Nick Larkin reports from the 10th Fenland Busfest, the most successful ever with tremendous support from operators
Special tributes, newly restored vehicles and a great atmosphere characterised this year’s Fenland BusFest, which was well supported by operators.
A gathering of former Kenzies of Shepreth vehicles took place, paying tribute to legendary proprietor Cyril Kenzie, who died last year aged 93. These ranged from 1951 Bedford OB JBY 804, now a member of the Dew’s Coaches fleet, to Andrew Fowler’s 1971 Plaxton-bodied Bedford YRQ PJE 999J, Bedford YMT/Plaxton PEB 2R, Volvo B10M C25 KAV and a 2010 Van Hool-bodied Volvo B12B, registration JJZ 8022, now with Norfolk-based Peelings Coaches. The former Kenzies vehicles took part in a road run – though sadly excessive traffic put paid to the original idea of a convoy.
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Tribute was also paid to-much-missed local operator Morleys of Whittlesey, which ceased trading in 2005 and would have been 100 years old this year. The only former Morley’s single decker currently on the road, Mercedes-Benz MB711D L839 FTX, was used on a shuttle from the Fenland Classic Car Show at Ramsey Rural Museum to the town centre.
Based at Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, where the main street was cordoned off for the event, BusFest featured 50 buses and coaches giving free rides to the public to Peterborough, Thorney, Turves, March and Yaxley Festival.
Stagecoach East unveiled its Platinum Jubilee tribute ADL Enviro400 YX57 VDC, now in service at Peterborough. Delaine, WH Fowler, Redfern Travel, Dews and Whippet were among other operators providing vehicles for the event.
Another vehicle attracting much attention was a unique Leyland National. JMY 120N was new to National Travel South East in 1975, kitted out as a fully equipped mobile office, for use by the National Bus Company.
BusFest is run by the Eastern Bus Enthusiasts Group which now has some 30 classic buses and coaches in its care. Spokesman and Delaine driver Stephen Longmire said: “This is our most successful BusFest yet and thanks so much to everyone.”
To find out more about the Eastern Bus Enthusiasts Group and its work, log on to easternbusgroup.co.uk.
Unique Leyland Leopard debuts
Making its debut at BusFest after major restoration was the only known Plaxton Bustler on a Leyland Leopard chassis. BAR 120X was new to Hedingham in 1982, passing on to Emblings of Guyhirn. In 2008 it was acquired by Mark Judd, who now runs MR Judd Commercials. “This is a unique vehicle and I definitely wanted to see it saved and restored,” said Mark. Bustler bus bodies were also built on Bedford and Volvo chassis.
