AN ANNIVERSARY celebration of an historic fleet of buses at Wythall Transport Museum made for quite the memorable day as hundreds of visitors attended for a afternoon of nostalgia.
Wythall Transport Museum’s Midland Red 120th anniversary event on Sunday, October 6 was dubbed ‘an undoubted blockbuster’ by organisers as 867 people came to see the fleet of buses.
A record number of 15 of the museum’s own Midland Red fleet were on display alongside 14 privately owned examples.
The museum’s fleet provided the usual supporting services from Birmingham City Centre, as well as local circulars and to and from local railway stations.
MR variety.A running highlight of the day was Wythall’s now well established ‘Happy Hour’ which is normally operated on big event days where there is a considerable variety of vehicles in attendance.
From the 1948 SON to the 1966 Leyland National, most decades were represented with further opportunities provided by the Stratford Blue PD2 (on hire to Midland Red) plus examples from the National Bus years and later.
Vehicle highlights were not one but two BMMO C1 coaches, resplendent examples of the post-war coaching years, the BMMO S14 out for the first time following over 40 years on static display, the dual-purpose BMMO S16, another long term static display vehicle and the 1934 SOS CON, on display following decades hidden away in a barn.
A selection of S’s. sThe museum’s distinguished guest of honour was the voice of Strictly Come Dancing and the National Lottery draws, Alan Dedicoat. Alan was born in Hollywood, the next village to Wythall and has fond memories of spending his childhood years travelling on Midland Red services.
Living outside the Birmingham City boundary, Alan had no choice, with Midland Red providing family travel.
150 the shared route. sA special Hollywood circular was created for the day which Alan conducted along with his driver, volunteer John Haden, following up with a Happy Hour run.
Alan was very complementary of what the museum has achieved and promised to be back soon. He has also owned 6 Routemasters along with fellow enthusiast Ken Bruce.
Once again, local supporter Phoenix Insurance offered its employee car park, shuttled by our trusty National Express ADL Trident and Optare Spectra. Thanks to Phoenix we accommodated 380 cars, over twice the museums normal capacity.
C1 post war luxury coaching. sSeb Amos, TMW Chairman said: ‘Midland Red 120 was the most successful event we’ve had since I’ve been a member.
“We have to thank all the volunteers on site on the day and those that helped to set it up over weeks of planning for their dedication and support.
“Many worked through without a break and there was a real buzz on site all day.”
2024 is the anniversary of the founding of the Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Company (BMMO) but it began operations in July 1905.
The museum is asking for support to provide rides on its iconic D7 vehicle in 2025 by donating to its restoration fund. Visit www.wythall.org.uk/D7 for more information.
