Phil Gillam: I love to be on the buses

You see, buses and coaches may well be a little less romantic than the railways that, during the 19th century, seemed to arrive from nowhere and then – like a rash – spread rapidly and almost uncontrollably.

Yes, the railways brought with them fantastic achievements in engineering – fabulous bridges and tunnels and some magnificent cathedral-like stations, plus of course the awe-inspiring power and sheer drama of the mighty steam locomotives.

If such things do not stir your heart, you’d better see a doctor.

But please - let us not dismiss the humble omnibus.

They too have a story to tell. They too form an intrinsic part of our social history.

They too have the ability to stir up nostalgia, affection … even love.

At this point let me introduce to you that fine bunch of enthusiasts known as the Shrewsbury Railway Heritage Trust for it appears Trust members love not only railways, but also buses and coaches and … even lorries. Yes, you heard! Lorries.

For this summer – to be specific on Sunday, June 17 – Shrewsbury Railway Heritage Trust will be hosting (at their renovated Abbey Foregate station building) a rather unusual event, modestly titled as a ‘Shropshire Buses and Lorries’ exhibition, it intends to celebrate all the different companies which kept Shrewsbury, and the surrounding area, moving, over a period of many years.

While everybody (of a certain age) who lived in Shrewsbury (at a certain time) will remember the rather striking bright red Midland Red buses which took passengers to and from Barker Street (and The Square, before that) people who lived just outside of town will also have fond memories of the Valley Motors; Vaggs Motors and Minsterley Motor companies (and many others) who tended to cover some of the less busy rural routes.

The Trust’s David Morris, organiser of this particular exhibition, says "Shropshire’s lorry companies also played a big part in keeping our goods and supplies moving, and although the Railway Trust has access to over 200,000 photographs, it is very keen to hear from local people about their personal memories of these days:

"Swain’s of Stretton will be remembered by many, but there was also Launchberry’s; Parry’s of Bayston Hill, Williamson’s Coaches, and lots more.

"Interestingly, Hobson Greenwood, of Abbey Foregate, had interests in all areas of transport, as they operated lorries; buses and taxis. Mr Dennis Greenwood, who is now in his nineties, is hoping to be at the exhibition, and local enthusiasts have also promised to bring down some of their machinery and park alongside the station building, in Abbey Foregate."

David well remembers the importance of these bus services, as he used to work at Charles Clark & Son, on the corner of Smithfield Road and Chester Street, and had to pedal his delivery bike to the Country Bus parking area at the side of Rowley’s mansion. He also recalls paying for car parts to be delivered to A J Hemmings in Bishop’s Castle and many other garages in South Shropshire.

As he says: "Well before the days of small white vans….”

Inside the old station building (across the road from the Abbey Church) will be photos of the hundreds of companies who kept the town moving, together with period timetables and other memorabilia. Any readers with any memories, or items of interest to lend, should contact David Morris on either 01743 232651 or at djmfastforward@hotmail.co.uk

He adds: "This promises to be a very special day which should not be missed by anybody interested in our local heritage.”

Well, I for one love a bus journey. Even popping into town on the bus always seems a much more enjoyable experience than going by car.

I also have wonderful memories of those aforementioned Midland Red beasts … especially the double-deckers, the bus equivalent of great galleons. Oh, perhaps I’m getting a bit carried away now, but they were a lovely sight!