Museum of Transport, Greater Manchester

Stockport bus extravaganza gets to the countdown

14 May 2008

Vehicle preparation work

The Manchester Museum of Transport is burning the midnight oil to turn the clock back in Stockport next Saturday and Sunday (17/18 May) – as the old buses roll out again and bring back scenes of yesteryear for the Museum’s North Western and Stockport event.

Old timers will remember that once, Stockport’s buses were a rich red and off-white, and plied such time-honoured routes as the 92 to Manchester. Meanwhile the friendly North Western company was also based in the town and could whisk townsfolk to faraway places such as Buxton, Blackpool and Torkington. And just for one weekend, the old-timers will again be giving rides – but for free, and at the Museum in Boyle Street, Manchester.

But getting sixty-year old vintage buses to some out of retirement isn’t easy, as Museum spokesman Paul Williams explained: “although the rides will be free, we’re taking our responsibilities pretty seriously to make sure that our old buses are in tip-top condition, despite their age. That means a strict MOT test, stricter than a car test; checking that all the bells work and the engine is serviced; and last but not least, a good wash and polish.”

One of the highlights of the day will be the chance for retired employees to meet and reminisce at the Museum – anyone bringing proof that they have ever worked on the buses in Stockport or for the old North Western company will get free entry for the day. An appeal to find the employee who reaches back furthest in time unearthed an employee from both Stockport Corporation and the North Western, so they will be given VIP treatment on the day – starting with a surprise that will leave them both taking a ride back in time.

Harold Sharp, of Bosden Fold Road, Hazel Grove, started work as a conductor for Stockport Corporation in 1947, and John Hall of Criterion Street, Reddish, was a coach driver for North Western. They both hung up their ticket machines many years ago but – as far as the Museum can make out – they are the oldest former employees of the town’s buses, so as sprightly veterans they have been promised a VIP trip to the Museum on Saturday 17 May, with a car sent to pick them up. But what they haven’t been told is the ‘car’ is a 35-seat North Western bus made in 1946!

For less ‘vintage’ visitors, all the road transport heritage for Stockport and South Manchester will be on show at the Museum for the weekend with old photographs, documents, even timetables and bus stops all bringing back memories of twopenny bus journeys from Stockport to Romiley, and Disley to Stepping Hill.

Ends

Notes to Editors

The Museum of Transport is in Boyle Street, Cheetham, Manchester and is open to the public every Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday. An admission charge applies. The Museum is a partnership between the volunteers and the Greater Manchester Transport Society and GMPTE, the public body which supports and co-ordinates public transport in Greater Manchester. Telephone 0161 205 2122 or visit www.gmts.co.uk.