2010 – Issue 3 of 4

More documents

Recommendations

Info

that the journey had to end. Once again, it had been great fun – and the rest of the passengers seemed to have enjoyed the experience just as much as I had. Thanks again to Cumbria Classic Coaches and their staff it had been an excellent and highly recommended day out. (All photographs by Berwyn Prys Jones) -------------------------------------- JUNE EVENING RUN; On 16 th June the 1964 Guy Arab open topper was fired up by Ian Barlow for our evening run. On a very warm evening we made for Llandaff and the BBC Studios. Our group of about 20 were treated to a tour of the BBC complex, our guides showing us the various television studios, some of which were surprisingly small. Certain members of the group took the opportunity to sit in the newsreader’s chair and on the famous red sofa used for interviews. Outside the building we were shown the façade of shop fronts used in the Welsh language soap ‘Pobol Y Cwm’. The operations suites held a confusing array of monitors and buttons that eventually bring the TV programmes to our screens. The two hour tour prompted one to think beyond the flat screen that we look at every day. Your editor is now convinced that there are no longer lots of little people inside his TV set ! Many thanks to our guides, the organisers Mike and our own BBC man, Paul Burgess. The warm evening continued with a final run through Whitchurch where our bus was the subject of many an odd glance from those enjoying a drink after the World cup match. JULY EVENING RUN; On 21 st July the rain soon eased to bring a pleasant evening. For our July trip we used PAX 466F, the immaculate former Bedwas & Machen Leyland PD3/4 which is on long term loan from Julian Peddle. This historically important bus was the last lowbridge built in the U.K. and the last exposed radiator Leyland to be supplied to a Welsh operator. The object of the evening was to visit the garage at Bedwas which is soon to be demolished. Attempts were made to position the bus to recreate two photographs taken 36 years ago shortly before the small Bedwas UDC fleet was swallowed up by Rhymney Valley District Council. 10
Those who wished could visit the adjacent club to enjoy a pint. Our drivers for the evening were Kevin (Gerbil) Edwards and Paul (Tiger Cub) Burgess. The return run was via Caerphilly Mountain including an impressive hill start at Watford Chapel where the 680 engine showed its power. The original 600 engine had been replaced in the 1980’s. (See the montage on page 23.) AUGUST EVENING RUN; Around 30 members and guests met at County Hall on 18 th August for the last road run of 2010. This time the vehicle was from the Bristol Omnibus Vehicle Collection which once again Dr Mike Walker drove over from Somerset. The bus was 969 EHW, a Bristol LD6G Lodekka with 58 seat ECW bodywork which was new to Bath Services in 1959. This bus was later used as a staff bus at Bristol Aerospace at Filton before being bought for preservation by Geoff Green. Some years later the restoration was completed by Thamesdown Transport at Swindon for the present owners. We travelled through the Vale of Glamorgan via Barry and Llantwit Major in a rainstorm and made for the A48 and Cowbridge. A refreshment stop was made at The Red Lion, Bonvilston. The little bar had seldom been so busy. The driving for the evening was shared between Nicky Reason and Mike Walker. Thanks were given to Mike and we hope he will be able to visit again in 2011. NANTGARW VISIT: Also in August, at short notice, the Chairman organised a visit for the original members of the 46 Group plus a few friends to the National Museum of Wales storage facility at Parc Nantgarw. This site, not normally open to the public, is the resting place of much of the heavy machinery and vehicles formally housed at the late, lamented Bute Street Welsh Industrial & Maritime Museum. Naturally of particular interest to the group were Cardiff Crossley 46 and Cardiff Trolley 215 as well as the sagging Gelligaer Regal. Also viewed were railway and marine exhibits as well as other road vehicles including the Treforest made Bown motorcycles and Gilbern cars made at Llantwit Fardre. ------------------------------------- 11
Page 1 and 2: FREE TO MEMBERS £1 TO NON MEMBERS
Page 3 and 4: CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE: It seems that
Page 5 and 6: WENSLEYDALE WANDERINGS - 2 by Berwy
Page 7 and 8: Lamb and Flag Inn where we spent a
Page 9: there was scaffolding around one wi
Page 13 and 14: 13
Page 15 and 16: was a truly magnificent sight. Afte
Page 17 and 18: OOPS (3) Western Welsh 1093 was inv
Page 19 and 20: UH7175 as Southern Vectis 709 with
Page 21 and 22: WHY SABRINAS? Can’t see the simil
Page 23 and 24: PAX 466F The Massey bodied Leyland

2010 – Issue 3 of 4

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?