This month I’ve had the pleasure of discovering an unusual aspect of Northamptonshire’s heritage. As they travel locally, there will be lots of opportunities for you too to discover Northampton Transport Heritage’s wonderful fleet of historic buses. Transports of delight indeed!

The organisation was formed in 2017, initially to look after three ex-Northampton Corporation Transport buses, and this remit has expanded to collect anything to do with NCT and Northamptonshire transport of any kind. This group of three has expanded with the acquisition of further vehicles, and many are privately owned or have their own preservation groups attached to them. The ultimate aim is to create a transport museum for the county.

When I met the team, all volunteers, there was a real sense of pride and excitement as the vehicles were driven out of their garage. I felt as excited as a small child about to travel on a double decker bus for the first time. The roar of the engines, shiny paint and chrome, sheer scale of the vehicles and especially the smell transported me back to memories of earlier days when buses were the only way to travel. This seems to be a common emotional reaction for many people. These buses engender real affection.

I met the team sitting inside the Daimler double decker known affectionately as ‘154’. Built by Northern Coachbuilders in 1947, this bus clocked up an incredible 620,790 miles circulating around Northampton before it was retired from regular service in 1964. This was one of the original three taken on by the group. The shiny red leatherette seats and gleaming interior with oak trim seemed so familiar, including the signs reminding us ‘Push Once’ on the bell, and of course,‘Spitting Prohibited’!

Another bus I fell in love with was a 1950’s Commer coach which reminded me of the fleet of similar vehicles on the North Yorkshire Moors where I grew up - think ‘Heartbeat’!

Many of the buses are still in good working order, and the team love to take them out for the public to enjoy a ride and to reminisce. This is such a great way to experience our socioeconomic history, and the team welcome invitations to visit schools to let pupils enjoy going back in time. For many children it is often their first time in a double decker bus, and a great start to many educational themes. Other outings have supported NBC community events, the Alzheimer’s Society, and Age UK. The buses are regularly out on show, both as static displays, and offering rides around the area. Their next outing will be a great chance to admire the vehicles in their shiny chrome glory at Abington Park Museum on June 15th 2019. There will be 4 buses running 20 minute free trips, and a very smart stationary Daimler half cab doorless double decker to explore.

The Northampton Transport Heritage team are always happy to welcome new members and volunteers, including those who want to get stuck in and help with the cleaning, polishing and maintenance, conducting or even driving the buses (PCV license required), or simply to enjoy the experience of riding in the buses and learning more about them. For a small membership fee you can enjoy quarterly magazines, and being part of an enthusiastic and welcoming group of like-minded folk. If you discover anything in your loft or garage that has anything to do with transport in Northamptonshire that you would like to donate for future generations to admire, do let the team know.

Hold very tight please! Ting ting!

For more information about membership, donations and events, contact via Facebook (NTHeritage) or www.ntheritage.org