LIFESTYLE - SUMMER 2017

BUS-TED UP!

Join the Bale to Save Accrington Pals Bus... a shining symbol of civic pride for the whole community

By Stephen Tasker

C

ampaigners are fighting to restore a classic bus back to its former glory in what will become a lasting tribute to the Accrington Pals. The vintage vehicle, a 1974 Leyland Leopard, is thought to be one of the last known surviving buses of its type in the world...and the only one painted in the original colours of the East Lancashire Regiment. One of the most poignant stories to emerge fromWorldWar I is that of the Accrington Pals, officially named the 11th Baalion of the East Lancashire Regiment. In the First Bale of the Somme 720 men from this regiment engaged German forces suffering devastating losses with 638 men listed as killed, missing or wounded. The colours of the East Lancashire Regiment were blue melton with a red pinstripe and it was in tribute to the regiment that Accrington town’s buses were painted blue and red. Rather than painting the window frames and mudguards cream, the decision was to use black instead to reflect the mourning of the town for the devastating loss of life.

The bus could be used for events connected with local heritage and civic duties – a visual colour symbol of ‘the bus of the town’ and an important link to its history. Used in this way the bus will be a living example of the transport heritage of the local community and a symbol of civic pride . Originally bodied as a motorway coach, but with a windows (falling out) issue, the bus was re-bodied for local bus routes but retained its motorway gear ratio...so a fast Leopard!

Amodern transport policy has changed the bus fleet - but one bus remains of the previous fleet - a 1974 Leyland Leopard. Having seen this bus – it is in a poor state of repair and requires a complete refurbishment. However, it is simply unthinkable to many people that this visual link with history is lost forever because it represents the proud identity of the town. The plan is to restore the bus to a modern safety standard, such as fiing modern safety belts so that it is available to hire for local schools and organisations.

Accrington and District

Townships need a heritage vehicle to commemorate transport in the Borough of Hyndburn

Technical colleges have been invited to helpwith the restoration using students’ skills such as painters, upholsterers, mechanics and electricians. Once restored the bus would be available to take children from local schools to places of historical interest such as Haworth Art Gallery and Stanhill Heritage Trail. Local groups such as the Accrington Stanley Supporters have also expressed interest in using it when travelling to local fixtures.

I N M E M O R Y O F

S P E C T A M U R A G E N D O

J U D G E U S B Y O U R D E E D S

Main picture: Our fabulous Leyland Leopard in a field. Above top: When it was de-commissioned the bus was restored for show use. Right: The original coach body. Left: Interior views

A ccrington Pals THE The 11th (Service) Battalion (Accrington) East Lancashire Regiment

If you are interested in being part of the restoration process please come and see the bus in its present state at the Accrington Food Festival on Saturday, June 3rd 2017.

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