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February 2026 Review
The February Review is due to be posted out by Thursday 19th February and hopefully will be with members shortly afterwards
The articles in the next edition include the first part of an article written by Mr Brian Barrett, a former Crosville management Trainee and Senior National Bus Company Manager on his recollections and experiences during his secondment to Crosville. There is also an article on an item researched from the Crosville files at The Bus Archive, relating to the relations between Crosville and Other Operators which may be of interest to some members. There s a also a report with photographs on the New Years Day Wrexham and Chester Charity Bus Running Day.
As usual there is news from around the former Crosville territory and regular features of Reviews Revisited and the Extracts from the Diaries of the late Geoff Crawford together with a number of brilliant photographs of Crosville vehicles and some more of the buses that currently work in the former Crosville area.
IIIt is with a deep feeling of shock and tremendous sadness that the untimely death of Keith Davies is recorded.
The Webmaster has had the privilege to know Keith for a considerable period of time and he and many others have always been warmly welcomed to his business and he has always been extremely helpful and informative.
At the age of 60 he has been taken far too early and he and his family have not been able to enjoy the benefits of all his hard work in building up such a successful business that is highly respected by everyone in the bus and coach industry.
He is already and will be even more greatly missed by all who ever met him. At this difficult time thoughts are especially with his family.
Those who have had the honour to have known him will have witnessed his openness and friendliness in dealing with everyone he had dealings with and would have seen the respect he earned from his employees and everyone involved in the bus and coach industry.
His funeral will be held at Pentrebychan Crematorium on Monday 29th December at 1130 and afterwards at the Brymbo Social Club
Rest in Peace Keith
December 2025 Review
The December Review is due to be posted out by Friday 19th December and hopefully will be with members just before or just after Christmas Day.
The articles in the next edition include a report of the CEC Tour to Cheshire and Staffordshire on Saturday 20 September and Part one of an article by Chris Brown entitled Bringing the Crosville ‘family’ together where he examines in some detail some of the Crosville Uniteds - the staff magazine. Also there are the first reports that were presented at the recent A.G.M.
As usual there is news from around the former Crosville territory and regular features of Reviews Revisited and the Extracts from the Diaries of the late Geoff Crawford together with a number of brilliant photographs of Crosville vehicles and some more of the buses that currently work in the former Crosville area.
Ken Swallow
Member Ken Swallow, aged 90, died peacefully in his sleep on 13th December. He was also a long standing member of the Omnibus Society having joined in 1952, he was a former editor of the Omnibus Magazine and was Vice President for a number of years,.In his professional life he was Director General of the Merseyside PTE 1986-89 and was honoured by the North West Region of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), in 2009, when he received the organisation's Lifetime Achievement Award as a member of CILT for over 50 years.
He had been living in a care home recently and those that had the privilege to know him would describe him as a true gentleman and of course condolences are offered to his wife Joy and their family.
November 2025 Review
The November Review is due to be posted out Tuesday 18th November
The next edition will feature an article with an analysis of the Aberaeron depot duties and vehicle workings which include those serving the Royal Air Force Establishment (RAE) at Aberporth. There is an article about Crosville's involvement in the Remembrance ceremonies in Caernarfon. Also a report of the funeral of Duncan Roberts and some photos from the recent Wirral Transport Show held at Hooton Hangars
There is of course the news from around the former Crosville territory and regular features of Reviews Revisited and the Extracts from the Diaries of the late Geoff Crawford together with a number of brilliant photographs of Crosville vehicles and some more of the buses that currently work in the former Crosville area.
October 2025 Review
The October Review is due to be posted out Wednesday 15th October
The next edition will feature a short article of the of the small batch of East Lancs bodied Bristol VRs originally delivered to Sheffield Corporation and acquired by Crosville as the HVGs from South Yorkshire PTE via the National Bus Company, a report of the “Cheshire Lads’” trip to North Wales and an illustrated feature on the Coastliner 60 event which took place on 7 September.
There is of course the normal news from around the former Crosville territory and regular features of Reviews Revisited and the Extracts from the Diaries of the late Geoff Crawford together with a number of brilliant photographs of Crosville vehi9cles and some more recent buses that currently work in the former Crosville area.
Duncan Roberts
The funeral of Duncan Roberts took place at 15:30 on Tuesday 14th October at Hutcliffe Wood Crematorium, Sheffield. S8 0HN
For those that wish to see the :-
Funeral Brochure <<Click here>>
Service script including an outline of his life <<Click here>>
Eulogy by John Carroll <<Click here>>
Duncan Roberts
It is with great sadness that the Club have been informed of the passing of Duncan Roberts on 16 September. He had suffered from poor health for a few years and had amongst other issues suffered a stroke which had left him with limited abilities. He had, for a while, been a resident at a Nursing Home under the care of Sheffield City Council for a number of months. Details of any funeral arrangements will be posted when available.
He will be remembered for his deep knowledge of Crosville and his work as an Archivist for the Club. He produced a number of books that are widely utilised by many enthusiasts.
John PEAKE (Jack)
John PEAKE (Jack) worked at Crosville in Crewe until he retired in 1994. He was a bus driver & later duty foreman. He sadly passed away on September 3rd this year. His daughter Joan wishes to ensure that as many of his colleagues and friends are aware of his passing. His funeral will be at Crewe Crematorium on Tuesday 21st October at 12.15.
September 2025 Review
The September Review is due to be posted out Friday 16th September.
The next edition will feature the concluding part of a report of the trip made by John Carroll to Wales in 1986 with numerous photographs taken during the event. There is a report on the South Cambria trip that took place in June and this month a number of the photographs within the Review have been chosen to mark the 60th anniversary of the start of the Cymru Coastliner service.
There is of course the normal news from around the former Crosville territory and regular features of Reviews Revisited and the Extracts from the Diaries of the late Geoff Crawford
August 2025 Review
The August Review is due to be posted out on Wednesday 20th August. Members are reminded that new arrangements are being introduced by Royal Mail for second class post involving every other day deliveries. This may delay the arrival of the Review
The next edition will include a report from a trip that dates back to September 2017 that visited Blackpool, Lytham St Annes and the Ribble collection at Freckleton. This report has only recently been found. There is an excellent report on the very enjoyable Chester Bus Fest which took place on Sunday 13 July with many photographs. Lastly there is the first part of a report of the trip made by John Carroll to Wales in 1986 just following the introduction of de-regulation.
There is of course the normal news from around the former Crosville territory and this edition has nearly 50 excellent photographs to enjoy.
July 2025 Review
The June Review is hoped to be with members in the early part of the week beginning Monday 21st July
This month there is a request to our members to send in suitable material for publication. Unfortunately the excellent articles that have been submitted recently have now all been utilised and the cupboard is now a little bear. There is, however, a pictorial update of the Crosville Survivors and information about a forthcoming Crosville allocations project. There is further information about Gabriels of Tywyn including an historical fleetlist. Our Chairman has been on his travels and has been on the look out for former buses that once worked in the Crosville territory - the results are in this month's edition. There are the usual updates n the happening in the former Crosville territory including the introduction by Arriva of a new Cymru Coastliner together with plenty of excellent photographs.
Ray Jones
It is with great sadness that the passing of our friend Ray Jones is reported. Ray was very much a Crosville bus enthusiast and he was the proud owner of a number of Crosville buses and coaches over a period of time. He normally had about two at any time but over the last 30 years he has owned:-
KG146 (LFM728), G341 (811DFM), CMG434 (815XFM), CMG561 (HFM561D), ELB172 (LFM753) and SLB175 (LFM756)
Unfortunately he had not been well for a number of years but did attend the occasional bus event.
Ray's funeral will be at 11:30 on Wednesday 23rd July at Pentrebychan Crematorium, Wrexham.
June 2025 Review
The June Review is hoped to be in the post around Thursday 19th June and so should be with members shortly afterwards hopefully before the weekend dependant on the post..
This month in addition to the usual interesting news of the bus and coach operators within the former Crosville area there is a detailed report of the Club's April visit to The Wirral on board the wonderful preserved Bristol K double decker and also a pictorial report on the Llandudno Transport Festival which took place over the May Day weekend. There is a tribute to some of Lloyds Enviro 200 MMCs which have left the fleet. . Following on from the article entitled “Less of Llanegryn” last month, this month we are able to enclose a few associated photographs. There is, of course, the usual excellent assortment of photographs from the area together with the unmissable Crosville historical ones.
April 2025 Review
This Review is hoped to be in the post around Tuesday 15th April and so should be with members shortly afterwards.
This month there are more articles from Tony Moyes involving this month the report by ARUP on behalf of Transport for Wales for a North-South Wales Bus Connectivity :and also he has written his comments on the Powys County Council - Local Bus Network Consultation Document. There is an interesting exchange involving whether the use by non-Crosville companies of the J61 was unique. As usual there is planty of news from around the former Crosville territory with the usual reflections of 25 years ago and those within the diaries of Geoff Crawford. Also plenty of photographs to enjoy.
March 2025 Review
This Review is hoped to be in the post on Thursday 20th March and so should be with members shortly afterwards.
This month’s full edition has two very interesting articles by Tony Moyes on the special services operated by Crosville “over one hundred miles from the company’s headquarters at Chester” and secondly he has written about the connection between George Crosland Taylor and Anglesey. There is also an article on the various covers used on Crosville United over the years and there is an update on the content of the Crosville.org website relating to timetables together with some information on three surviving former Crosville vehicles no longer used as PSVs
February 2025 Review
This Review is hoped to be in the post on Wednesday 18th February and so should be with members shortly afterwards.
This month’s 40 page edition has an assortment of ad hoc articles in addition to the usual news round-up from the area. These include some interesting research on Crosville’s railway involvement at Caersws, plus an additional item on the Heart of Wales line which passed near to former Crosville territory deep in that part of the principality. We also have an article on a very unusual Express service which appeared in Crosville timetables for just one summer season in 1968, plus an extra item on the associated interchange at The Astral café, Caerwent. The “Quiz Question” last month regarding DLG 944, drew three very welcome responses.
January 2025 Review
The first Review of 2025 is hoped to be in the post on Thursday 23rd January so should be with members shortly afterwards.
This month’s 40 page edition has a very personal account of one member’s encounters with his good friend the late Noel Reed. The article is a very moving tribute to a long standing member of the Club and someone who was a great friend to many members. Also this month is Part 2 of Day at Knighton in which the author reveals the identity of the other vehicle seen on the visit. Another short article followed receipt of a newspaper clip and the inquiring mind of the author led to the discovery of some interesting information about a probable forerunner to Crosville in the Dyffryn area north of Barmouth! There is an article on the very recent Chester and Wrexham Heritage Bus Running Day which took place on 1 January. This report has the bonus of a number of photographs of the day. Lastly there are a number of old Crosville photographs where members are asked to assist in identifying the locations.
Informal gathering at noon in the Johnny Pye pub in Heswall
For those attending this event Geoff Smith has kindly sent a list of Heswall departures for those wishing to photograph them during the day
Stand Route Dest. Time Op.
A 73 Poulton Lancelyn xx06 A2B
A 175 Banks Rd local xx18 A2B
A 174 Lower Heswall local xx23 A2B
B 22 Chester xx25 Happy Als.
C 22 West Kirby xx32 Happy Als.
C 175 Irby via Pensby xx36 A2B
C 181 Arrowe Park xx41 A2B
D 471 Liverpool xx15,35,55 Stagecoachc
D 472 Liverpool xx09,29,49 Arrriva
Omnibus Society Meeting 11 January 2025
Our own Don McKeown is the guest speaker at the next meeting of the Omnibus Society North Western and Yorkshire meeting - in Skipton at 1300 on Saturday 11 January 2025. His topic is "North Wales before Deregulation" and he intends to cover Crosville, the local independents and small municipals in his presentation.
All CEC members would be very welcome as guests, although I would ask that anyone should let them know a couple of days in advance if they intend coming along so that they have an idea of attendance. Please contact Geoff Cook - Tel : 07875 662124 e-mail : cookgd54@gmail.com
December 2024 Review
The December Review will soon be going to the printers and it is expected to be in the post by the weekend of 21st December. Depending on the Christmas post it should be with members just before or possibly just after Christmas.
In addition to the usual presentation of recent news, regular features and photographs there is an article on a visit to see a Preserved North Western Loline in mid Wales. The remainder of the reports presented to the AGM together with the minutes of the meeting are included. There is also an appropriate and well written Obituary to our former Distribution Officer Steve Meredith. Lastly there is the opportunity to volunteer to assist with identifying locations of some classic photographs.
Noel Reed - Funeral arrangements
The funeral of Noel Reed will take place on the 5th of December at 11am at the Flintshire Memorial Park and Crematorium, Oakenholt Lane, Northop, Flintshire, CH7 6DF
Afterwards at the Celtic Arms, (Northop Country Park Golf Club, Northop) .
Noel Reed
I am very saddened to have to report the passing of Noel. He had been a member of the Club for a a considerable number of years and he will be dearly remembered for his contribution to driving buses on tours and other events. I have known Noel for over 50 years when we were seasonal at Rhyl. We actually worked together a few times with him as my conductor. I have kept in touch with him since and was sad to see him in recent years not enjoying the best of health but nevertheless making the best of his situation.
Our immediate thoughts are with his wife, Elaine and family.
He will be greatly missed
November 2024 Review
Unfortunately there has been a delay in printing this month's Review and it will not be dispatched until late next week (about 28th) and should be with members by week beginning 2nd December.
November 2024 Review
The November edition should be with members week beginning 25th November
In this Review is the last in the series of looking at Stagecoach Merseyside and the final depot to be featured is Chester. There is a report of the September North Wales Tour and there is an interesting article of what the number ‘72’ meant to one of our members in his career and as an enthusiast. As usual there is plenty of recent news and regular features. Again this month most of the Crosville photographs appearing came from the camera of the late Stephen Meredith. There is a further update of the currently known Crosville preserved and surviving vehicles and as previously further information is requested.
Crosville Images for Sale
Members are advised that the first batch of Roy Marshall's Crosville images are now on the Transport Library and available for purchase at the address below. The Club has been involved in identifying locations for many of these on behalf of The Bus Archive.
Timetables
Further scanned timetables have been added to the Crosville.org site timetables section.
1966-09 Area 1 Chester, Mold and Crewe
1966-09 Area 4 Rhyl and Llandudno
1966-09 Area 5 Anglesey, North Cambria and South Cambria
1967-01 Area 2 Merseyside
1967-03 Area 3 Wrexham
There is also a new section Crosville Wales Timetables <<LINK>>.
Here can be found over 32 Crosville Wales Timetable Booklets
These are in addition to those added a few months ago :-
1959 Summer Express Services
1960-07 Area 5 Anglesey, North Cambria and South Cambria
1961-01 Area 3 Wrexham
1961-07 Area 2 Merseyside
1961-07 Area 4 Rhyl and Llandudno
1963-01 Area 1 Chester, Mold and Crewe
1976-06 Eastern
1976-08 Western
Funeral arrangements for Roy Carmichael
In the last Review the announcement was made of the death of our former long-standing member Roy Carmichael who died on 7th September in Skegness. His funeral arrangements have only recently been announced. He will be interred in his home city of Liverpool at Allerton cemetery on Wednesday 30 October. The funeral directors will meet at 1030 outside the cemetery’s disused chapel on the main drive from Woolton Road (a relatively short distance from Liverpool South Parkway. There will be no service of either a religious or secular nature, which is understood to be Roy’s wishes. It is suggested that anyone attending may wish to afterwards partake of their preferred beverage in a nearby hostelry near South Parkway Station. Details have been kindly supplied by David Godsmark whose mobile number can be obtained from the Webmaster using the e-mail shown on page 36 of the Review or by using the <<contact facility of this website>>.
Funeral of Stephen Meredith
The Funeral of Stephen Meredith will be held at the Pentrebychan Crematorium, Wrexham at 12pm on Thursday 10th October.
This will be followed by a wake to be held at Maesgwyn Hall, Mold Road, Wrexham - very appropriately the site of the former Crosville depot.
Stephen Meredith
It is with great sadness and deep regret to announce that Steve passed away earlier this morning (Thursday 26th September).
He has been suffering recently from a stomach illness and had been back in hospital since the weekend.
Details of arrangements will be given when they are available and a full obituary will appear in due course.
Steve has been the Distribution Officer for the Club for a number of years and was a good friend to many of us. He will be greatly missed.
October 2024 Review
The October edition should be with members during the beginning of the week commencing 20th October.
The articles this month include the next chapter in our detailed look at the routes and vehicles of the larger operators. This month it is the Rock Ferry depot of Stagecoach Merseyside, Cheshire and South Lancs. There is an interesting article on the early memories of Crosville by one of our members. In addition to recent news and the regular features there are a number of Crosville photographs taken by the late Stephen Meredith and a double dose of centre page recent photos. There is also an update of the currently known Crosville preserved and surviving vehicles for which again further information is requested..
September 2024 Review
This edition has been dispatched to members on Wednesday September 12th and should be with members by the end of the week.
It has plenty of recent news, regular features and photographs. The articles this month include the next chapter in our detailed look at the routes and vehicles of the larger operators. This month it is the Gillmos depot of Stagecoach Merseyside, Cheshire and South Lancs. There is an account of a week’s travel by one of our members made using a Crosville Explorer ticket back in August 1971 with some photographs of some of the buses used. Lastly there is a list of the currently known Crosville preserved and surviving vehicles for which further information is sought.
August 2024 Review
This edition should be dispatched to members on Saturday 17 August and be received in the early part of the following week.
In addition to the usual news, regular features and photographs our articles this month include the next chapter in our detailed look at the routes and vehicles of the larger operators we cover. Having dealt with Lloyds, D&G Bus and Arriva, it is now the turn of Stagecoach Merseyside, Cheshire and South Lancs. This will be covered in four parts, depot by depot. We start this month with Preston depot.
We also have the Report of our June Tour to South Cambria. This is accompanied by a few photos from the day.
July 2024 Review
This edition should be dispatched to members during the latter part of the week ending 27th July
In addition to the usual news, regular features and many photographs our article this month is "The Model Bus Federation’s Use of Crosville Vehicles on Tour"
Membership Fees
We are approaching the part of the year when subscriptions are due for renewal. At its recent meeting, the Committee decided to maintain subscription rates at the same level of £27 per annum. Our treasurer would prefer members to pay by bank transfer (BACS) whenever possible and details of how to do so are included on the Renewal Form within the Review. If you are unable to pay by that means, please post your payment to the address provided. We look forward to your early renewal and continued membership.
Duncan Roberts
The Club has learned that Duncan Roberts has recently suffered a stroke and is currently recovering at the rehabilitation centre at Norfolk Park, Sheffield. Our Chairman, John Young has visited him and reports that verbal communication with him was difficult. The long term prognosis is not known. It is also known that he previously did spend some time at a Care Home in Sheffield although he did return to live at home prior to his stroke.
Webmaster - involved in Coach Crash
During a recent holiday to South Africa I and my wife was unfortunately involved in a coach crash. Whilst a couple of the passengers received serious injuries most of us escaped with relatively minor injuries. Further details can be obtained in my Blog at <<LINK>>
June 2024 Review
This edition will be dispatched to members on or before the Saturday 15th June
In addition to the usual news, regular features and many photographs our articles this month comprise a Report of the April Routes Tour using DKB 476. We also conclude our schedules of the routes and vehicles operated by the Arriva group of companies in their North West region with that for Arriva Cymru/Arriva Buses Wales.
Bill Barlow's wife - Marion
Bill Barlow has posted on Facebook that sadly his wife Marion passed away on Sunday 12th in the Arrowe Park Hospital. She was admitted last Tuesday and unfortunately she has not enjoyed good health for a little while. Our thoughts are with Bill at this difficult time for him.
May 2024 Review
This edition will be dispatched to members on or before the Friday 17th May
There are two ad-hoc articles this month. First, one of our long-standing members and very regular Tour participant, shares some of his memories to record the tours he has taken part in. Secondly, Alan Wheeler has been busy trawling through Crosville United and has put together some reports and occasions when Crosville appeared on television together with some other recollections.
There are,of course, the usual news reports, features and many interesting photographs.
April 2024 Review
This edition is being delivered a little earlier this month.
The Deputy Editor offers an apology that unfortunately whilst the Review number indicated is correct at a number of places the wrong month of March is stated.
As well as the usual news reports and features there is the next part of our series examining the main operator’s fleets and services. This time we the Inner Merseyside operations and vehicles of Arriva Merseyside are covered.
Also there is the second (and final) instalment of Bill Barlow’s 1977 Timetable Project and Bill asks members whether they can determine the reasoning behind the order in which he has compiled the itinerary.
March 2024 Review
This edition is due to be delivered to members around Easter.. As well as the usual news Reports and features, this month is the next instalment of the Services and Fleets of the Arriva North West and Wales Group of companies with a detailed look at the “Outer Merseyside” operations. Tony Moyes describes the withdrawal of the final bus operations after very many years from a village not too many miles from his front door. Also, this month, one of our prolific photographers, whose work is regularly featured, has expanded his contribution to the Review by putting pen to paper who describes his day out on Saturday 17 February on the T22 Traws Cymru service.
February 2024 Review
This edition is due to be delivered to members during the week begining February 26th. It will contain Colin Swinson’s second look back at the Reviews of twenty-five years ago as well as Dave French’s extracts from Geoff Crawford’s diaries from February 1954 and 1957.
A short account of the event on 22 January where a number of members met, as arranged, at the Johnny Pye Public House in Heswall to mark the centenary of the purchase of the Pye business on the Wirral by Crosville in 1914.
By way of a complete change to the usual fact-based subject matter of our articles, this month will have the first of a two-part fantasy from the mind of Bill Barlow who takes us on a series of imaginary journeys. Bill explains all in his introduction!
And finally, our collaboration with the Bus Archive calls for some help from the membership at large in identifying locations for a number of Crosville photographs which have been donated from the late Roy Marshall Collection to the Bus Archive. There is therefore a request for assistance.
January 2024 Review
Despite significant problems with finding a suitable new printer the Review should be delivered to members by the end of the month. This edition will include a further review of the routes and fleet of the major operators we cover and this month it will feature Arriva North West. This month also sees the start of a new column featuring the diaries of the late Geoff Crawford. This begins with an introduction by the custodian of Geoff’s diaries – Dave French. An extract from 1954 and 1957 for each month will now appear throughout 2024. A report on the The Chester & Wrexham Charity Heritage Bus Running Day 1 January 2024 is included together with some appropraite photographs. The theme of this month's photographs is Heswall to celebrate the 100 years since Crosville purchased the business of Johnny Pye.
The Club has a new Chairman
At the AGM on 4th November John Young was appointed Chairman of the Club. John has been a member of the Club for some 45 years. He has previously served as Editor with the Club and is a regular valuable contributor to the News Sub Editors and a generous provider of photographs for use in the Review. He currently holds a senior position within the bus industry
Tributes were paid to the outgoing Chairman Peter McGivney and he was thanked for his seventeen years service as Chairman.
Tour Programme
At the AGM a 'draft' Tours and Events programme was discussed. Unfortunately there were no nominations for the post of Tours Officer. This is the only position on the Committee not filled and whilst other members of the Committee make great contribution to the success of the Club's Tours - the meeting recognised that this post needs to be filled. If anyone feels that they can take on these duties please contact the Secretary. In the meantime the draft programme appears below and in the next Review. This programme will be developed with further details added when possible.
December 2023 Review
We have experienced some unexpected printing difficulties but despite this it is hoped that the next 'Review' will be in the post just before Christmas and should arrive sometime around Christmas and before the New Year.
It is possible that January’s edition may be slightly delayed while we resolve the printing problems, so please do not get overly concerned, it will arrive but perhaps slightly later than has been the “norm” recently.
This month there is the Tour Report for the September North Wales Tour using DFG 65 and those of you who were on that trip will have been aware that our member Denis Strange was videoing the proceedings. He has now compiled a DVD of the day and is offering copies to CEC Members.
To conclude the record of the AGM proceedings we have the outstanding Report presented at the Meeting – that of the Chairman, together with the Draft copy of the Minutes of the proceedings, which, as usual, will be presented to the next AGM for Approval.
Another item of non-routine interest is an analysis by Anthony Randall of vehicles used on the extended Cambrian Coast Rail replacement services, whilst the railway line has been closed for the final stage of the renewal of Barmouth viaduct and bridge and which was due to be completed in early December. The vehicles deployed were from a wide variety of operators, some quite distant with an even more interesting mix of vehicle types and sizes. Anthony has compiled a most useful record which will also be of interest in the future and our thanks are due to him.
This month’s Reviews Revisited column will be Peter McGivney’s final contribution, as he has decided that it is time for him to hand over to someone else. Thanks go to Peter for all his work on this column over the years. Should any member wish to take over this column or produce something in a similar vein then would you please let the Editor know.
November 2023 Review
The November Review is expected to arrive with members well before the end of the month
In addition to the round-up of news from around the area there is an Article from Don McKeown on a day trip he recently made between Altrincham and Chester in which he reflects on similar journeys he made in his younger days and entitled “Things ain’t what they used to be”.
Some of the Reports that were presented at the AGM will appear and there will be included a very interesting photograph taken in about 1916 of a large number of the Crosville fleet with their crews.
October 2023 Review
The October Review was posted out to members on Wednesday 18 October.
In addition to the round-up of news from around the area, which in Arriva North West territory is dominated by the closure of Bolton depot in connection with the franchising of routes by Transport for Greater Manchester in that area and a consequent reallocation of many vehicles. Meanwhile within Arriva Buses Wales there was a major reorganisation of services from Bangor to and on Anglesey.
By way of articles, there is the Report of the South Cambria Tour of 10 June and to accompany this a schedule of Lloyds routes and vehicles together with the depots primarily responsible for their operation.
There is also the Club's Statement of Accounts which will be discussed at the coming AGM on 4th November
David Wilder
It is with great sadness that we hear of the death of our friend Dave who passed away on Wednesday 27 September 2023.
He was a long term member of he Club and made a huge contribution being our Chairman between 1996 and 2002.
He had a very successful career associated with the Bus Industry and in particular he was the Assistant District Traffic Superintendent at Crosville’s Edge Lane depot in Liverpool in the early 1970’s.
He has left a legacy to the industry including being the joint author of a respected book on the History of Reliance Motor Services.
A number of our members have already offered a tribute to him and the common theme is that he was a true gentleman.
Deepest sympathy is offered to his wife Jane and to his family and friends.
His wishes were for no funeral and he hoped to be celebrated individually as desired. <<LINK>> to Obituary Notice
Archive
A small team of volunteers under the leadership of the Archivist have been busy making arrangements to remove the contents of the CEC Archive from its home for many years at Taylor Street Museum, Birkenhead. The first consignment has now been transferred to The Bus Archive at Droitwich with a second being prepared prior to closure of the Wirral Tram Museum in early September for about six weeks whilst work is carried out. The site is then expected to be transferred to the control of Big Heritage who have some ambitious plans for it on behalf of Wirral Borough Council. Alternative accommodation on a temporary basis has been secured by the Club at Hooton for the remainder of our Archive pending a determination of some permanent arrangements for it. A further significant quantity of surplus items has been identified for sale and many of these items will be on our Sales Stand at the forthcoming Wirral Bus and Tram Show on 1 October.
A comprehensive update on the Archive will be provided at the AGM in November with the opportunity for a discussion on how the Club might wish to deal with the outstanding artefacts.
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Membership Fees
A reminder to the few who have not yet renewed that Membership fees are now overdue. Don't forget the increase has been kept to a minimum of £1 making the annual subscription only £27.
September 2023 Review
Following the major changes in the scope of D&G’s operations since Arriva’s withdrawal in April, there is a schedule of the routes now operated by the company together with an attempt to identify the depots responsible . Also produced is a current D&G fleet list.
“The Bob Hardy Diaries” is an article compiled by Paul Riley from the diaries which Bob, a Crosville Scheduler, kept from the time of Deregulation.
A well-known club member often referred to in articles and reports was Geoff Crawford. Geoff lived in the Crewe area, was member number 12 and his detailed diaries are the stuff of legend. Many of these gems came to light during the process of sorting out our Archive at Birkenhead. Rather than to just send them to The Bus Archive where they would reside quite safely but unlooked at, the decision was made to pass them initially, at least, to another former Crewe resident, our member Dave French. Dave has found them to be akin to glue and finds great difficulty in putting them down, but has undertaken to go through them and extract some of the interesting facts which Geoff recorded. Dave’s introduction to this most enjoyable task is included this month to keep the Crewe and Cheshire theme going. We will be featuring regular extracts from them in future editions of the Review.
Reviews Revisited, compiled by our Chairman looks at what was happening twenty-five years ago. whilst in contrast another item this month has been entitled We also include one of our occasional extracts from Crosville United, although more strictly this month’s is actually from The Crosville Social Review, the predecessor of Crosville United. It was penned by W J Crosland Taylor himself and describes the very early days of the Nantwich and Crewe operations.
August 2023 Review
In this edition there is the second part of Don McKeown’s experiences driving the Snowdon Sherpa services out of Caernarfon, which takes the story on beyond the initial “experiment” to the time Don left Crosville for pastures new in 1986. Also, there is the long-awaited Tour Report, as recorded by the regular “scribe”, Paul Clayton, of the South East Cheshire Tour on 1 April.
This month there is a 'double' centre colour section
July 2023 Review
This month our photographic content includes several views, past and present, to reflect the operations from the Oswestry depot, which finally closed, with the transfer of services 2/2A/2C to Caego, on Saturday 1 July.
Also, this month, a Retrospect on the depots at Winsford and Macclesfield which includes references to various articles which have appeared in the Review over the years. (Members are reminded that copies of the aforementioned publications can be viewed through the Club’s website and details of how members can access them were provided in June’s edition.)
Following on from the article by Colin Swinson last month, an analysis of Dennis Loline production and a schedule of the ones which ran with North Western has been compiled which appears with a few observations, by Paul Riley, on some of the detail recorded.
The other main article in this edition is the first part of Don McKeown’s experiences driving the Snowdon Sherpa services when he commenced employment with Crosville at Caernarfon. Also, this month is one of our occasional extracts from the pages of Crosville United – this time on the subject of Holyhead depot’s involvement with the Holyhead Lifeboat back in 1948.
Membership Fees
A reminder that the Membership fees are now due. The increase has been kept to a minimum of £1 making the annual subscription only £27.
APPEAL FOR ASSISTANCE WITH MOVING THE CROSVILLE ARCHIVE
We have been requested by Wirral Borough Council to vacate the premises at Taylor Street, Birkenhead in the next few weeks. The Bus Archive have kindly offered to take our folders and files, but we need assistance to move them down the stairs at Taylor St ready to be collected. If anyone is willing to help during the following times, in the last week of June or during the month of July, then please contact Ian Bewley (see contact details in the Review)
Wednesdays: 10:00 to 15:00: Fridays: 10:00 to 16:00: Saturdays: 13:00 to 16:00: Sundays: 13:00 to 16:00
June 2023 Review
The June Review is number 666 therefore several photographs of vehicles which contain three sixes in one form or another will appear. The articles this month include the final schedule, carried over from last month, in the series by Glyn Jones and Tony Moyes covering the SLL class in South Cambria. As Crosville acquired its first Bristol Lodekka (ML661), in April 1953 there is an article taken from Crosville United on this model. Colin Swinson has prepared an article on the Dennis Loline. This was the model that Dennis Brothers were licensed by Bristol Commercial Vehicles to manufacture as an equivalent vehicle to the Lodekka. Lastly there is a short article on the Crosville Staff Magazines and instruction on how members can access copies of such magazines such as Crosville United and also the complete set of previous Reviews.
Membership Fees
The Committee has given consideration to the annual costs of publishing and distributing the Review and these have again risen. In particular postage costs increased by more than ten percent this April and printing costs have also risen but by a lesser amount. Overall therefore Subscriptions have had to be increased but we have been able to keep the increase to just £1 for the forthcoming year (3.85%) making it only £27 for the year. This small increase has been possible through our having a healthy bank balance and a steady membership level plus income from our Sales Stand.
May 2023 Review
This month the Review covers the closure of Arriva North West’s Winsford depot and it’s Macclesfield outstation. Our Service News column updates the record on the future of the routes involved with the closure of these and also Oswestry depot.
Such has been the quantity of contributions from members by way of photographs, news and letters that some material has had to be carried over to next month. We have significantly expanded the pictorial content this month including more colour pages. Photos this month reflect the way that bus companies are marking the events of the day, such as the Coronation and those happening in the 'Crosville' area including the Eurovision Song Contest and the celebrations of Wrexham Football club being promoted.
In addition to our usual round up of news and the regular Reviews Revisited column we have an illustrated article from an Arriva driver recording his final week at Winsford depot and the delayed final part the South Cambria REs by Glyn Jones and Tony Moyes.
April 2023 Review
The April Review was posted on Friday 14th March and should be arriving soon.
Of note, within the usual round-up of news this month we have information on the future of some of the services currently being operated by Winsford, Macclesfield and Oswestry depots. It should be noted that at this stage that they are planned alterations and therefore could be subject to change but are included in the Review for members’ information. We also have news of the “electrification” of TrawsCymru service T1.
We had intended to conclude the resume of REs in South Cambria this month together with a schedule of SLLs that have operated in the area. This has been delayed whilst some of the information is being verified so we hope that it will appear in May’s edition. Instead, we have brought forward an article by Paul Riley entitled “Variations on a Grand Day Out”. We also conclude the series of reminiscences by Hughie Hughes and this final extract is accompanied by a tribute and the record of a presentation made to him on his retirement, on the last day of 1973, also copied from Crosville United. Meanwhile Alan Wheeler has been busy researching the background to “Wardle Bridge” which featured in one of our rear cover photographs in February’s Review. We also have a letter providing further information on the batch of diverted Leyland PD1s from Cumberland and a couple of appeals for help from knowledgeable members so please respond if you can help with these.
Wirral Transport Museum, Birkenhead - Crosville Archive
On March 9th Wirral Council Tourism, Communities, Culture & Leisure Committee made the decision that will see the transfer of the lease for a period of 25 years for the museum premises in Taylor Street, Birkenhead to 'Big Heritage' . This organisation is involved in the management of such tourist attractions as Western Approaches in Liverpool, Deva Roman Discovery Centre in Chester and the Battle of the Atlantic Centre in Birkenhead. This move is expected to save the Council £85,000 per annum which they spent last year in the maintenance of the building and the tramway. The Crosville Archive is currently located within this building and it is still to be determined what effect this will have on the future of the Archive,
Further details are available on the Wirral Council website with background papers and a link to a webcast of the meeting at <<LINK>>
Depot closures
On Monday 27 February both Arriva North West and Arriva Midlands made announcements that they were beginning consultation with a view to the closure of Winsford depot together with the Macclesfield sub-depots and also Oswestry depots. Further details will appear in the March Review.
New Website
The new website was fully launched on 1st March and the old website is now closed and will simply direct visitors to the new site. Any feedback on this new website is welcome - please use the contacts section <<LINK>> or members can contact the Webmaster direct.
March 2023 Review
The March Review is on target to be with readers before the end of the month
We are planning in addition to the normal round-up of news to include articles such as "REs In South Cambria - Part 2" by Glyn Jones and Tony Moyes, a feature of Brodyr Richards / Richards Bros and "The The Cs, Ds and Es " by Hughie Hughes. There will be the usual excellent photographs.
February 2023 Review
The February Review is on target to be with readers well before the end of the month
We are planning in addition to the normal round-up of news to include articles such as "Venturing back into North Wales – August 2022" by Paul Clayton, "REs In South Cambria" by Glyn Jones and Tony Moyes and "The Short and Long Lions" by Hughie Hughes. We also hope to have a bumper edition of photographs.
January 2023 Review
The January Review should be with members well before the end of the month. In this edition the round-up of news reveals much activity and there are plenty of developments and new vehicles planned for 2023.
This month we include a second extract from Crosville United in the “Looking Back” series, this time, covering “Toast Racks, Boats and Open Toppers” from the memoirs of Hughie Hughes and reproduced by our Deputy Editor. We also have an account of John Young’s second excursion into North Wales using a 1Bws ticket, undertaken in September.
The regular “Reviews Revisited” column, compiled by our Chairman, of course starts to look at a new year, 1998, when the Arriva brand had just been introduced and when First Group were considering introducing a corporate livery in place of the various local liveries that had been inherited. Also included this month are the draft Minutes of the AGM held in November and which will be presented formally for adoption at this year’s AGM.
Chester & Wrexham Charity Running Day 2023
There have been some last minute changes to this event and the Chester Park and Ride site near the Chester Business Park will no longer be used. The event will now be based at the Wrexham Bus Station where there will be catering and bus stands. The D1 service will be running through to Chester Railway Station up to every 10 minutes for most of the day.
December 2022 Review
Despite a little hitch with the printing, the December Review is now in the post and subject to any delays by the Royal Mail hopefully it will be with members before Christmas or slightly afterwards. We round off the year by concluding the schedule by Glyn Jones and Tony Moyes of the Leyland Nationals which operated in the South Cambria area. Also included is the report from Paul Clayton on the Club’s final Tour of 2022 to North East Wales on 10 September, to which we have added the notes prepared by Tony Moyes which were distributed on the day. Thanks to Gabriel O’Hanlon we also mark one of two fiftieth anniversaries mentioned in this edition, by a feature on the new Chester Bus Station which opened in December 1972. Also included, for the benefit of members who did not attend the AGM in November, are the various Reports presented to the meeting. The draft minutes will be published next month. As always, we have a round-up of news from around the area and another post bag of Letters to the Editor. Finally, although next year’s Tour and Events Programme is still being compiled, information such as it currently exists, is included in the calendar.
Annual General Meeting
The AGM took place on Saturday 12th November 2022. Full details including the minutes and reports from officers will appear in subsequent Reviews.
The major item discussed related to the Archive. The recent events were outlined and there was a consensus by the meeting to accept the action plan presented by the committee including furthering discussions with the Bus Archive and steps to recover items not currently at Birkenhead.
A major development was that it was agreed to re–establish the post of Archivist and fortunately there was a volunteer, Ian Bewley, and he was duly appointed by the meeting. He will lead matters in deciding the future of the Archive. All the existing officers and committee members were re–appointed but there is still a vacancy for a Tours Officer. As there was no other candidate identified, Ron Hughes agreed to be appointed as Webmaster for the forthcoming year.
November2022 Review
This month there is another forty–page edition. Along with the usual round–up of news, there is a small number of Subsequent Disposals identified by Glyn Jones and the first of what should be an interesting series of articles by Mr Hughie Hughes, one–time Engineer at Rhyl which were originally published in Crosville United, entitled “Looking Back”. One of our members, John Young, has been making use of the 1Bws day ticket and his account of the first excursion he made is included this month. Glyn Jones and Tony Moyes have also been hard at work looking through the records of the South Cambria Leyland Nationals. There is also another bumper post bag this month of members’ letters responding to some of the queries and articles that have appeared in the Review.
October 2022 Review
This month includes …
Further delving into Crosville′s involvement with the railways in mid Wales by Chris Brown,
More from the Bus Archive on Crosville Ticketing, as promised from Phil Drake,
An extract from an industry publication in the mid nineteen fifties on the semi luxury Lodekkas that were received by Crosville
Some historical information from the Editor on his favourite vehicles.
We also have another selection of interesting “Letters to the Editor”.
Our historical photographic content is and will be drawn from a wider source in the future owing to a number of developments, as detailed by our Deputy Editor in his not
September 2022 Review
As well as the usual round-up of news this month we have a variety of items which we hope will interest you: we conclude the article on Crosville Social Clubs, researched by Alan Wheeler, whilst John Roberts, motivated by his listing (published in March’s Review) of the initial Lodekka allocations, has now compiled a similar list in regards to the F types. A few queries exist and we hope that CEC members may be able to help to resolve those. Our photographic content this month complements John’s list. Also included is a selection of images from recent events at Llangollen and Hooton. Meanwhile, Lloyds Coaches has now completed its Fleet Numbering and Tony Moyes has kindly compiled a Fleet List for your information. Tony has also provided a brief summary of vehicles utilised on special services to the recent National Eisteddfod of Wales at Tregaron. Don McKeown enjoyed a week’s holiday in Wales a little earlier in the year and he has written an account of the two days he spent travelling mainly on Lloyds buses. We also have an update on the former Arriva VDLs that made the journey to Poland and Ukraine, reported in the May edition.
History of Buses in Macclesfield – Nub News Bill Barlow has kindly informed us of an item on the Macclesfield Nub News website that features a trip down memory lane with the history of buses in Macclesfield. It includes a number of photos of both Crosville and North Western
The link to the website is << Buses in Macclesfield – Nub News >>
August 2022 Review
In addition to all the regular features there is an article by Iain Cruickshank on the recent South Cambria Tour that took place in June. There will also be included a number of photographs taken by members on the tour.
Also featured is to be the first part of the results of Alan Wheeler’s research into Crosville Social Clubs which no doubt will be of interest to many members, not just former employees.
Review packaging A reminder to members to let us know of any issues experienced with the new packaging that was trialed for the July edition. We are anxious to be able to address any problems encountered before this packaging is regularly used – probably in a couple of months time..
August 2022- Start of the new club year Thanks to all those of you who have renewed your subscriptions. To those who have yet to do so please attend to this as soon as possible – the fee is now due. Don't forget that the membership subscription has been kept to the same amount as last year of £26. Anyone renewing by BACS transfer – please ensure you quote your membership number.
July 2022 Review - The July Review is expected to be with members before the end of the month. It will contain articles continuing with the Wirral theme started last month, with “ More Wirral Memories” from Paul Riley and a feature on one of the pioneers of bus operation on the Wirral, whose acquisition by Crosville paved the way for expansion into Wales, a name probably well-known to many – Johnny Pye!
In addition to our usual round-up of news from the Area, we have another batch of Subsequent Disposals painstakingly extracted from a whole variety of sources by Glyn Jones.
This month our photographic content is very much devoted to the Leyland National, as this year sees its fiftieth anniversary with Crosville’s first example delivered in May 1972.
Look out for the different type of packaging. Please let us know of any issues you experience with this packaging so that we can address any problems encountered.
Tour Bus change The September Tour to North East Wales will not now feature DFG65, as completion of vital engineering work on the vehicle has been unavoidably delayed. ERG3 will be the expected substitute for it. The itinerary will feature some of the Rhyl Local services and possibly a run to Llandudno with time built into the schedule for general observations. Transport from and back to Chester will be as already announced. Details of how to book are contained in the Tours section
July 2022 - After a short period the Website returned following the sudden and untimely death of our webmaster Carl Berry. Whilst contingency arrangements are in hand to keep the website alive a new Webmaster is required. Any volunteers can speak to the Editor, Deputy Editor or Secretary for further information.