The Friends of King Alfred Buses (FoKAB) preservation group began its bounce back from December 2023’s fire at a storage facility with the carriage of almost 3,500 passengers on its traditional 1 January running day based on Winchester.
Eight buses owned by FoKAB and four visiting vehicles operated across the former King Alfred Buses network. Secretary David Morgan reports that passenger demand was “extremely heavy” over the centre of the day, with some journeys departing fully loaded.
Part of this year’s event was a direct link between the FoKAB celebration and the Provincial Society’s Ale ‘n’ Ride event in Fareham and Gosport. Programmes designed by Best Impressions were sold at £5 each and almost all those printed were purchased.
Also attracting interest was a book written in 2012 by Stephen Morris on FoKAB’s 1950 Leyland Olympic, which was repatriated from Ireland for restoration. It was one of the victims of the fire in late 2023 that claimed eight preserved coaches and buses.
The book was published to mark the Olympic’s return to service. FoKAB says that “a stack” of copies were sold by its stall at the recent event “as people wanted to know more about this famous bus.”
Speaking about the 1 January running day, FoKAB Chairman James Freeman says: “This was certainly the best New Year’s Day operation that we have experienced for a good many years. The buses performed well, the volunteers did all that was expected of them and more, the passengers came in droves from all around, and a good time was had by all.
“Buses are fun because they are for sharing, and yet everyone’s experience is unique to themselves. After New Year’s Day’s success, we are looking forward to welcoming everybody back to Winchester for our biggest event of the year – the Original King Alfred Running Day on bank holiday Monday 6 May.”
