VINTAGE buses were seen in Winchester city centre on bank holiday Monday. 

The Friends of King Alfred Buses organised the gathering in The Broadway, with services travelling to Twyford, Stanmore, Sparsholt, Morn Hill, Crawley and Sutton Scotney among others. 

People of all ages were interested in the incredible sights, with some having driven the buses previously.

Hampshire Chronicle: Bus ready for departure in The Broadway

James Freeman, chair of Friends of King Alfred Buses, said: “Today has gone very well, the weather is a bit shadowy but the photographers prefer that. It's the first time we have been able to have a full running day since 2019 as we lost 2020 and 2021.

“This year, it's 100 years since the first King Alfred bus made its journey to Stanmore. All of the green buses have a story to tell.

“It's almost 50 years since the buses ceased to run in the city, in 1973.”

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Driver of one of the Aldershot and District buses, Tim Stubbs, said: “I bought my bus in 1964. I have been coming to this event for the last 15 years. I love attending them, it's great to see so many young families here.”

Hampshire Chronicle: Tim Stubbs and Nick Craig

Bus enthusiasts Les Smith, Colin Granham and Trevor Hiles said they had been to every King Alfred running day and enjoyed taking photos of the buses.

Hampshire Chronicle: L-R: Les Smith, Colin Granham and Trevor Hiles

Les said: “I used to drive the Aldershot buses and then moved to Stagecoach. Buses are a very important part of my life.”

The buses were also stopping at Twyford Waterworks, which was holding its annual spring rally. 

For more information about Friends of King Alfred's Buses, visit kindalfredbuses.org.uk.

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