A £14,000 fundraising appeal is continuing so that a 1975 Leyland Leopard can be restored as a literally ‘moving’ memorial to a battalion virtually wiped out during the Battle of the Somme.
The East Lancashire Regiment 11th Battalion, better known as the Accrington Pals, consisted of recruits who lived in an around the Lancashire town. Heavy losses were suffered on the first day of the battle, 1 July 1916.
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For many years, Accrington Corporation, later Hyndburn, buses were painted in the regiment’s dark blue and red colours before the operator was absorbed by Stagecoach. The Accrington Heritage Trust, a local charity, is planning to restore the East Lancs-bodied Leyland Leopard, JFV 295N to its original colours. The bus will be available to tour local historic sites and for use by schools and other local organisations.
Anyone wishing to support the appeal can do so by visiting amazingaccrington.co.uk/palsbus. Donations of £100 or over will receive a special, framed certificate from the Accrington Heritage Trust.
