Friends of King Alfred Buses

In the light of the Government's current 'road map' out of lockdown, we had little option but to abandon plans for a Running Day in early May.  Instead, we are working towards a very substantial event as part of Winchester Heritage Open Days on Saturday and Sunday 11th and 12th September 2021. On the Saturday, we plan a vehicle display at the Winchester cattle market car park between 12:00 and 17:00, perhaps with a limited free bus service.  For the Sunday, we are working on a Running Day of free vintage bus services on the traditional King Alfred routes based on Winchester Broadway and using all available vehicles from the Friends of King Alfred Buses collection.  Services will operate broadly between 10:00 and 16:00.  Two notable milestones in 2021 are the 100th anniversary of the bus service between Winchester and Owslebury and the 90th of our Dennis OU 9286.  We are hopeful it may be possible to feature the original bus from the Owslebury service!

The first public outing of our vehicles is likely to be on Sunday 4th July 2021 when we expect to be running a free vintage bus service from Alresford station on behalf of the Medstead Depot Owners' Group (MDOG).  Likely vehicles for this service are AEC Renowns 595 LCG and 596 LCG or open top Leyland Atlantean HOR 590E.     

All arrangements must, of course, be subject to local and national Government policy regarding the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and may be subject to short notice alteration or cancellation.

Pictures of our previous event for Heritage Open Days on 19th September 2020 can be seen by clicking on King Alfred and then going to the Picture Gallery.

Meanwhile, the task of keeping our unique collection of historic vehicles in running condition continues and as a registered charity we welcome donations to help keep them on the road!  For only £21 you can become a Friend of King Alfred Buses.  Click on 'Membership' for more details.

You can read more about what we do in an article on pages 34 and 35 of Coach & Bus Week magazine dated 13th April 2021, describing the ongoing renovations to our 'high bridge' Leyland Titan and Leyland Panther.

If you would like to buy one of our sales items by mail order, click on 'Souvenirs & Books' to see details of what we have and how to order.