Friends of King Alfred Buses

Sunday 3rd May should have been our major event for 2020, The Original King Alfred Buses Running Day, but the current coronavirus emergency meant we very reluctantly had to cancel it, in common with most similar events throughout the UK.  Whilst our financial situation is not dire, nevertheless this meant we lost the significant income we would normally gain from sales.  We can but hope that in 2021 we shall be able to resume our usual pattern of a small Running Day on 1st January featuring King Alfred vehicles and a larger one in early May with numerous 'guest' vehicles as well as most from our own collection.  

As if the impact of COVID-19 were not enough, we learnt in early May that one of the sites at which our vehicles are currently kept will not be available to us next year.  The search for a new home for around 10 vintage buses and coaches is on!  If anyone knows of suitable premises offering covered accommodation within reasonable driving distance of Winchester we should be delighted to hear from them.  Whilst some possibilities have now been identified, nothing is yet finalised.  Whether it is one site able to hold all 10 vehicles or a smaller one to hold just some of them, either or even both could be of interest.   Please phone 01737 823436 or email info@kingalfredbuses.org.uk

Meanwhile, any donations to help us get through this difficult time would be most welcome. 

We understand that most vintage vehicle events this summer have been cancelled due to the effects of the coronavirus outbreak, including well-known ones such as the Great Dorset Steam Fair and, more locally, the monthly free vintage bus services organised by the Medstead Depot Owners Group. 

Heritage Open Days (HODs) is planned to take place in Winchester on its usual dates in September 2020.  As part of HODs, we expect to provide a small vehicle display at the cattle market car park in Worthy Lane, Winchester on Saturday 19th September 2020.  More details in due course.

The London Bus Museum at Brooklands hope to hold a Transportfest on 18th October 2020 and assuming it is able to go ahead, Friends of King Alfred Buses plans to send at least one vehicle.