The History of the Swindon Vintage Omnibus Society

The Swindon Vintage Omnibus Society was formed in 1968 by a small group

of enthusiast who found such an organisation lacking in Swindon and the

surrounding areas. They began to meet on a regular basis and attended

bus railles in the South & West of England as well as visiting other places

of interest. Having initially purchased an ex-Western National L5G single

decker with beadle read entrance bodywork, Which was later replaced by

an ex-Bristol Omnibus Company KSW6G fitted with Eastern Coachworks

Highbridge bodywork, platform doors and a five speed gear box.

The society decided in June 1979 to look into the possibility of purchasing

an ex-Swindon Corporation vehicle then the oldest vehicle in the present fleet

namely a 1960 Daimler CVG6 with Weymann Orion highbridge bodywork an the

fleet number 112. It was thought such a vehicle would be more representative

of Swindon that our previous vehicles.

              The society's Daimler 112 outside Thamesdown Transports new depot in 2004

112 came into the society's ownership eventually and restored to full running order in

time for the rally season of 1982. Since then 112 has been used each year on society

trips to bus rallies in the South & West of England.

Towards the end of 2004 the owner of ex-Thamesdown Transport Bristol RE 168

JMW168P made it know that he was to sell the vehicle so there was a meeting of the

committee to see if the society was able to purchase the bus.

It was agreed at the 2005 A.G.M and an offer was made for the purchase of 168

thus we now have two vehicles.

The society's Bristol RE 168 at Alton Bus Rally in 2006

Therefore the committee of the Swindon Vintage Omnibus Society trusts that

you will join them in preserving a part of Swindon's history, so making the future

of the society, 112 & 168 one to look forward to.

If you feel inclined to join us click here to download a membership form.

As a member of the society you will receive a bi-monthly copy of "The Waybill"

(the society magazine) in which there are interesting articles on buses, as well

as the latest news from Thamesdown Transport, Stagecoach in Swindon and

many of the other local bus & coach firms.