More than 100 past and present bus and coach staff gathered at the Isle of Wight Bus Museum in Ryde on Sunday (21st September) to share stories and memories from their time ‘on the buses’.
The majority of attendees represented Southern Vectis, the Isle of Wight’s major bus operator for many decades, but staff from Seaview Services, Shotters, Wightbus, IOW Tours and Lighthouse Travel were also present.
An extensive display of photographs of both people and vehicles from the collections of Roland Richards, Dave Forrester and the late Dave Evans, presented by Kieron Niblett alongside the museum’s archive, drew much attention as albums were carefully examined.
Among those attending was a 100-year-old former Ryde Depot conductress who began working for Southern Vectis in 1947, as well as a Shotters coachman who worked from the Shanklin depot in 1955. Family members of staff who have since passed away were also warmly welcomed.
A vintage bus trip to Brading was made using 2 museum vehicles – a 1959 Bristol Lodekka double-decker and a 1967 single-decker that spent its working life on Ryde Town Services. Some current drivers were even given the chance to take the wheel of an open-top Olympian under the supervision of instructor Hannah Cundall. A lunchtime buffet was also enjoyed by all attendees.
Bus Museum founder and president Richard Newman, alongside committee member Dave Forrester who helped organise the event, expressed delight at the turnout, which brought together staff from traffic, clerical, engineering and management departments – all with a shared passion for the Isle of Wight’s rich transport history.
Due to the success of the reunion, organisers say they hope to repeat the event next year.
