Enthusiastic crowds for Bristol Bus Gathering and Birmingham Trams Display

Published: 17/07/2023

 Wythall’s annual Bristol Gathering moved from Easter to early July this year to take advantage of longer days and hopefully, warmer weather. Warmer it was, but punctuated by some very heavy thunder showers, none of which affected an enthusiastic gathering.
 
Not seen for several seasons at Wythall were Bristol Lodekka FS, 452 XVE (previously 866 NHT), a Bristol convertible open topper and Eastern Counties VG 5541, Bristol G rebuild plus two Royal Blue MW6Gs 56 GUO and 617 DDV, the latter displaying an excellent interior retrim.

The Bristol RE was out in force with early United Counties RELH TBD 278G; Eastern Counties RELH, GCL 349N (in National Express white livery); ex Thamesdown RESL6G, JMW 169P in (yes we know it’s wrong) Stroud Valley livery; RELL, TDL 564K, the Midland Vectis (ex-Southern Vectis) RELL open topper and TFM 267K, the Crosville RELH, accompanied by Wythall’s own Cheltenham District RELL 1000, KHW 306E. Red and White RELH OAX 9F completed the set wearing an attractive ‘BRISTOL RELH 1963/2023’ headboard.
 
Early years of Bristol coaches were represented by handsome Wilts and Dorset 279, EMW 284, a Bristol L6B from Wilts and Dorset, running on service to the delight of its passengers. The Bristol VRT was also represented by several attendees, Wythall’s latest addition, United Counties VRT, 778, CBD 778K, a 1978 model; the ‘heritage’ tramway livery Cheltenham District JOU 160P and Bristol (Stroud Valley) VRT, EWS 748W. Wythall based MCW bodied West Midlands Travel VRT, NOB 413M and Sheffield OWE 271K with Northern Counties body brought VRT variety and completed the line-up.
 
Opportunity was taken to pose the Cheltenham District Bristol KSW 90, UHY 374 alongside the Museum’s RE. Other Ks on site were Bristol Omnibus K5G, C3386, JHT 802 and KSW6B, C8322, UHY 362.
 
Public services were run all day on a variety of routes using a wide selection of visiting vehicles, most in summer sunshine. At the end of the day in a vehicle shuffle preparing for upcoming events, Wythall’s Stratford Blue Leyland Tiger PS2 was prepared to enter the paint shop.
 
The added attraction of an excellent display of large scale working Birmingham tram models, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the last ‘original’ Birmingham tram to run in the city, completed a successful weekend.