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FREE TO MEMBERS<br />
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE;<br />
£1 TO NON MEMBERS<br />
CARDIFF TRANSPORT<br />
PRESERVATION GROUP<br />
NEWSLETTER<br />
WWW.CTPG.CO.UK<br />
REGISTERED CHARITY No. 1063157<br />
ISSUE No.1 <strong>of</strong> 4 – 2010<br />
A taste <strong>of</strong> summer!<br />
The National Welsh Bristol VR, VHB 678S, proceeds past Barry Depot<br />
watched by depot staff. The depot engineer, Brian Blakemore’s disco<br />
equipment was blaring out from the bus during the 1989 Carnival Parade.<br />
This bus is due to return to Barry later this year.<br />
1
A new arrival at Barry Depot is P164 TNY, a Mercedes711D kindly donated by Stagecoach.<br />
In due course it is hoped to return this bus to its original Rhondda Buses livery. Also due at<br />
Barry this year is PAX 466F the former Bedwas & Machen Leyland owned by Julian Peddle<br />
<strong>of</strong> Uttoxeter. This bus will be available for the group to use to travel to rallies etc. (CTPG)<br />
2
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE;<br />
Welcome to the first CTPG newsletter <strong>of</strong> 2010. It has certainly been a<br />
bit chilly at Barry since I last wrote to you. However, this has not<br />
stopped our intrepid band <strong>of</strong> volunteers progressing on the buses and the<br />
building. Caerphilly 32 and Pontypridd 8 have both had a lot <strong>of</strong> attention,<br />
the aim being to get them on the road this year. Several other buses such<br />
as 434, 497, 143 and the tow bus have recently been serviced. The<br />
difference is quite marked after a full service showing the benefits <strong>of</strong> our<br />
pit area. This year we hope to have a few more buses on the road,<br />
however more drivers are needed especially those able to drive manual<br />
gear change buses. We have had two recent additions at Barry, the first is<br />
a donation from Stagecoach. P164 TNY is a Mercedes Benz new to<br />
Rhondda Buses. This was purchased during Julian Peddle’s tenure and it<br />
seems fitting we should have a representative <strong>of</strong> the time between<br />
National Welsh and Stagecoach. Speaking <strong>of</strong> Mr Peddle, he has<br />
generously <strong>of</strong>fered PAX 466F on long term loan for us to use and store at<br />
Barry. The second arrival is Western Welsh Tiger Cub FUH 370D, this is<br />
a well known local bus and fits in well into one <strong>of</strong> its former owners’<br />
facilities. One last piece <strong>of</strong> vehicle news is that our AEC Swift is<br />
currently receiving some electrical attention in preparation for an MOT<br />
and return to us.<br />
In relation to finances we are in need <strong>of</strong> an accountant; please can any<br />
member that can assist contact me directly. I am trying to provide buses<br />
for the road runs that we have not used previously but this is getting<br />
harder as the roadworthy Welsh bus stock is limited.<br />
I have received confirmation that the Barry Rally will be on Sunday 6 th<br />
June, the Vale <strong>of</strong> Glamorgan Council have again kindly <strong>of</strong>fered to<br />
financially support the event which will include a depot open day. This<br />
year should see the return <strong>of</strong> a train service between Barry Island and the<br />
rally site at Hood Road. Cambrian Railway, the new operator <strong>of</strong> the line,<br />
is hoping to run either a steam or diesel service.<br />
For those <strong>of</strong> you that enjoy your internet we now have a Facebook site.<br />
I will try to keep this up to date with photos <strong>of</strong> the happenings at Barry.<br />
The site is open to all have a look and add your own photos.<br />
Mike; Tel: 01443 862144<br />
Email : mikeystrad73@btinternet.com<br />
3
DECEMBER MEETING;<br />
This annual quiz night presented once again by Mr. Chris Taylor assisted<br />
by Mr. Taylor Jnr. We were joined on this occasion by our friends from<br />
the PSV Circle and Omnibus Society and the room was divided into four<br />
teams<br />
Most <strong>of</strong> the questions were easy. It was the answers that presented the<br />
difficulty. One participant failed to answer a question on a subject that he<br />
had actually written a book about. Maybe it was too many mince pies!<br />
The illustrious victors were a team led by John Jones who somehow<br />
managed to collect double clubcard points.<br />
-------------------------------------------------<br />
This framed sketch <strong>of</strong> Barry Depot in the 1950’s is now on display with<br />
our memorabilia in the Brinkworth Room. It was commissioned and<br />
presented to the group by Glyn Bowen on his move to Shropshire. The<br />
sketch was completed by Mr. John Phillips <strong>of</strong> Hengoed.<br />
4
CTPG Annual General Meeting 2010 – Wednesday 20 th January<br />
19:40 hrs. Held at County Hall, Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff.<br />
Present – 23 members<br />
1. Apologies for absence<br />
Nicky Reason, Glyn Bowen, Julian Parker<br />
2. Minutes <strong>of</strong> last AGM<br />
<strong>2009</strong> AGM Minutes accepted<br />
3. Chairman’s Report<br />
The group now has a higher pr<strong>of</strong>ile including appearances in the local<br />
media during <strong>2009</strong>.<br />
Thanks were <strong>of</strong>fered to Viv Corbin for the newsletters issued.<br />
The membership has now topped 100 members, with an increase in<br />
membership noted following the Barry rally and Depot open day.<br />
Two Rallies were organised during <strong>2009</strong> at Barry and Merthyr Tydfil, both<br />
being very well attended. Thanks were pr<strong>of</strong>fered to Glyn Bowen for his<br />
work regarding the Merthyr Tydfil Rally. The Chairman <strong>of</strong>fered thanks to<br />
all drivers who assisted on both days. A plea was issued to all members<br />
for more volunteers to assist with the rallies and public events planned for<br />
the upcoming year. A slideshow <strong>of</strong> photographs were shown from the<br />
Barry Depot opening by the Mayor & Mayoress <strong>of</strong> Barry in June <strong>2009</strong>.<br />
Other highlights in <strong>2009</strong> were;<br />
The dedication <strong>of</strong> the Depot collection room by Roy Noble to the<br />
memory <strong>of</strong> Julian Brinkworth, the first chairman <strong>of</strong> the CTPG.<br />
11 evening meetings were held throughout the year – all well<br />
attended.<br />
Continued membership <strong>of</strong> NARTM & WCVA places CTPG in the<br />
Annual Busses Restored book previously published by Ian Allan.<br />
The CTPG Website has registered 56,057 hits/visits over its 4<br />
years <strong>of</strong> existence. The Chairman <strong>of</strong>fered thanks to Mac Winfield<br />
5
and Alex Jeenes/Matt Turner for their work on the CTPG and<br />
Barry Depot websites.<br />
Good publicity for the Group was received from articles in Bus &<br />
Coach Preservation, Buses, Bus Weekly and the local press.<br />
5 Rallies attended with the main income generated from the<br />
charity stall remains photographs. An appeal was made by the<br />
Chairman for new photos and collections to be added to the<br />
exiting collection to enable a turnover <strong>of</strong> stock for regular<br />
customers.<br />
The Chairman gave an update on the CTPG fleet. (A full update will<br />
appear in the next newsletter.)<br />
Possible group events for 2010 proposed from the floor and by Mike<br />
Taylor:<br />
Transport swap meet at Barry Depot<br />
Depot open day with ‘Gavin & Stacey’ themed tours <strong>of</strong> Barry &<br />
Barry Island<br />
Dr Who themed tours <strong>of</strong> Cardiff with Dr Who memorabilia stalls<br />
at the Depot<br />
Halloween and Christmas events for the local community –<br />
suggested liaising with the Round Table for the Barry and Penarth<br />
areas<br />
School visits to Barry depot.<br />
Questions were raised from the floor regarding Health & Safety issues and<br />
CRB security checks. It was suggested that contact be made with Wythall<br />
bus museum to see how they addressed these issues in regards to their<br />
education centre. The Chairman highlighted that projects <strong>of</strong> this kind<br />
would receive a positive reception from the Vale <strong>of</strong> Glamorgan Council<br />
and would benefit liaisons with the Local Authority, assisting future<br />
funding and grant applications for the group.<br />
The Chairman asked for suggestions for a logo design for the CTPG. The<br />
logo must include the name <strong>of</strong> the group. A suggestion was made for the<br />
purchase <strong>of</strong> CTPG logo merchandise which could be sold throughout the<br />
year to provide revenue for the group.<br />
6
4. Treasurers Financial Statement<br />
Opening Balance 01/01/<strong>2009</strong> 3402.69<br />
Closing Balance 31/12/<strong>2009</strong> 4675.55<br />
= 1272.86<br />
The Chairman asked if any member <strong>of</strong> the group was aware <strong>of</strong> an<br />
accountant who would be able to assist the group with the Group<br />
accounts.<br />
Questions were raised regarding the breakdown <strong>of</strong> the percentage that<br />
donations made to the on-going income <strong>of</strong> the group. Paul Hamley<br />
confirmed that donations were not detailed as individual items on the<br />
financial report but were listed as a lump sum within the income section.<br />
Questions were raised from the floor reference whether the current<br />
income from rental costs for the storage <strong>of</strong> member’s vehicles was<br />
sufficient. Paul confirmed that current rental costs being paid by members<br />
were sufficient to cover rent charges paid out for Barry Depot, Barry<br />
Docks and Hereford storage sites. It was confirmed that it is more<br />
economically viable comparing towing costs and rents paid to continue to<br />
store the 2 CTPG vehicles in Hereford at their present site rather than<br />
relocate them to South Wales.<br />
After no further questions the acceptance <strong>of</strong> the accounts was proposed<br />
by Chris Taylor, seconded by Viv Corbin.<br />
5. Election <strong>of</strong> Committee Officers<br />
Mike Taylor confirmed that there had been no resignations or<br />
expressions <strong>of</strong> interest to join the committee:<br />
Chairman Mike Taylor Proposed and seconded<br />
Deputy Chairman Chris Taylor Proposed and seconded<br />
Secretary Gayle Alder Proposed and seconded<br />
Treasurer Paul Hamley Proposed and seconded<br />
Membership Sec. Derek Perry Proposed and seconded<br />
7
6. <strong>Newsletter</strong><br />
The newsletter editor, Viv Corbin reported that the improved quality<br />
December <strong>2009</strong> newsletter had cost £1 per copy to produce plus postage<br />
costs.<br />
He reported that a local printer has been sourced who has quoted as<br />
follows to print & assemble a newsletter to the same quality as the last<br />
issue at 75 p per copy for 20 pages or 85p per copy for 24 pages, to be<br />
reproduced in black & white with a colour card cover. Postage costs are<br />
not included.<br />
A proposal for 20 page or 24 page newsletters was put to the group; the<br />
vote was carried for newsletter to be extended to 24 pages at a<br />
production cost <strong>of</strong> 85p per copy. A request was made for sponsorship <strong>of</strong><br />
some issues to assist in reducing newsletters costs.<br />
A query was raised reference whether the newsletter would be available<br />
for issue in an electronic format if members wished. This option is to be<br />
investigated further.<br />
7. 2010 Rally & Meetings Programme<br />
Future events are listed at the back <strong>of</strong> this newsletter and on our website<br />
A request was made by the Chairman for meeting speakers, vehicles and<br />
possible road run locations/venues for the 2010 programme. Suggestions<br />
were made for an open night at Barry depot, proposed visits to the Ex<br />
Bedwas & Machen depot and Swansea. Several vehicles were suggested,<br />
availability <strong>of</strong> which is to be confirmed.<br />
Suggested speakers were Roger Simms, Bryon Gage, Clayton Jones, Stuart<br />
Cole, John Jones & Peter Heath. Mike Taylor & Mac Winfield to enquire<br />
as to willingness & availability.<br />
8. 2010 Annual Subscription Fees<br />
The Chairman proposed to keep subscription fees at existing level:<br />
£15 Single and £25 Joint partner/Family<br />
Motion agreed by group members present.<br />
8
The Chairman proposed for evening road run fees to revert back to £3,<br />
after some discussion it was proposed that the minimum cost be £3 but<br />
members have the option <strong>of</strong> donating £5 if so wished.<br />
Majority vote for a £3 minimum cost per person for Road runs was<br />
carried.<br />
9. Any Other Business<br />
Berwyn Jones requested if he could table the suggestion <strong>of</strong> a visit being<br />
made to Barry depot for his club. This was agreed by the members<br />
present.<br />
A request was made for a CTPG events itinerary to be provided to the<br />
Ian Allan bookshop for display. This was agreed.<br />
Proposal raised by Derek Perry that the possibility <strong>of</strong> an improved form<br />
<strong>of</strong> heating such as an electric fan heater for the canteen at Barry Depot be<br />
reviewed. It was agreed by members present that this would be reviewed.<br />
Meeting concluded at 21:30 hrs.<br />
Gayle Alder (Secretary)<br />
-------------------------------------------------<br />
FEBRUARY MEETING<br />
Berwyn Prys Jones kicked <strong>of</strong>f our 2010 season <strong>of</strong> presentations with a<br />
movie show featuring not only buses but railways and boats.<br />
We were treated to a tour <strong>of</strong> the British Isles following Berwyn’s<br />
expeditions around various road and rail museums. Among the museums<br />
we viewed were Wythall in the Midlands, South Yorkshire, Cumbria and<br />
Lathalmond in Scotland.<br />
Among the railways featured were at Shildon, Llangollen, Mallaig and<br />
Cork. There were also several views <strong>of</strong> the new ‘Tornado’ locomotive.<br />
Boats were featured in a fascinating film <strong>of</strong> the ‘Falkirk Wheel’ and the<br />
visit <strong>of</strong> the paddle steamer ‘Waverley’ to Cardiff Docks.<br />
Unfortunately there was a poor attendance at this meeting. We hope<br />
that more members will support future meetings. Don’t forget, it’s the 3 rd<br />
Wednesday <strong>of</strong> the month at County Hall, usually at 19.30.<br />
--------------------------------------------------<br />
9
CARDIFF’S TD2’s AND THE CROSVILLE CONNECTION<br />
by Anthony Brewer with additional information by Chris Taylor.<br />
Cardiff Corporation Transport’s need for double deckers first arose in<br />
1922 following the purchase <strong>of</strong> the route to Whitchurch from the Cardiff<br />
Tramways Company. This route had used double deckers since 1907,<br />
but as no vehicles were involved with the purchase, C.C.T. bought 6 new<br />
Dennis- Stevens 40hp, petrol electric chassis with Dodson open top<br />
bodies in 1922.<br />
Further new petrol engine double deckers were purchased over the next<br />
few years, including 18 Dennis 4 ton (1924-6), 20 Dennis HS (1929) and 4<br />
Thornycr<strong>of</strong>t LC (1930). These were supplemented in 1927 by 3 Palladium<br />
and 3 Commer double deckers purchased from J.A. Rich along with the<br />
Rhiwbina route. Between 1929 and 1934 a range <strong>of</strong> ex. demonstration<br />
double deckers were trialled and then purchased including Dennis H,<br />
Crossley Condor, Thornycr<strong>of</strong>t BC, Daimler CH6, Leyland Titan and AEC<br />
Regent, not forgetting the rare Morris Commercial Imperial which is<br />
believed never actually ran in Cardiff.<br />
The AEC Regent and Leyland Titan were to set the standard for front<br />
engine double deck design over the next 40 years, and as a result <strong>of</strong> the<br />
trials, these two models formed the basis <strong>of</strong> the Cardiff double deck fleet<br />
during the 1930’s and 1940’s. All the Regents, except the ex. demo MV<br />
529, were oil engine but the first batch <strong>of</strong> Titans were powered by petrol,<br />
although one <strong>of</strong> the Titan demonstrators arrived in Cardiff with an early<br />
8.1 litre oil engine (TF 6821). Most were converted to 8.6 litre oil<br />
engines in 1935. When during the war Cardiff decided to re-body its<br />
batch <strong>of</strong> ten Leyland TD2’s, the surplus N.C.M.E. bodies were acquired by<br />
Bristol Tramways for £110 each in 1944. These were used to re-body<br />
second-hand chassis between 1944 and 1946 to cover wartime vehicle<br />
shortage.<br />
The Crosville Connection.<br />
Seven <strong>of</strong> the B.T.C.C. double deckers carrying ex. Cardiff bodies<br />
subsequently saw further service with Crosville between 1949 and 1954.<br />
The bodies concerned related to No’s 53-4, 56-8/60/62 (KG1146-7,49-<br />
51/53/55). Four <strong>of</strong> these bodies were fitted to chassis DB9398, CK4222,<br />
KR6392 and WH3304 that ran for Crosville in as acquired condition until<br />
1952, when they were withdrawn and sold.<br />
10
Two <strong>of</strong> the Leyland TD2’s with their original Northern Counties bodies. KG1146<br />
No.113 later 53 (top), when new and KG1155 (62) complete with wartime white<br />
painted mudguards. (C.J. Taylor & W.J. Haynes)<br />
11
Despite C.C.T. deciding the original bodies (from KG 1146-55) were life<br />
expired by 1944, three <strong>of</strong> these remarkable survivors were matched up<br />
with their third chassis whilst in service with Crosville.<br />
By 1950 it was decided that due to either the poor condition <strong>of</strong> the body<br />
or chassis <strong>of</strong> some <strong>of</strong> the pre-war vehicles, that it would be advantageous<br />
for Crosville to combine the best chassis/body combinations in a new rebodying<br />
exercise. Three <strong>of</strong> the former Cardiff N.C.M.E. bodies (by then<br />
mounted on UF 7413/DB9399/WH3309) were deemed worthy <strong>of</strong> re-use.<br />
Also in 1950 Crosville decided to re-body CK4411 with the 18 year old<br />
N.C.M.E. body from DB9399 (originally on KG1146) and EK8106 with the<br />
body from WH3309 (originally on KG1149). These new combinations saw<br />
service until 1953.<br />
T<br />
KG1148 (M580) in service with Crosville showing E.C.W. body and the lower cov-rad radiator<br />
fitted in 1948. Alongside is DR9635 (M235). (C.J. Taylor)<br />
Three further Cardiff TD2 chassis had been purchased in 1948 by<br />
Crosville for £175 each (KG1148,51-2). Crosville had <strong>of</strong>fered to buy the<br />
remainder <strong>of</strong> the TD2 chassis but these were still not immediately<br />
available and were still for sale two years later. KG 1148/1151 were then<br />
12
fitted with new E.C.W. lowbridge bodies allowing an extended service life<br />
<strong>of</strong> 8 years, both being withdrawn in 1956. Remarkably the N.C.M.E. body<br />
originally fitted to KG1151 was also in service with Crosville between<br />
1949 and 1953, mounted on the chassis <strong>of</strong> CK4222. Therefore it was<br />
possible for the original body and chassis <strong>of</strong> KG1151 to pass each other<br />
while in service. (Reader, are you keeping up?)<br />
In 1950 the most remarkable re-body <strong>of</strong> all at Crosville took place when<br />
KG1152 received the serviceable body from UF7413, whose chassis was<br />
considered life expired. This resulted in a former Cardiff TD2 chassis<br />
being re-united with a former Cardiff N.C.M.E. body from the batch new<br />
18 years before. This bus remained with Crosville until 1954.<br />
The Cardiff East Lancs bodied TD2’s.<br />
The bodies that Cardiff fitted to their ten TD2’s in 1944-6 were not utility<br />
type but steel framed East Lancs bodies <strong>of</strong> substantial construction <strong>of</strong> 56<br />
seat highbridge type as against the former lowbridge N.C.M.E. 48 seats.<br />
The increase in height and weight caused operational problems straight<br />
away. The worst effect was insufficient braking. The heavy steering also<br />
had to be dealt with by lowering the ratio <strong>of</strong> the steering cams.<br />
KG1146 again, this time with the 1946 East Lancs body (C.J. Taylor)<br />
13
This chassis/body combination was short lived as in 1948 it was decided<br />
to fit the East Lancs bodies to new chassis. The only chassis immediately<br />
available and suitable for these bodies was the Daimler CVD6 <strong>of</strong> which<br />
ten chassis were purchased. This still left much modification to the body<br />
before fitting and, despite the urgency for new vehicles, took from 1948<br />
to 1950. The Daimlers were numbered 52-61 (EBO1-10). Again these<br />
chassis/body combinations were short lived as the ten Daimlers were sent<br />
to Longwell Green at Bristol in 1957 to be fitted with new 8 feet wide<br />
bodies.<br />
The story <strong>of</strong> Cardiff Leyland TD1’s and their Southern Vectis connection<br />
will appear in a future edition.<br />
14
St. David’s Travel in the 1840’s.<br />
Maybe an ancestor <strong>of</strong> C.J. is holding the reins !<br />
Did he have an <strong>of</strong>fer from STAGECOACH ?<br />
15
A LOOK AT CARDIFF BUS STATION;<br />
by Viv Corbin<br />
The area between the Cardiff General Station and Park Street, including<br />
the site <strong>of</strong> the present Central Bus Station, was formerly an area <strong>of</strong> small<br />
houses and narrow streets known as Temperance Town. It was so called<br />
because <strong>of</strong> a stipulation made in 1858 by the landowner, Colonel Edward<br />
Robert Wood, in the lease to Jacob Scott Matthews that certain trades<br />
could not be carried out in the area. These included ‘tavern keeper, ale<br />
house keeper or retailer <strong>of</strong> beer’.<br />
It was not surprising that the largest building on the site was the<br />
Temperance Hall which later became the Wood Street Congregational<br />
Church. To the west <strong>of</strong> the hall were the roads named Havelock, Scott,<br />
Raven, Gough and Eisteddfod Streets.<br />
Plan <strong>of</strong> Central Square in the 1930’s (Stewart Williams)<br />
16
As far back as 1897, the Council were considering schemes to improve<br />
the area by erecting large public buildings in front <strong>of</strong> the railway station.<br />
Nothing much happened until the mid 1930’s when the old housing was<br />
cleared, leaving just the roads and pavements in place. Further plans<br />
emerged for a Sports Hall, Concert Hall, Ballroom, and Swimming Pool.<br />
And crucially in view <strong>of</strong> the increasing road traffic, a Central Bus Station.<br />
Again nothing came <strong>of</strong> these grand plans, and by the early post-war years<br />
severe building restrictions meant that only the new Park Street<br />
Telephone exchange had been built on the edge <strong>of</strong> the site.<br />
Wood Street and Central Square looking west c. 1951<br />
(Stewart Williams)<br />
The war years saw underground air raid shelters provided to the south <strong>of</strong><br />
Wood Street and an American Army Camp on the site <strong>of</strong> the future<br />
Empire Pool. By the end <strong>of</strong> the war Raven Street and the adjoining<br />
derelict streets on the north side <strong>of</strong> Wood Street were in use by the<br />
Western Welsh and other bus companies as a bus terminus. Red &<br />
White Services operated from open ground where Marland House now<br />
stands.<br />
17
Other out <strong>of</strong> town bus services departed from Gorsedd gardens, Park<br />
Place and Fitzalan Road. It became increasingly obvious that a bus station<br />
was urgently required as the Raven Street terminus in particular was<br />
exposed to all weathers with passengers <strong>of</strong>ten queuing in pools <strong>of</strong> water<br />
and buses lurching across the broken pavements and cambered roads.<br />
With the widening <strong>of</strong> Wood Street, access to these streets was blocked<br />
<strong>of</strong>f leaving buses to arrive and depart via Havelock Street and Park Street.<br />
In 1950 it was suggested that the private bus companies finance the<br />
building <strong>of</strong> a modern bus terminus. This would be situated to the south<br />
<strong>of</strong> Wood Street, the terminal building <strong>of</strong> which would feature a flat ro<strong>of</strong><br />
that could be used by a helicopter taxi service. Needless to say neither<br />
the private scheme nor the helicopters got <strong>of</strong>f the ground.<br />
Cardiff Bus Station from the west in 1954 prior to opening.<br />
(Stewart Williams)<br />
A few years later the City Council agreed to build a bus station at a cost<br />
<strong>of</strong> £22,000. The new Central Bus Station opened on 6 th December 1954<br />
and was soon used by up to 13 different bus companies who paid a fee to<br />
the Council.<br />
18
The Terminal Buildings were completed by June 1957 at a cost <strong>of</strong> £46,000<br />
and were part rented to the Western Welsh at £4,000 p.a. This<br />
accommodated the General Manager and traffic <strong>of</strong>fice staff over the next<br />
8 years.<br />
Over the next few years, the rest <strong>of</strong> Temperance Town was developed.<br />
Firstly the Empire Pool opened for the 1958 Empire Games, then<br />
Thomson House, St. David’s House and Marland House.<br />
Jacob Scott Matthews was commemorated once again with the opening <strong>of</strong><br />
Scott Road. In the early 1970’s St Dyfrig’s Church and Wood Street<br />
School were demolished to make way for new <strong>of</strong>fices for the Cardiff<br />
Transport and City Planning <strong>of</strong>fices. Stadium House was erected in Park<br />
Street followed by Southgate House on the site <strong>of</strong> the former<br />
Temperance Hall.<br />
Central Bus Station in 1981<br />
(Stewart Williams)<br />
In the 1990’s the Wales Empire Pool, Telephone Exchange and the<br />
Territorial Army Centre all disappeared with the building <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Millennium Centre.<br />
19
The narrow curved roads and concrete bus shelters <strong>of</strong> the original bus<br />
station survived until the station was rebuilt in 1982-83. So the present<br />
brown domed shelters are approaching thirty years <strong>of</strong> age.<br />
Some ten years ago a scheme was announced to put a ro<strong>of</strong> over the bus<br />
station, but again nothing happened. Then there was the plan to move<br />
the bus station slightly eastwards to Marland House where buses would<br />
use end on loading as at Newport & Swansea bus stations.<br />
Early in 2008 the demolition <strong>of</strong> Terminal Buildings and the adjacent bus<br />
stands began without any clear indication what was to replace it. It<br />
appears that the Council is considering alternatives that may see the bus<br />
station disappear completely.<br />
In October <strong>2009</strong> the ill conceived ‘bus box’ in the city centre was<br />
introduced. This meant that many <strong>of</strong> the city bus services were not<br />
accessible from the railway station. In fact, similar to what is was like 60<br />
years ago. This is amazing in view <strong>of</strong> the need to integrate transport<br />
services. Heavy traffic leading up to last Christmas tested this plan to the<br />
full, in particular in the area <strong>of</strong> the new St. David’s 2 Centre.<br />
What’s the betting that not too far in the future it will all change again?<br />
Everything goes in circles! What goes around – comes around!<br />
Western Mail 3 rd December 1954<br />
A similar article first appeared in the Cardiff Bus ‘Omnibuzz’ magazine in<br />
2002. Thanks again to Stewart Williams for permission to use material<br />
from the ‘Cardiff Yesterday’ series.<br />
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OOPS (1)<br />
The first in a series <strong>of</strong> accident photographs from the Western Welsh<br />
archives.<br />
We know that Bridgemasters rocked and rolled a bit but lying down on<br />
the job is just being silly. This happened to 699 in October 1964 on the<br />
814 service from Haverfordwest to Milford Haven. It was out <strong>of</strong> service<br />
for some six months.<br />
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DATES FOR YOUR 2010 DIARY;<br />
17 th March; Slide show presented by John Jones<br />
28 th March; Bristol VBG Mini Running Day.<br />
21 st April; ‘Travel in the Valleys’ presented by Bob McCoy.<br />
16 th May; Bristol Harbourside Rally<br />
19 th May; Evening Road Run 19.00 at County Hall. (T.B.C.)<br />
6 th June; Barry Festival <strong>of</strong> Transport & Open Day.<br />
16 th June; Evening Road Run (T.B.C.)<br />
20 th June; National Transport Festival, Swansea<br />
21 st July; Evening Road Run (T.B.C.)<br />
15 th Aug. Bristol VBG Rally & Running Day.<br />
18 th Aug; Evening Road Run (T.B.C.)<br />
5 th Sept; Bus & Coach Wales Rally, Merthyr Tydfil<br />
15 th Sept; Evening Meeting 19.30 at County Hall (T.B.C.)<br />
19 th Sept; WHOTT Rally, Exeter.<br />
20 th Oct; Evening Meeting 19.30 at County Hall (T.B.C.)<br />
17 th Nov; Peter Heath continues his World Tour <strong>of</strong> the U.K.<br />
15 th Dec; Quiz Night hosted by Chris Taylor.<br />
(T.B.C.) To be confirmed. Please check for updates on our website<br />
www.ctpg.co.uk<br />
EDITOR’S NOTES:<br />
Well that’s the first issue <strong>of</strong> 2010, with some changes in layout this time.<br />
Thanks to Gayle for the AGM report and to Anthony and Chris for the<br />
Leyland article. We hope this is the type <strong>of</strong> stuff you want to read. Other<br />
similar articles are lined up for future issues, perhaps along with your own<br />
rally reports or articles. If you wish to submit items or comments post<br />
them to 8 Springfield Rise, Barry CF63 1RE or email me at<br />
viv.corbin@ntlworld.com.<br />
22
About the CTPG<br />
The CTPG lease the former Western Welsh Depot on Broad Street, Barry from the Vale<br />
<strong>of</strong> Glamorgan Council. The CTPG organises two vehicle rallies each year and holds a<br />
monthly meeting on the third Wednesday <strong>of</strong> each month. Members receive a quarterly<br />
newsletter and if they wish they can help to restore the Group’s buses, ride on them and<br />
travel to rallies.<br />
The Group aims to preserve representative samples <strong>of</strong> the buses that ran in South East<br />
Wales and the Valleys, as well as memorabilia and records <strong>of</strong> the operating companies.<br />
Annual membership <strong>of</strong> the Group is £15, which runs from the date <strong>of</strong> joining. Joint<br />
membership is also available for £25.<br />
CTPG Committee<br />
Chairman<br />
Deputy Chairman<br />
Secretary<br />
Mike Taylor, 10 Ger Nant Ystrad Mynach, Hengoed<br />
CF82 7FE Phone: 01443 862144<br />
email: mikeystrad73@btinternet.com<br />
Chris Taylor, 31 Heol Wen, Rhiwbina Cardiff CF14 6EG<br />
Phone: 029 20693734<br />
Gayle Alder, 16 Carter Place, Fairwater, Cardiff<br />
CF5 3NP<br />
Treasurer Paul Hamley email: squash33@btinternet.com<br />
Membership Secretary<br />
Derek Perry, 11 Countess Place, Penarth CF64 3UJ<br />
Other Non Committee Post Holders<br />
Editor Viv Corbin email: viv.corbin@ntlworld.com<br />
Webmaster CTPG Mac Winfield email: postmaster@ctpg.co.uk<br />
Webmaster Bus Depot Matt Turner email: tmatt95@gmail.com<br />
Publicity Officer Nicky Reason email: nickyreason@hotmail.com<br />
www.ctpg.co.uk & www.the-busdepot-barry.org<br />
Published by the Cardiff Transport Preservation Group<br />
(Registered as a Charity No. 1063157)<br />
The opinions and views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Group, its Committee or the Editor. Every effort is made to give due credit for all<br />
photographs and material used in this newsletter. Should there be any unintended breach<br />
<strong>of</strong> copyright; the Editor must be informed to enable a correcting acknowledgement to be<br />
made.<br />
23
No apologies for including this 60 year old advert as it recalls the fine Guy Arab <strong>of</strong> our friends<br />
Ken and Shirley Morgan who regularly enter the CTPG rallies.<br />
24