press release - centenary bus rally

2008 Bus Rally – Sunday 10th August This weekend’s annual Vintage Bus Rally, marking the centenary of Bristol buses, promises to be the biggest event to date. Organiser David Cole, who is also the Development Manager of the Avon Valley Railway, enthused, “Because it’s such a significant date, we’ve had a really superb response this year from vehicle owners.

Importantly, many of the buses taking part are ‘Bristols’, built by Bristol Commercial Vehicles or its predecessor, at the Brislington Works which opened in 1908.” The rally begins at 10.00am and takes place at the Brislington Park & Ride site. Entry is free and the collection of almost 100 vehicles expected to be on display will range from the 1930s to the present day.

The oldest vehicle taking part is a 1934 ‘Bristol J’. Originally a 26-seat coach, it was re-fitted with a 35-seat Bristol body in 1947. Ultimately purchased by the Bristol Vintage Bus Group it has now been rebuilt and restored to its 1947 condition. “Only a few years younger is a ‘Bristol K’, a double deck bus built in 1940 to replace the Bristol trams” explained David Cole. “It was sold in 1954 to a fairground showman who removed the upper deck roof and stairs and used it as a large van. It has now been lovingly rebuilt and repainted to the original blue and white Bristol Tramways colours”.

Sunday’s event promises to be a bumper day out, as it offers a rare opportunity to see and travel on a number of different forms of heritage transport in one day. By using the FREE bus service from the Park and Ride site visitors will also be able to see the Bristol Vintage Bus Group’s premises at Flowers Hill as well as the Avon Valley Railway at Bitton. Once there, a discount voucher in the souvenir programme will enable them to enjoy a train ride at a reduced price.

Boat trips along the River Avon will also be operating from the AVR’s Avon Riverside station. “Enthusiasts of vintage transport from all over the region have attended on previous years” said David Cole. “It’s also an exciting day out for the whole family and this year promises to be the best yet.” The 5th Vintage Bus Rally and Running Day is jointly organised by the Bristol Vintage Bus Group and the Avon Valley Railway.