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2009 Newsletter 1 of 4

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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 />

-----------------------------------------------------<br />

20


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 />

-----------------------------------------------------<br />

21


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

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