The King Alfred Running Day, organised by the Friends of King Alfred Buses (FOKAB), happens every New Years Day, and is an amazing opportunity to see and ride on former King Alfred vehicles operating on the old King Alfred services. You can also experience examples of other local operators, and some visitors as well. We've been down to Winchester for a number of years now. Time was when Winchester was largely empty, except for bus enthusiasts, but in recent years, with more and more shops opening, and an Antiques Fair, it's become quite busy. How strange, though to see mild, sunny weather! We've known it bitterly cold and frosty, we've also known torrential rain, but for once it was a nice day, although the wind grew cold in the afternoon. It was William's first bus event, and we didn't fancy manhandling a pram on and off buses in the crowds, so for once we stayed in town, which limited my photographic endeavours. Here are some snaps of the day, which I hope capture something of the atmosphere.
This Leyland Tiger Cub is always a popular ride at King Alfred running days.
I can count on one hand the number of Leyland Panthers I've ridden, King Alfred's pair in operation is a wondrous sight.
Growing up in City of Oxford territory, I used to be very familiar with AEC Renowns - but not green and cream ones.......
You can see more than King Alfred buses at the Winchester running day. Two Aldershot and District AEC Reliances attended, and one is seen here passing what is actually a former Newport Scania which serves as a representative of the type as used by King Alfred.
The crowd showed great interest in this Leyland Titan, seen here leading a Hants and Dorset Bristol LL and one of the AEC Renowns
Along with the Royal Blue coaches visiting Winchester was this Bristol MW of Bristol Greyhound
It'll be just my luck if he grows up to be a trainspotter! The other star of the picture is a former Crosville Bristol L