ADVANCING THE EDUCATION OF THE PUBLIC IN THE HISTORY OF PUBLIC ROAD PASSENGER TRANSPORT AND IN PARTICULAR IN THE HISTORY OF THOSE COMPANIES AND TYPES OF VEHICLES OPERATED THROUGH THE THAMES VALLEY AND GREAT WESTERN ROAD TRANSPORT CORRIDORS. CURRENT ACTIVITIES INCLUDE VINTAGE BUS RUNNING DAYS WHERE THE PUBLIC CAN EXPERIENCE BYGONE TRAVEL, RESTORATION OF HERITAGE VEHICLES, AND RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS.
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TV&GWOT offers opportunities for people from all backgrounds, young and old, families and individuals, to enjoy the experience of heritage bus & coach transport. The Trust puts on events across the country fro’ Paddington to Penzance offering free rides on vintage buses on traditional local routes. Through the year, volunteers can share their expertise or learn new skills in vehicle restoration. Others can indulge their memories or questioning minds while bringing order to our extensive archive or undertaking research. Our resulting publications highlight the role of local buses for community life across the decades.
A sustainable public transport system in the 21st century relies on people recognising the benefits and there is nothing like an enjoyable heritage day out to get people thinking. The past offers many lessons for the present whether in the entrepreneurship of the Thames Valley Traction Co. and Great Western Railway Road Motors owners or the evolution of their successor companies through periods of nationalisation and private ownership. The technologies in mechanical, electrical, materials and control systems have evolved, as have the design aspects of the vehicles and associated advertising material, timetables and ephemera.
Beyond running the charity and maintaining the heritage collection which spans from the early 1900s to the present day, it is restoration and archive research projects linked to a transport anniversary which really engage and enthuse people. These demand multifarious skills and, of course, secure funding to ensure the results achieve high standards of authenticity to communicate the past accurately to future generations.
As much as the bus & coach heritage focus, it is the range of opportunities for involvement that the Trust offers which adds so much value to the lives of volunteers and public visitors. By contributing to TV&GWOT you are helping preserve our fine public transport heritage while offering opportunities for education and enjoyment to satisfy many diverse communities and interests.
