. Photographer Nick Morton was very surprised just how much Philadelphia has to offer the tourist and recommends it. The 'live guides' on both trips he rode upon were extremely knowledgeable and professional.
A photo report follows, with some background information on the buses that have been exported recently using the VR South West News website archives.

FDV781V in Philadelphia on 19th December 2011.
photo copyright of Nick Morton

We have shown FDV781V before, here it is back in October 2007.
photo copyright of Ken MacKenzie

Rear of FDV781V.
photo copyright of Nick Morton

Unmistakably an ex Wilts & Dorset VR due to the removal of the sliding vent opening windows, this is KRU856W which last operated in the UK with York Pullman.
photo copyright of Nick Morton

Here is KRU856W in use with York Pullman (K&J Logistics) outside York railway station on 2nd July 2008. It had been in storage at Eastleigh during January and February 2008, having then moved to Swanage by March of the same year.
photo copyright of Ray Dobson

KRU856W, fitted also with an off side entrance door as per other VRs owned by the Big Bus Company.
photo copyright of Nick Morton

Rear of KRU856W.
photo copyright of Nick Morton

The top deck of KRU856W, still in good condition from the Wilts & Dorset refurbishment.
photo copyright of Nick Morton

Another VR which ended its days with Go South Coast and exported via K&J Logistics was UFX857S. It last operated in the UK for the start of the 2008 tour season when it moved to the Isle of Wight to act as cover for other tour buses.
photo copyright of Nick Morton

Back in 2003, on 14th September, it was owned by Bath Bus Company and was photographed at Warminster.
photo copyright of Neil C.

Once this and WTG360T had moved to Solent Blue Line they operated a New Forest Tour. This finished and the duo operated a sadly short lived Southampton Docks Tour, on which it was seen on 23rd June 2007.
photo copyright of David Roberts

During its spell of operation on the Isle of Wight, UFX857S is seen on 12th April 2008 on the Sandown Bay Tour.
photo copyright of Jay Taylor

Rear of UFX857S.
photo copyright of Nick Morton

Also in Philadelphia...

LFJ884W carrying the front grill from ex Burnley FFR170S including reg plate, also seen on 19th December 2011. Thanks to Rob Sly for pointing out that it was actually LFJ884W, this explains the fact that it has newer style opening windows which would not be present on an S reg vehicle, though not the square indicators.
photo copyright of Nick Morton

photo copyright of Nick Morton

2011-12-11T23:58:00.002Z

Sunday 11th December 2011

Black & White Motorways of Andover
GLJ467N
This VR with a class 6 MOT is currently for sale on Ebay.

2011-11-29T16:01:00.001Z

Tuesday 29th November 2011

Ebay
DWU294T
DWU294T is currently for sale on Ebay.

2011-11-21T19:00:00.004Z

Monday 21st November 2011

Leyland Olympian Yahoo-group running day, 19th November 2011
As reported on Sunday;

Both of Johnson's remaining unrefurbished VRs were used as part of an enthusiasts running day, both of them former Southern Vectis and Solent Blue Line vehicles. ODL662R is seen posed above.
photo copyright of Neil Jones

The other bus used was UDL668S, seen arriving at Staveley, Derbyshire.
photo copyright of Shaun C.

UDL668S in Staveley.
photo copyright of Shaun C.

UDL668S posed near Barrow Hill.
photo copyright of Shaun C.

Johnson's serviceable VRs are; PKE810M - RWT544R - ODL661R - ODL662R - ODL664R - UDL668S - MIW2422 - LVL804V.

At Hodthorpe depot still are at the following; MGP226L (preserved) - ODL663R (old blue) - OWE858R (old blue) - FDL677V (old blue) - HWJ925W (old green) - LVL809V (heavily stripped).

There is a Facebook group called 'Johnson Bristol VR' run by Ben Vallance who has regularly provided us with updates on Johnson's VRs available by clicking here, you need to be a Facebook member to see that page.

2011-11-20T12:45:00.005Z

Sunday 20th November 2011

Warminster Running Day from 9th October 2011
BFJ175L, UFX858S & KRU848W were used on passenger trips

photo copyright of Darren Harris

photo copyright of Darren Harris

photo copyright of Roger Moore

photo copyright of Darren Harris

photo copyright of Roger Moore

photo copyright of Darren Harris

photo copyright of Roger Moore

UFX858S seen outside Westbury railway station.
photo copyright of Darren Harris

Saturday 19th November 2011

Leyland Olympian Yahoo-group running day
ODL662R, UDL668S
These two VRs, Johnson/Redfern's final unrefurbished examples left in service, were both used on a running day from Hodthorpe depot today.

Friday 18th November 2011

Thursday 17th November 2011

Wednesday 16th November 2011

Tuesday 15th November 2011

Monday 14th November 2011

Sunday 13th November 2011

Saturday 12th November 2011

Friday 11th November 2011

2011-11-10T20:42:00.003Z

Thursday 10th November 2011

Running day at Horsham from 5th September 2011

photo copyright of David Grimstone, 05/09/11

photo copyright of David Grimstone, 05/09/11

Wednesday 9th November 2011

Tuesday 8th November 2011

Monday 7th November 2011

Sunday 6th November 2011

Saturday 5th November 2011

Friday 4th November 2011

Thursday 3rd November 2011

Wednesday 2nd November 2011

2011-11-01T19:28:00.002Z

Tuesday 1st November 2011

Monday 31st October 2011

Sunday 30th October 2011

Saturday 29th October 2011

Friday 28th October 2011

Thursday 27th October 2011

Wednesday 26th October 2011

2011-10-25T10:49:00.001+01:00

Tuesday 25th October 2011

2011-10-25T10:48:00.002+01:00

Monday 24th October 2011

2011-10-25T10:48:00.001+01:00

Sunday 23rd October 2011

2011-10-25T10:47:00.002+01:00

Saturday 22nd October 2011

2011-10-25T10:47:00.001+01:00

Friday 21st October 2011

2011-10-20T21:01:00.004+01:00

Thursday 20th October 2011

ClassicBus North West
CJH119V

CJH119V at the BusWorks in Blackpool was converted earlier this year with an off side doorway for export to Budapest, joining three other UK exports (ex-Lothian E---MSG Leyland Olympians).
However, CJH119V is no longer required following a decision to export newer vehicles and so CJH119V will be offered for sale, likely to be to the USA market.
photo copyright of Philip Higgs

photo copyright of Philip Higgs

Lower deck interior, showing the new door on the right of the view.
photo copyright of Philip Higgs

The bus last operated for Western Greyhound, and carried the registration of DSU107 whilst there, and a study of the bus whilst it was in use there can be found by clicking here.
photo copyright of Philip Higgs

2011-10-19T18:49:00.004+01:00

Wednesday 19th October 2011

Isle of Wight Running Day
16th October 2011

GEL686V, BFX666T and UFX858S.
photo copyright of Nigel Harris

KRU848W.
photo copyright of Nigel Harris

NDL637M.
photo copyright of Nigel Harris

An impressive line up of (right to left) NDL637M, UFX858S, BFX666T, GEL686V, KRU848W and SDL638J.
photo copyright of Nigel Harris

Also present was OSF307G.
photo copyright of Nigel Harris

SDL638J.
photo copyright of Nigel Harris

UFX858S and KRU848W.
photo copyright of Nigel Harris

2011-10-18T21:22:00.003+01:00

Tuesday 18th October 2011

Morton's Travel
UWV623S
Open-top UWV623S operated by Mortons Travel of Tadley, Hampshire was the only Bristol VR to attend the Oxford Bus Museum open day and rally on Sunday 16th October 2011. The museums' HUD470S was resident but is now a static exhibit.

While attending the event the local Cotswold Rail Line experienced difficulties and no coaches could be sourced at short notice. UWV623S left the event and operated First Great Western's 14.29 service from Moreton-in-Marsh and stations through to Hereford! The picture below shows '623' at Worcester Shrub Hill station while passengers took a short comfort break! The bus performed faultlessly throughout.

photo copyright of Adrian Morton

2011-10-17T19:20:00.001+01:00

Monday 17th October 2011

Kingsbridge Running Day, 17th September 2011. No location info provided, all photo's copyright of 'darhar'

2011-10-16T19:04:00.003+01:00

Sunday 16th October2011

IOW Running Day
all seven VRs as listed yesterday attended today, Photos to follow.
OSF307G
noted at 16.45 heading out of Portsmouth towards the M275, having come of the IOW ferry.
Thanks for todays News from Nigel Harris & NDL

2011-10-15T19:27:00.008+01:00

Saturday 15th October 2011

Stagecoach Southcoast
JOU160P
still at Winchester depot

IOW Running Day
seven VRs booked to attend this event tomorrow
621 - OSF307G. 628 - SDL638J. 637 - NDL637M. 506/3377 UFX858S
5070 - GEL686V. 4413 - BFX666T. 4448 - KRU848W
Thanks for todays News from Chris Finch & Nigel Harris

2011-10-15T19:27:00.001+01:00

Friday 14th October 2011

2011-10-15T19:26:00.002+01:00

Thursday 13th October 2011

2011-10-15T19:26:00.001+01:00

Wednesday 12th October 2011

2011-10-15T19:25:00.000+01:00

Tuesday 11th October 2011

2011-10-10T10:20:00.000+01:00

Monday 10th October 2011

2011-10-09T12:38:00.004+01:00

Sunday 9th October 2011

Johnson Bros, Hodthorpe
this is the current VR situation
A total of eight VR's are still in service here, these being
PKE810M - RWT544R - ODL661R - ODL662R
ODL664R - UDL668S - MIW2422 - LVL804V.
Only two unrefurbished examples remain in service these being UDL668S and ODL662R.
The withdrawn fleet has been thinned out recently with PFE541V & FDL679V going to the 'Used coach sales' dealership in Warrington where they are for sale. LVL807V has passed to an unknown owner.
Withdrawn VR's still presumed to be owned are
NGM168G - OSF305G - OWE858R - ODL663R - PTT98R - TDT864S - YDL676T - FDL677V
HWJ925W - SVL177W - SVL178W - SVL179W - SVL180W - HWJ925W - MWG940X

Warminster Running Day
BFJ175L - UFX858S & KRU848W
all were used on service today, photos to follow.

Thanks for todays News from - Ben Vallance & Roger Moore

2011-10-08T20:48:00.001+01:00

Saturday 8th October 2011

2011-10-08T20:47:00.002+01:00

Friday 7th October 2011

2011-10-08T20:47:00.001+01:00

Thursday 6th October 2011

2011-10-08T20:46:00.000+01:00

Wednesday 5th October 2011

2011-10-04T11:56:00.001+01:00

Tuesday 4th October 2011

2011-10-03T12:22:00.003+01:00

Monday 3rd October 2011

Sunday 2nd October 2011

Birkenhead running day
VVV952W
was in passenger use.
thanks for today's news to - Paul R.

Saturday 1st October 2011

Embling/Judd's
BKE861T
This open top VR was in use on route 701 in Peterborough today.
thanks for today's news to - Elliot Stuffins

Friday 30th September 2011

2011-09-29T00:47:00.002+01:00

Thursday 29th September 2011

ATA563L on Torquay Seafront at the Torbay Running Day of 4th September 2011.
photo copyright of Steve Conway

LFJ862W seen on an evening working at Torquay on 7th September 2011.
photo copyright of Steve Conway

LFJ862W passes semi-open top Olympian A146OFR in Paignton on 08/09/11.
photo copyright of Steve Conway

UWV614S at Totnes on 8th September.
photo copyright of Steve Conway

Rear of LFJ862W at Paignton Bus Station on 9th September 2011. Note the working 'reversing' display as well as the reversing lights.
photo copyright of Steve Conway

Wednesday 28th September 2011

2011-09-27T21:33:00.000+01:00

Tuesday 27th September 2011

2011-09-27T21:32:00.000+01:00

Monday 26th September 2011

2011-09-25T13:43:00.002+01:00

Sunday 25th September 2011

2011-09-25T13:43:00.001+01:00

Saturday 24th September 2011

2011-09-25T13:42:00.000+01:00

Friday 23rd September 2011

2011-09-22T21:30:00.006+01:00

Thursday 22nd September 2011

Kingsbridge Vintage Bus Running Saturday 17th Sept
OTA290G worked 13.10 service 93 Kingsbridge Bus Station-Slapton Village & 13.50 return;
and 14.30 service 101 Kingsbridge BS - Bigbury on Sea & 15.30 return.
VDV121S
worked 10.30 service 101 Kingsbridge BS - Bigbury on Sea & 11.30 return;
and 14.10 service 105 Kingsbridge BS -Salcombe & 14.45 return.
VDV141S
worked 11.10 service 105 Kingsbridge BS - Salcombe & 11.45 return;
and 12.30 service 101 Kingsbridge BS - Bigbury on Sea & 13.30 return.
AFJ764T
spare vehicle. Not used.
Photos to follow.

Amberley Bus Show 11th Sept,
AAP651T
attended
UUF116J
attended and used on trips round site.
Thanks for todays News from - Steve Hawkins & Rob Capel

2011-09-22T21:24:00.003+01:00

Wednesday 21st September 2011

2011-09-20T17:29:00.000+01:00

Tuesday 20th September 2011

2011-09-19T17:52:00.003+01:00

Monday 19th September 2011

Wilts & Dorset/Go Ahead
OEL232P open top treelopper
was still in Swanage Depot yard yesterday.
Thanks for todays News from - Dave Symes

2011-09-18T14:58:00.005+01:00

Sunday 18th September 2011

Showbus, Duxford
BKE832T - WKH526X - KRU848W - BKE848T - BKE847T - UAR597W - SFJ106R
BRC837T - IUI5036 - STW30W - RVB977S - KOO790V - BKE861T
all attended today, Photos to follow.

Stagecoach South
JOU160P

Reported during the week, 15760 JOU160P was in service on Saturday 10th September operating a Park & Ride service near Andover.
photo copyright of Jason Rayner

Thanks for todays News from - Roger Moore

Saturday 17th September 2011

Friday 16th September 2011

2011-09-15T19:58:00.002+01:00

Thursday 15th September 2011

Scottish Bus Museum
21st August 2011

NDL656R.
photo copyright of Roger Moore

LFS288F.
photo copyright of Roger Moore

UWV607S.
photo copyright of Roger Moore

UWV611S.
photo copyright of Roger Moore

2011-09-14T10:31:00.002+01:00

Wednesday 14th September 2011

Go Ahead South Coast
OEL232P
still in the Swanage yard
Thanks for todays News from - Chris Finch

2011-09-13T10:06:00.004+01:00

Tuesday 13th September 2011

Norfolk Gala Day, held at the Norfolk Showground just outside Norwich on Sunday 11th September.
Judds / Emblings open-top BKE861T and former Wilts and Dorset 4448 (KRU848W), both attended.
Photos to follow.
Thanks for todays News from - Derrick P

2011-09-12T21:18:00.006+01:00

Monday 12th Seotember 2011

Stagecoach South
JOU160P
was in service on Saturday 10th September operating a Park & Ride service near Andover.
Photo to follow.

Johnson/Redfern
HWJ925W - FDL677V - ODL663R are now withdrawn>
leaving only 8 VR's in service here. Many of the withdrawn VR's are for sale via this link:
http://www.usedcoachsales.co.uk/coach.ihtml?coach=804
Thanks for todays News from - Jason Rayner & Ben Vallance

2011-09-11T11:47:00.003+01:00

Sunday 11th September 2011

Kent
As reported yesterday...

TFN980T at the Herne Bay Rally on 14th August 2011.
photo copyright of Jake Bamford

MFN41R, now owned by Jake Bamford, leaves Stagecoach's Thanet depot on 1st September 2011.
photo copyright of Jake Bamford

MFN41R, WKO137S, TFN980T, SKL681X, a Titan, and PKE807M.
photo copyright of Jake Bamford

photo copyright of Jake Bamford

Test run for SKL681X.
photo copyright of Jake Bamford

WKO137S at Kent Top Travel's Canterbury depot on 28th May 2011 before heading to the Sellindge Steam Fair.
photo copyright of Jake Bamford

A view of Go South Coast's OEL232P at Swanage on 9th September 2011.
photo copyright of Chris Finch

2011-09-10T15:42:00.010+01:00

Saturday 10th September 2011

Update from Jake Bamford
I (Jake Bamford) now own ex East Kent 7041 MFN41R.
This was East Kent's first ever Bristol VR and is fitted with a highbridge bodywork. Currently in non PCV status, I collected her from Stagecoach today.
7681 SKL681X Jake Bamford's bus hasn't been on the road this year to date but celebrates her 30th birthday this month.
7980 TFN980T Bernard Sealy's Willowbrook bodies bus has been out and about at various events including Herne Bay Bus Rally which was last month.
5137 WKO137S Bernard Sealy's Highbridge VR has also been out at events including the Sellindge Steam Rally in May.
5807 PKE807M again Jake Bamford's series 2 VR is now used as a mobile store shed and is driven around the yard every so often to keep her mobile.
Photos to follow

Damory
GEL681V - GEL685V
are returning to Blandford to allegedly take up school work on their Dorset tenders, have these arrived yet, if yes does anyone have details of routes operated?

Horsham Bus Running Day Sunday 4th Sept
AAP651T - TPN103S - JWV266W - UUF116J
all attended this event, Photos to follow

Torbay Vintage Bus Running Day
ATA563L
was the only VR to attend this event last Sunday, as unfortunately both VDV137S & LFJ862W
had to drop out in the days beforehand
ATA563L ran the following journies:
1020 – service 109 - Torquay Seafront to Occombe Farm
1037 – service 109 – Occombe Farm to Torquay Seafront
1100 – service 136 - Torquay Seafront to Paignton
1115 – service 136 – Paignton to Torquay Seafront
1145 – service 700 – Torquay Seafront to Paignton (via Occombe Farm and Broadsands)
1242 – service 136 – Paignton to Torquay Seafront
1405 – service 118 - Torquay Seafront to Kingswear
1500 – service 118 – Kingswear to Torquay Seafront
1550 – service 109 - Torquay Seafront to Occombe Farm
1607 – service 109 – Occombe Farm to Torquay Seafront
Thanks for todays News from - Jake Bamford - Bob Jeffries - David Grimstone & Graeme Selway

2011-09-10T15:42:00.001+01:00

Friday 9th September 2011

2011-09-10T15:41:00.002+01:00

Thursday 8th September 2011

2011-09-10T15:41:00.001+01:00

Wednesday 7th September 2011

2011-09-10T15:40:00.000+01:00

Tuesday 6th September 2011

2011-09-10T15:38:00.000+01:00

Monday 5th September 2011

2011-09-04T11:38:00.000+01:00

Sunday 4th September 2011

2011-09-04T11:35:00.002+01:00

Saturday 3rd September 2011

First Cymru
MOD571P
Operated the 1020, 1120, 1220 and 1420 return journeys on First Cymru service 1 between Swansea and Limeslade today (there is no 1320 journey).
The vehicle was then taken out of service due to inclement weather.
Next Saturday (10th September) is the last day of operation for 2011.
Thanks for todays News from - Neil Markwick

2011-09-03T21:59:00.000+01:00

Friday 2nd September 2011

2011-09-01T20:54:00.001+01:00

Thursday 1st September 2011

2011-08-31T20:54:00.001+01:00

Wednesday 31st August 2011

2011-08-30T16:20:00.001+01:00

Tuesday 30th August 2011

2011-08-29T14:34:00.002+01:00

Bank Holiday Monday 29th August 2011

Go South Coast
GEL681V, GEL685V

Returning to service... GEL685V departs a yard mainly used for events and schools vehicles at Ryde on the Isle of Wight - heading for the mainland on 25th August 2011. It was heading back to Blandford to re-enter service on school work, widely reported is the fact that Damory Coaches have gained a lot of work in Dorset etc with recent route changes. GEL681V was expected to follow it one day later.
photo copyright of Peter Cook

OEL232P at Swanage on 23rd August 2011.
photo copyright of Jenky

Llangollen Rally

BMA521W was the only VR to attend the Llangollen Bus Rally on 28th August 2011.
photo copyright of Roger Moore

2011-08-28T11:36:00.001+01:00

Sunday 28th August 2011

2011-08-27T10:08:00.001+01:00

Saturday 27th August 2011

2011-08-26T21:02:00.003+01:00

Friday 26th August 2011

Bristol area, 13-14/08/11
JHW108P, LEU263P, XDV608S, AHW201V

JHW108P seen parked in the Westward Travel yard, 13/08/11.
photo copyright of Roger Moore

AHW201V seen in Bristol, near Temple Meads, on the 1240 from Bristlington rally site to the city centre and back to Bristlington as part of the rally on 14/08/11.
photo copyright of Roger Moore

AHW201V, 14/08/11.
photo copyright of Roger Moore

LEU263P, not previously shown in this livery on this website. 14/08/11.
photo copyright of Roger Moore

XDV608S, 14/08/11.
photo copyright of Roger Moore

2011-08-26T21:01:00.000+01:00

Thursday 25th August 2011

2011-08-24T21:26:00.006+01:00

Wednesday 24th August 2011

Johnson, Hodthorpe
Sightings from Sunday 21st August
Mansfield depot - RWT544R - MWG940X
Hodthorpe depot - HWJ925W - ODL663R and Heavily stripped LVL809V.

VDV135S
The above was in action at Silverstone on Sunday 21st – not going around the track, but in its role of a mobile bar – Looked really smart too!

First Wales
MOD571P
operated the following on Monday 22nd
14.50 (1) Bracelet Bay Limeslade - Swansea
15.20 (1) Swansea - Bracelet Bay Limeslade
15.50 (1) Bracelet Bay Limeslade - Swansea
17.20 (1) Swansea - Bracelet Bay Limeslade
17.50 (1) Bracelet Bay Limeslade - Swansea
The 16.20 return trip from Swansea seemed to be cancelled due to late running of the preceding trip.
Thanks for todays News from - Ben Vallance -Neil Walding & Dave Roberts

2011-08-24T21:25:00.002+01:00

Tuesday 23rd August 2011

2011-08-24T21:25:00.001+01:00

Monday 22nd August 2011

2011-08-24T21:24:00.000+01:00

Sunday 21st August 2011

2011-08-20T10:45:00.001+01:00

Saturday 20th August 2011

2011-08-19T13:15:00.001+01:00

Friday 19th August 2011

2011-08-18T17:59:00.003+01:00

Thursday 18th August 2011

Dart Pleasure Craft
LFJ862W

LFJ862W was seen outside Totnes depot on 13th August 2011 receiving advertising for the Rail River Link service. It had already had the company trading name and fleet number '4' applied to the front, plus the name 'Dorothy Grace'.
photo copyright of David Grimstone

2011-08-17T20:25:00.001+01:00

Wednesday 17th August 2011

2011-08-16T21:06:00.002+01:00

Tuesday 16th August 2011

EWS739W at the Bristol Brislington Rally on Sunday 13th August 2011.
photo copyright of Diane Kitto

2011-08-15T15:18:00.001+01:00

Monday 15th August 2011

2011-08-14T19:27:00.008+01:00

Sunday 14th August June 2011

Western Greyhound, Summercourt
JWV259W
yesterday shuttling music festival goers to and from Newquay and Watergate Bay.

Westward Travel Running Day at Cromwell on Sat, 15th
JHW108P
was used on feeder from Bristol Temple Meads to Westward Travel at Cromwell for running day.

Bristol Running Day.
JHW108P - LEU263P - XDV608S - UFX858S - AHW201V - EWS739W
all attended the rally today.
JHW108P - AHW201V & EWS739W
were seen operating trips
JHW108P
operated the 13.45 rally site to Bath and return.
Thanks for todays News from - SC - Robert Jefferies & Roger Moore

2011-08-13T11:04:00.002+01:00

Saturday 13th August 2011

Scarborough
VRs seen on 2nd August 2011

HPK507N at The Sands, Scarborough.
photo copyright of Steve Conway, 02/08/11

HPK507N, The Spa.
photo copyright of Steve Conway, 02/08/11

HPK507N, The Sands, with East Yorkshire's VDV138S.
photo copyright of Steve Conway, 02/08/11

VDV138S at The Sands.
photo copyright of Steve Conway, 02/08/11

VDV138S at North Shore.
photo copyright of Steve Conway, 02/08/11

VDV138S at The Spa.
photo copyright of Steve Conway, 02/08/11

2011-08-12T18:52:00.004+01:00

Friday 12th August 2011

new to Alder Valley, Preserved
CJH141V
noted at Fareham on the A32 heading in the Gosport direction at 11.20 today.
Thanks for todays News from - ndl

2011-08-12T16:56:00.001+01:00

Friday 12th August 2011

2011-08-11T21:27:00.001+01:00

Thursday 11th August 2011

2011-08-10T22:01:00.000+01:00

Wednesday 10th August 2011

2011-08-09T17:37:00.000+01:00

Tuesday 9th August 2011

2011-08-08T20:16:00.000+01:00

Monday 8th August 2011

2011-08-07T15:11:00.006+01:00

Sunday 7th August 2011

Gloucestershire Steam & Vintage Extravaganza
JHW108P - EWS739W - EWS748W
All attended this event, and open top JHW108P was used on trips around the site.

Gosport Stokes Bay Bus Rally
UUF116J - UWV623S - JWV275W - IUI5036
attended the rally today. UUF116J and UWV623S were used on public workings.

IUI5036, ex Pike of Andover
photo copyright of the editor

IUI5036
photo copyright of the editor

UWV623S
photo copyright of the editor

UWV623S
photo copyright of the Chris Finch

UWV623S and JWV275W
photo copyright of the editor

JWV275W
photo copyright of the editor

JWV275W and UWV623S
photo copyright of the editor

JWV275W
photo copyright of the Chris Finch

UUF116J
photo copyright of the editor

UUF116J
photo copyright of the Chris Finch

2011-08-06T14:07:00.002+01:00

Saturday 6th August 2011

Worthing, 31/07/11
TPN103S - JWV275W - UWV623S O/T - RVB977S - UUF116J - AAP651T were present

AAP651T
photo copyright of David Grimstone

UWV623S
photo copyright of David Grimstone

Plymouth, 24/07/11
OTA290G, VDV121S, VDV141S, LFJ847W were present

OTA290G, in use on a rally service.
photo copyright of Nigel Harris

VDV141S
photo copyright of Nigel Harris

Peterborough 10/07/11

AUD460R and BKE861T.
photo copyright of Steve Simister

North Weald 03/07/11

KOO790V
photo copyright of Steve Simister

RVB977S
photo copyright of Steve Simister

STW30W
photo copyright of Steve Simister

2011-08-05T13:35:00.003+01:00

Friday 5th August 2011

Gosport Bus Rally
UWV623S - o/t
this VR has also been added to this Sundays Rally

Whitley Bay Rally, 17th July 2011
GEL682V and JPT906T

GEL682V and JPT906T at the Whitley Bay Rally, 17/07/11.
photo copyright of Jonothan Ruddick

Rear of both buses. GEL682V had been in use as an advertising vehicle externally, though has recently been for sale on Ebay.
photo copyright of Jonothan Ruddick

Top deck of GEL682V.
photo copyright of Jonothan Ruddick

Top deck of JPT906T.
photo copyright of Jonothan Ruddick

2011-08-04T11:29:00.001+01:00

Thursday 4th August 2011

2011-08-03T20:19:00.008+01:00

Wednesday 3rd August 2011

Damory/W&D
BFX666T
noted with 'Special' on the blind and a 'Damory' sticker in the windscreen running along Barrack Road, Christchurch Westbound at about 09:45 on Thursday 14th July.

Gosport Bus Rally, Stokes Bay
GEL686V - CJH141V - UUF116J - EWS751W - IUI5036 - JWV275W - PUF586R
all are booked to appear this Sunday
Thanks for todays News from - Dave Symes & NDL

2011-08-02T16:38:00.004+01:00

Tuesday 2nd August 2011

Update to Worthing Bus Rally Sunday 31st July
TPN103S - JWV275W - UWV623S O/T - RVB977S - UUF116J - AAP651T
(AAP651T added and correct regs,added for TPN & UUF
Photos to follow
Thanks for todays News from - David Grimstone

2011-08-01T20:13:00.000+01:00

Monday 1st August 2011

2011-07-25T17:07:00.007+01:00

Sunday 31st July 2011

Plymouth Bus Rally - Sunday 24th July
Series 1 VR OTA290G - Series 3 VR VDV141S - Series 3 VR VDV121S - Series 3 VR LFJ847W
all attended last weeks rally, Photos to follow

Worthing Bus Rally
UUF110J - UWV623S O/T - RVB977S O/T - JWV275W - TPN106S
all attended today.
Thanks for todays News from - Nigel Harris & Roger Moore

Saturday 30th July 2011

Friday 29th July 2011

Thursday 28th July 2011

Wednesday 27th July 2011

Tuesday 26th July 2011

Monday 25th July 2011

Sunday 24th July 2011

Colne Valley Railway Bus Rally
KOO790V, STW30W
Both VRs attended.

2011-07-23T14:16:00.002+01:00

Saturday 23rd July 2011

Ebay
GEL682V
GEL682V, ex Go Ahead but currently in Gateshead having been used as an advertising bus, is for sale on Ebay.