Last updated 7 May 2012
Wearing a livery intended to recall Bournemouth's distinctive yellow buses, this is the Internet
home of the British Bus Preservation Group. The group plays a vital part in saving buses from oblivion. On this
page, we explain who the BBPG is, what we do, how you can help, and how to join.
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THE BBPG PUBLISHES A LIST OF ITS MEMBERS' VEHICLES
British Bus Preservation Group members between them have well over 300 buses and coaches in their care, ranging in age
from the 1920s to the 1990s. Some are in museums or belong to collections, while many are privately owned. The Group has
now decided to publish a list of all these vehicles,
and you can download a copy here.
The list is hopefully up to date as of 27th April 2012, but may include some vehicles belonging to individuals or
organisations whose membership of BBPG has recently lapsed. It is as accurate as possible subject to the information
provided to the compiler.
Condition Codes used in the list;
A = Awaiting restoration
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OUR GILFORD HAS BEEN SAVED AT LAST !
The BBPG has for a long time had in its care this classic Gilford AS6 coach dating from 1931. It was first
registered to Rivers of Ipswich, has an Eaton body and a Buda engine, and is registered DX 9547. It once appeared
in an episode of Dad's Army.
She had been in preservation, when she looked beautiful, but had since fallen on hard times, having been subject to
flooding, then stored outside before finding a haven in the BBPG's undercover storage near Northampton. The weather
had ravaged her body, which was in a dreadful state, and required major surgery and refurbishment.
Recently, ongoing difficulties about ownership of the bus have been resolved and the BBPG transferred it to a
well-known and extremely competent restorer who has a fine track record in bus preservation. Work has progressed at
an amazing rate and BBPG Committee Members and others recently visited the bus to find that the body framing has
already been thoroughly renewed, following the original rather unusual (for a vehicle body) construction methods,
and that mechanical restoration too is well under way. We are proud to have played our part in the survival of this
splendid, historic vehicle and look forward to seeing it return to the rally scene in the years to come.
In recent months the engine has been overhauled and reassembled and after some initial confusion over pinion sizes
and ignition timing, has been started and run satisfactorily. Much of the interior has been refurbished and awaits
re-fitting too.
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THE STORY SO FAR
Since being formed in September 1990, the BBPG and its members have been responsible for securing the future of more
than 250 historic buses and coaches, many of which were saved at extremely short notice from being broken up. This
track record has only been achieved through the dedication of our members - individuals and preservation groups, vicars
and police officers, bus drivers and bus company owners - who include many of Britain's best known bus-preservationists.
We originate from a small group set up to save ex-Pontypridd / Taff Ely No.7, AEC Regent V (UTG 312G). No.7's restoration
was financed under a share scheme, a method which proved highly successful in steam locomotive preservation, and one
we've used to save other buses. A lot of people wanted to get involved with No.7 but were not in a position to buy a
share, and we were pleased to form a 'supporters organisation', enabling as many people as possible to enjoy this fine
vehicle.
Many people expressed increasing concern over the rising tide of legislation affecting the preserved vehicle movement.
Something had to be done to monitor this and take action.
We met enthusiasts struggling to maintain buses in gardens or lorry parks, often with little or no help or support. So
many 'preserved' buses were being lost because of a single problem - storage. Many reports were received of buses in
danger and we wanted to do more than merely mourn their demise. Many enthusiasts dearly wished to become involved with
saving vehicles but felt their aims were frustrated by lack of time, storage facilities and restoration skills.
All this led to one conclusion; a national bus preservation group catering for enthusiasts, whether or not they owned
buses, pledged and able to take swift action when needed, but also to thoroughly enjoy being involved with old PSVs.
The result is the BBPG !
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This delightful little Austin K8 from 1950, with a 12-seater Kenex body, is just one of the many buses of all shapes
and sizes once rescued by the British Bus Preservation Group. Now beautifully restored and occasionally seen at rallies,
this privately-owned vehicle lives in Northamptonshire and would have been scrapped many years ago if the BBPG had not
intervened and saved it. Find out more about the BBPG and its efforts below. (Photo taken at Rushden in 2006, and
reproduced by kind permision of Richard Haughey.)
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AIMS OF THE B.B.P.G.
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OUR MAJOR APPEALS AND PROJECTS
BBPG RESCUE FUND
The BBPG puts as much as possible into this fund. The cash is used to buy and put cash deposits on vehicles and in
some cases for their removal to safe storage.
BBPG STORAGE APPEAL
Storage is the biggest problem facing bus preservationists, and many important vehicles have been lost through
vandalism and deterioration, simply because there has been nowhere to keep them. Now we're taking action. We're
compiling a national list of available spaces, which is available free of charge.
Some schemes are being run in conjunction with other groups and open to all historic vehicles. The eventual aim is a
national network of sites.
BBPG SPARES APPEAL
This system aims to link available spares with those who need them.
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VEHICLES SAVED
One of the most astonishing discoveries since forming the group has been how many vehicles of 25 years old or more
are still around, well out of the public eye, and often in danger. We are not at present in a position to build up a
large fleet of BBPG-owned vehicles, but we do act as a 'clearing house' for buses and coaches, often putting wheels
in motion to save them at extremely short notice, then doing our best to pass them on to good homes - and keeping in
touch over their future.
Just a few of the vehicles saved by the BBPG include;
and many, many others.
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BRITISH BUS NEWS
The BBPG produces its own magazine, British Bus News, four times a year. It contains details of the group's activities,
bus preservation news, information about vehicles in need of rescue, advertisements (FREE to members) for vehicles and
spares available for sale, details about the members and their buses, a letters section and much more.
This magazine is sent free to all paid-up members and is an essential document for all those interested in the saving
and preservation of the British bus and coach heritage. Incidentally there is a full set of all back issues available
for sale if anyone is interested. Contact the BBPG for details.
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BBPG "SPARES DATING" SERVICE
The BBPG runs a "spares dating" service to match buyers and sellers of spare parts. This is becoming hugely popular
and is proving to be a very useful facility for those trying to track down parts for their vehicles. It's almost
worth joining the BBPG just for this service ! So join up now and make use of it.
To learn more - join the BBPG !
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BBPG "TRADE PLATES" SERVICE
One of the assets of being a BBPG member is the ability to use the group's trade plates to move or road-test a vehicle.
They are available for a modest fee, plus a refundable deposit to ensure their safe return within the specified time
limit. Their use is strictly controlled and we will gladly send you the necessary paperwork on receipt of a stamped
addressed envelope. Ensure that you plan several weeks in advance to guarantee their availability.
To learn more - join the BBPG!
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A BBPG SUCCESS STORY
This glorious Daimler CCG5DD was the subject of a British Bus Preservation Group rescue from a Scottish scrapyard
in 1990, and it has now been fully restored by the Burton Daimler Group. Built in 1964 it has a Massey 61-seat body
and was No.87 in the fleet of Burton Corporation. TFA 987 was winner of the "Chairman's Choice" prize of best overall
vehicle at the show at the BBPG Annual Rally in June 1998. This picture shows the bus at the show, and the "1st" award
certificate is proudly displayed under the windscreen wiper !
Its fine restoration is a credit to the excellent work of the Burton Daimler Group, and is an example of the successful
outcomes that can result from BBPG efforts. We are proud of success stories like this. Help us in our work and join the
British Bus Preservation Group !
For details of how to become a member, see the information below.
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BBPG WEBSITE TURNS UP A RARITY
The now defunct Ian Allan Publishing Ltd. magazine "Preserved Bus" ran the following story in their
July 2000 issue;
"If anyone doubted the benefit of the Internet, then the British Bus Preservation Group's website should certainly
win over the doubters. An owner in the USA, who did not know what to do with his prized vehicle, surfed the web and
found the BBPG site, resulting in the planned repatriation to the UK, by BBPG member Roger Burdett, of a 1933 Bristol
GO5G, originally registered VG 5541.
New to Norwich City Transport, the GO5G was taken into the Eastern Counties fleet and rebodied in 1950 by ECW as an
open topper for use on the Felixstowe seafront service. Exported to the USA in 1962, enthusiasts believed that this
vehicle had gone for scrap. Not so - it has been in use regularly, but has seemingly eluded being photographed by
visiting UK enthusiasts.
Roger Burdett said "I believe this to be a very rare find. It still has its original six bay frame and is a runner,
although it is in need of some restoration around the rear end and a good dose of TLC. I believe that it will be the
only working Bristol G in bus form in the UK. The current owner has been very easy to deal with, and is pleased that
it is not going to end up as a burger bar in the USA, but will have a secure future back home in the UK."
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SAVED, AFTER 50 YEARS
A 1946 ex-Northampton Crossley, rescued by the BBPG from a scrapyard in 1996. Despite having had a tree fall on it,
VV 9148 was mechanically pretty sound ! The bus was reduced to spare parts to keep other historic Crossley vehicles
running for the future.
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SAVED FROM DESTRUCTION.........
This AEC Reliance with Plaxton body was delivered new to Timpson's in April 1967. NMX 586E is one of only a couple of
vehicles remaining from this once vast fleet. Fortunately it is now safe in the hands of the great Alexander Timpson's
grandson, Malcolm.
Many significant vehicles like this can disappear unless a co-ordinated effort is made to rescue and find homes for
them. In order to keep our present bus and coach heritage from vanishing in front of our eyes, help the BBPG by
joining today !
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BUSES THAT SLIPPED THROUGH THE NET
Just two of the thousands of vehicles that will never be seen again.
Languishing in a Bolton scrapyard in 1972 are Manchester No.3494 (TNA 494), an all-Leyland PD2/40 of 1958, and Ex
London Transport RTL 837 (KYY 807), later serving with Barton. Both perished and passed into history. Join the BBPG
and save our bus heritage from slipping away.
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THE FUTURE, FINANCE AND MEMBERSHIP
We've already made great strides, but we have a lot of aims to achieve. We can only fulfil these by providing the
best possible service to our members. They are kept informed by BRITISH BUS NEWS, our regular magazine, which
is crammed with news of finds, rescues and other activities. In emergency situations, we can put out an immediate
news release to our members.
It is the absolute crux of our policy that the group remains an informal, pomposity-free, but effective organisation,
which LISTENS to its members, who are warmly invited to submit ideas and criticisms at any time (and often do !).
PLEASE JOIN US !
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HOW TO JOIN THE BBPG
Membership is £15 per year. Overseas members £20 sterling per year. The high cost of bank charges means that we are
only able to accept payment in pounds sterling.
Click here to go to a printable form
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CONTACTING THE BBPG
We receive hundreds of info requests and pleas for help from around the world, and are more than happy to help where
we can. But please remember that we are a non profit-making organisation, and all of our officers are unpaid
volunteers, therefore we do expect people to consider at least becoming members. See our contact details below.
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NAMES AND CONTACTS
Chairman; Geoff Percy, geoffpercy@blueyonder.co.uk, 25 The Rise,
Hillingdon, Middlesex, UB10 0JL (01895-239602)
General Secretary; Mike Lloyd, secretary@bbpg.co.uk, 42a Moss Lane,
Platt Bridge, Wigan WN2 3TL (01942-865331 before 9pm ONLY).
Membership Secretary; Steve Mortimore, members@bbpg.co.uk
, 14 Hartwell Drive, Kempston, Bedford MK42 8UY (01234-855659).
Spares Co-ordinator; Position vacant
Storage Co-ordinator; Nick Larkin, storage@bbpg.co.uk,
7 Woodbyth Road, Peterborough, Cambs. PE1 3PE (01733-347776)
Vehicle Co-ordinator; Dr.John Willis, vehicles@bbpg.co.uk,
"Llanerch", 2 Pwll y Waen, Ty'n y Groes, Conwy LL32 8TQ (01492-650835)
Treasurer; Geoff Percy, geoffpercy@blueyonder.co.uk, 25 The Rise,
Hillingdon, Middlesex UB10 0JL (01895-239602)
Newsletter Editor; Terry Morris, terrymorris1947@hotmail.co.uk, Green Hedges,
Grays Road, Westerham Hill, Kent TN16 2JD
Send Newsletter contributions, articles or advertisements by
email here.
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