On the buses

3:50pm Tuesday 19th August 2008

Transport buffs or any Londoner interested in the capital’s past are in for a rare treat on Bank Holiday Monday when Cobham Bus Museum throws open its doors for an Open Day.

The Museum, normally closed to the public, will be staging one of its popular days where the relics will be dusted down, fired up and giving rides.

Organiser Colin Borg sheds some light on the museum’s past: “It really all started about 20 years ago.

“There were a group of enthusiasts who were collecting buses.

“They were looking for somewhere to keep their buses safe - there was no real thought of turning it into a museum.”

But after housing the vehicles in a warehouse, which interestingly provided the wings for Wellington bombers in its previous guise, the idea sprang to mind.

And Borg reveals the collection has grown rapidly through the years.

He adds: “We have about 20 buses now, right back to a pair of horse buses from the 1880s.

“The older buses are the more popular attractions as when you get to the red buses from the 1930s there is very little difference from the double deckers of the 60s.”

The Museum have linked up with the Great Cockrow miniature railway for the open day, with rides run back and forth to Weybridge Station throughout the day.

And Borg is urging residents to take advantage of this rare look at London’s ‘home of bus heritage’.

Borg adds: “This is the only chance that locals have to come to the museum on their own terms.

“But more importantly they have a chance to ride the buses.

“We do not believe in keeping these locked up in the museum.

“They belong on the road and that is where they really come to life.”

Cobham Bus Museum, Redhill Road, Cobham, August 25, 10am onwards, £5, 01932 868665