The page for enthusiasts in the Oxford Chilterns Area - News from you and news for you - pictures too  ~~~~   The page for enthusiasts in the Oxford Chilterns Area - News from you and news for you - pictures too  ~~~~   The page for enthusiasts in the Oxford Chilterns Area - News from you and news for you - pictures too  

News Page
Concessionary Travel, Buses in the Landscape, Running Days and Historical articles

Issue 289
(OBP-502)
Monday 25th May 2009
(next update week ending 7th June 2009)

this section published on May 27th 2009 ------------- this section published on May 27th 2009 ------------- this section published on May 27th 2009 ------------ this section published on May 27th 2009 ------------- this section published on May 27th 2009 ------------- this section published on May 27th 2009

Now in our 11th year

Visit the "OXFORD & CHILTERN BUS PAGE " Archives from October 2002

Visit the "OXFORD BUS PAGE" Archive 1998 - 2002

Please note that any comments made in this news page are those of the Editors' and in no way constitute 
any official points of view from the bus companies mentioned,  or indeed any other official body. 
As a news page we reserve the right to make valid comments as seen from an editorial point of view.

If you wish to be included on a mailing list where I will advise of any mid-week news please let me know
malcolmhc@aol.com

To see the pictures full size just click on the thumbnail

Concessionary Travel, Buses in the Landscape, Running Days and Historical articles

including:
Running days in Brighton (HCVS), Bristol & Slough
Buses in the Landscape in London, Oxford and Wantage (Grove)
News from TCLB of upcoming events
Full details of the buses involved in the Slough Event
and why not visit the Oxford Bus Museum this summer?

Buses in the Landscape


Plastow's of Wheatley have nice premises on the A40 close to Asda. Recently I was returning from work and we had just had quite a series of showers.
The sunset produced some colourful effects and so often a rainbow if difficult to put on film.
Picture by and © Malcolm Crowe

From Gavin Francis

Gavin produces many pictures for use on this site but it is unusual to get one which is appropriate for Buses in the Landscape. however last week he took this picture of a Clarkes coach waiting for its passengers in Bressenden Place, outside Portland House near Victoria, London.

From Marcus Lapthorn

Marcus writes "Thames Travel's route 32, 0940 departure from Mably Way, Wantage on Friday 15 May apparently being buzzed by a rather nice looking fighter jet! It is a De Havilland Vampire  1950's / 1960's front line fighter jet -  which looks as thought it is a genuine aircraft shell . Often mounted this way and would have been stripped of all 'innards'. You can now see that the plane is 'publicising' a technology Park and not an industrial park from a sign on the road..

I think that it is being used as a promotional 'tool' for the nearby industrial trading estate! I guess that it is just designed to  catch the eye which it most certainly does!" 


Thames Travel's route 32, 0940 departure from Mably Way, Wantage on Friday 15 May apparently being buzzed by a rather nice looking fighter jet!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Running Days

Slough 2009

A report and full details of the buses involved in this event are contributed by Nigel Peach and Peter Cartwright.

Slough 10th May 2009 by Nigel Peach 

I visited the annual Slough and Windsor running day on Sunday 10th May and have included a number of pictures which I hope will interest readers of the OCBP.


Brighton Hove and District's FUF63 was a static display, looking very smart.


RML2419 was one of seven delivered new to High Wycombe in Feb 1966 for route 363.
 It didn't last long as it was soon decided that only six were needed.
Sister RML2412, at High Wycombe for many years was also in attendance at Slough.


RLH48 in Windsor with a rear view by Windsor Castle.


RM1640 ascending Castle Hill, Windsor.


RM2116 garbed in London Transport Golden Jubilee 1983 livery in Windsor.


London Country Leyland National SMB312 at Hedgerley Hill


Pride of place was Cobham's STL441. Note that 441 is on route 441!


This picture captures the spirit of these events and the pleasure these two gentlemen are getting from this wonderful bus.
It appeared on Sky TV last night - Alibi channel - The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries.
One saw the bus passing in the background, pulling up at a stop and then the bell ringing twice to start the bus
followed by the receding sound of a melodious AEC engine and gearbox.


The waiting photographers ignoring the Volvo B12B on the 702!


Off goes the STL on its way to Beaconsfield.


An unusually clear A355 approaching Beaconsfield as an RMC approaches.


RM848 looks as though it is on a leafy country lane, but no, this is the A40, London Road, Loudwater.
 

I also noted in Windsor, but couldn't get my camera to it quick enough, City Sightseeing Olympian WLT916. I did a double take, because WLT916 was Arriva's recently departed from Wycombe 5836. I may be wrong, but I don't think it was the same bus, because although I didn't get much of a look at it, it looked more like an Alexander body rather than ECW. Somebody will know the answer!

I was unfortunate not to realise that I had time for a trip on STL441 so there are none of the inside - sorry! I was extremely cross with myself. Knowing I only had limited time, I worked out I just had time to get the Leyland National to Hedgerley and back then catch the 441 home. As I was about to get on the National, the STL pulled up, about to do a short working of the 441 to Beaconsfield. A shame I thought. It was only a short time later I realised I would have had time to do the Beaconsfield return and still catch my 441. So I could have had a ride on it! (Such is life Ed.)

I actually didn't think that there were as many buses running this year (maybe a sign of the times). On balance I think I prefer the Amersham event - the journeys from there are more scenic than from Slough. Visiting Windsor is always good, but the traffic there is so bad, you waste so much time in queues. It must play havoc with the organisers of this day. Many buses were running late, but Peter Cartwright seemed cheerful - he was very pleased to have got the STL to come.

From Peter Cartwright 

Just a few corrections to your news on Slough Running Day (Issue 287). The photo of RF673 is on the journey from Marlow to Slough in the morning and RML2412 was allocated to the FIRST journey (09.52) ex Wycombe.

Full details of the days activities were: 

Journeys operated ex Wycombe on the 441 were: 

09.52 RML2412

10.52 RM848

11.52 STL441

12.52 RT3491

13.52 RML903

14.52 RMC1486

15.52 RML903 

Shorts from Beaconsfield were:

16.09 STL441

16.24 RT3491

16.54 RMC1486 

From Hedgerley Hill on 441

10.24 RML2440 whereas journeys on route 460 ex Hedgerley Hill were performed by SNB312.

The following vehicles operated in service:

STL441 

RLH48

RT604

RT2177

RT3228

RT3254

RT3491 

RM848

RML903

RMC1486

RM1640

RM2116

RML2261

RML2412

RML2419

RML2440 

GS13

GS34 

RF406

RF457

RF636

RF667

RF673. 

SNB312 

LN127

We were hoping to have RFs281 and 354, AN262 and a repainted Bristol RE but unfortunately they were not available.

A further picture from Steve Warwick.


GS13 and RF667 at Burnham Beeches by Steve Warwick. 

Harbourside Rally Bristol.

Rob McCaffrey writes "Sunday 17 May 2009 is the date for this year's Bristol Harbourside Transport Rally. This event celebrates the past, the present and the future of public transport using both classic Bristol buses and more contemporary vehicles to emphasise the future for transport in Bristol.

Understanding the past is the key to understanding the future and Bristol in particular has a special historical association with transport. Buses, cars, motorcycles, heavy good vehicles, ships, aircraft and railway locomotives have all been manufactured at some time in the city or its suburbs. This superb event is not only a memorial to this past but a fantastic day out for all the family.

http://www.bristolbusevents.co.uk/main.htm

Fortunately I was there early enough to catch the sun. 

Here is a selection:


Bristol C1307 in OMO livery.


Bath Services L8089 a rare for Bristol OC lowbridge KSW.


Bristol Greyhound 2138, a coach MW albeit in essentially the ECW bus body for the type.


And finally, one from the later, wetter period as the KSW "Kavalcade" arrives at Sea Mills.

My excuse for including this is that Bristol Greyhound used to run to Oxford and even Stokenchurch and the Bristol marque is such a lovely one. Ed.

Forthcoming events

TCLB news

1938 Tube Stock

I know many of you had a good day out on the 1938 tube stock last year, and so you might be pleased to hear it is out again on Sunday 21st June. It departs at 11:05 and 13:50 on an 80 minute non-stop trip on the Northern Line Charing Cross branch from Edgware to Kennington and back. To make a day of it, the RAF Museum at nearby Colindale is holding a pageant weekend with historic vehicles, and there is a fly-past at 15:30 of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The train trip costs £20 whilst entrance to the museum is free. Tickets available from the LT Museum direct this time on 020 7565 7298.

The Ghost Bus

Finally a plug for the Ghost Bus. Those that didn't make it on our private hire a week or so ago missed a real treat, and I highly recommend the evening. The Ghost Bus departs Northumberland Avenue Wednesday - Saturday at 19:30 and 21:00, and the normal fare is £15. See www.theghostbustours.com for details on how to book.

Oxford Bus Museum

Over 40 vehicles are on display.  Most are buses in the ownership of the Museum.  Some are privately owned buses on long-term loan for display to the public. In addition there are various other exhibits on loan, from fire engines to bicycles, to add a period feel to the core collection. For reasons of safety, and to preserve the more fragile exhibits, visitors cannot enter all the vehicles on display, but access to a number of them is possible.

There are extensive displays of photographs, tickets, uniforms and other memorabilia.

As a special attraction, the Museum offers a free bus ride from the collection on the first Sunday of the month from March to October inclusive.

Click Here

Visits etc

Gez writes "We have got a trip organised for the Stagecoach depots in Warwickshire on June 6th may be of interest, Ken Pitt our new visits co-ordinator has penned some details."

I think one may have to join to group to be included. Ed.

THE GREAT BRITAIN BUS GROUP 

Ken Pitt,
Visits Co-Ordinator,
52, Loxley Close,
REDDITCH,
Worcestershire. B98 9JG.

April 2009

I have pleasure in announcing details of The Group’s first Bus Tour and Depot Visit, named “The Warwickshire Wanderer”, which will take place on SATURDAY JUNE 6th.

The Tour will start from COVENTRY RAIL STATION at 1000hrs, and will visit Depots at NUNEATON, RUGBY, LEAMINGTON and STRATFORD, prior to returning to COVENTRY by 1730hrs. It is hoped to arrange brief stops at NUNEATON BUS STATION, and also NatEx WM Depot at COVENTRY. The vehicle will be provided by Stagecoach Warwickshire from Stratford Depot, and a lunch (or spotting !!) break will be taken allowed in RUGBY Town Centre.

The fare is £15.00, and all are welcome. Please detach the Booking Form and send with Cheque (and s.a.e. please) to Ken Pitt at  the above address.

The running of subsequent trips depends on the success of this one, so I hope that you will support us and come along. For this trip we are grateful to Clive Jones, Commercial Manager of Stagecoach Warwickshire at Rugby for all arrangements made. I expect that HV Vests will be required – if you have one bring it along, if not it should be possible to loan on he day. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me – 01527 591195.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =  = = = =

GBBG TRIP – 6th JUNE 2009

I wish to book    tickets for the above Trip & enclose a Cheque / Postal Order for £      , payable to GBBG.

Name           ______________________            Contact Phone ________________

Address         ______________________

                   ______________________

                   ______________________

Reference      ______________________      )      Details inserted by GBBG

Received       _______________________    )

PLEASE RETAIN THIS RECEIPT & PRODUCE ON THE TRIP

Historical items

Oxford Destination Blind on Ebay 

Chris Farmer (Banbury) writes "Saw this on Ebay.I am not bidding but I am sure some of your readers may be interested." 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/OXFORD-CITY-BUS-DESTINATION-BLIND-Horspath-minibus_W0QQitemZ270387153995QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Collectables_Bus_CoachCollectables_SM?hash=item270387153995&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1684%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

New Thames Valley history from Paul Lacey


 

Paul's latest volume in his comprehensive work on Thames Valley will soon be available.

Paul Lacey is pleased to announce the completion of his latest and long-awaited book:

A HISTORY OF THE THAMES VALLEY TRACTION CO. LTD., 1946 ~ 1960

224 A4 pages, perfect bound in laminated covers, with 544 half-tone illustrations, full fleet list, service fleet list, route map, and appendices covering livery details, background to Newbury & District and South Midland, as well as allocations of vehicles, working arrangements and premises. A highly detailed and evocative account of all aspects of the Thames Valley activities, with the experience of over 40 years of research, fully illustrated with almost all unpublished photos

Retail Price: £25  Order your copy NOW direct for just £20!

Please quote the OCBP when ordering

Other titles currently available: 

A History of the Thames Valley Traction Co. Ltd., 1920 – 1930

Retail Price: £15                                                     Special Offer Price: £5

A History of the Thames Valley Traction Co. Ltd., 1931 – 1945

Retail Price: £25                                                     Special Offer Price: £5

Thackray’s Way – A Family in Road Transport

Retail Price: £10                                                     Special Offer Price: £5

50 Years of South Midland, 1921 – 1970           Written by David Flitton

Retail Price: £11                                                      Special Offer Price: £5 

Offer prices apply to orders placed with the new volume only. Send to:

Paul Lacey, 17 Sparrow Close, Woosehill, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 3HT, cheque payable to Paul Lacey  -(post & packing inclusive). 

If you live locally and prefer to collect, please call on 0118 979 4097 to arrange a mutually convenient time to visit (please do not just turn up!).  

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