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Classic Coach Gathering, Gaydon

Sat, 06 Jul

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Gaydon British Motor Museum

90 years of Associated Motorways

Classic Coach Gathering, Gaydon
Classic Coach Gathering, Gaydon

Time & Location

06 Jul 2024, 10:00 – 16:00

Gaydon British Motor Museum, Warwick CV35 0BJ, UK

About the Event

Associated Motorways (AM) was formed in Cheltenham in 1934 and passengers swapped between colourful and luxurious coaches to continue their long distance journeys across the British Isles. The bell rang out daily for the mass departure of the serried ranks of coaches…. until 1984 when the practise ceased. This unique event marks the 90th and 40th anniversaries respectively as well as 60 years since the first Bristol 'RE' coaches entered service for Royal Blue. 

On Saturday 6 July, coaches will assmble from across the country at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon as a special feature of the BusFest being organised by the Transport Museum, Wythall.  This static display will draw wide attention to the Associated Motorways 90th anniversary and the significant coaching heritage including Bristol RE and Royal Blue marques.

These and other coaches will travel 40 miles on to Cheltenham for Sunday 7 July, to create a rolling display reminiscent of the former coaching interchange (at the nearby football ground Whaddon Rd GL52 5NA). There will be trips to the former coach station, its modern incarnation and the railway station, stands and access to football ground facilites.  This  will be the culmination of the weekend celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the formation of Associated Motorways, highlighting the significance of and for Cheltenham over the years. The event will end when the bell rings out once again for a spectacular mass departure. So, will you be there with a chance to ring the bell?? 

Souvenir Programmes

Our souvenir programme contains all the information you need to enjoy the event. There are details of the luxury coaches and their stylish design features redolent of bygone eras.  Articles draw on recollections of key players in the formation and running of Associated Motorways operations through Cheltenham.  There are also details of the trips certain coaches will offer (free of charge) to key transport locations around Cheltenham.

Programmes can be purchased in advance online (£8.00 inc p&p).  They will also be available on the day.

Vehicle Entries

Coach entries are warmly invited, particularly those representing the companies which comprised Associated Motorways

Enter for Gaydon on Day 1, Saturday 6 July - please reference "90 years of Associated Motorways" in the notes.

You can enter for Cheltenham on Day 2, Sunday 7 July online or download an entry form in Word or pdf formats.  

Further details of the coaches entered  for the weekend will be added as the event date approaches.

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