Keighley Bus Museum has a secure future now it has been able to purchase its premises, reports Nick Larkin
After years facing an uncertain future, and at one point even being served an eviction notice, the Keighley Bus Museum Trust (KBMT) has finally been able to buy its premises. “We are absolutely delighted to announce this news. It ends so much uncertainty,” said KBMT chairman Norman Shepherd. “It’s all been a long process.”
This means that the 130 vehicles kept at the West Yorkshire museum, of which around 100 are coaches and buses, have a secure home. Cars and commercial vehicles are also part of the collection.
In 2022 an eviction notice was served on the museum, but thankfully things changed: “After discussions and changes on the museum board, the landlord, Steve Greenwood, really supported us and we’d like to thank him,” Norman said. “Our thanks also go out to everyone backed us,” said Norman. “We’ve had wonderful support locally and across the classic vehicle movement.”
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Keighley MP Robbie Moore had also backed the museum’s plight. The museum, which became a registered charity in 1992, moved into its present Riverside premises – a former foundry once owned by British Leyland – in 2005. The purchase has been with the help of donations and a commercial loan.
“Now we can look forward to the future,” added Norman.
The museum’s collection includes everything from a large contingent of Roe-bodied vehicles to former Bradford trolleybuses.
Open day celebration and trolleybus centenary
The success of the museum in securing its premises is being celebrated with an open day on Sunday 5 May, when classic buses will operate on free rides around Keighley. There will also be visiting car clubs along with sales stalls, refreshments and entertainments. There’ll also be an important anniversary to commemorate: the centenary of the world’s oldest trolleybus.
WT 7101, a Straker-Clough with Brush bodywork, was new to Keighley Corporation in 1924, After the system closed in 1932 the vehicle spent the next 40 years as a static caravan in the Grassington area before being saved for preservation.
Body restoration is progressing and the trolley is being repainted for its 100th birthday. Seats and mechanical units are still needed.
