After an absence of some two years the independent transport videos cameras have again returned to record this delightful event organised by the Thames Valley & Great Western Omnibus Trust.  In previous years it was known as the ‘Kingsbridge 7’ 6” Vintage Bus Running Day’ and now in 2025 in its 18^th year it has ‘Come of Age’ as the superb informative programme proclaims! In previous years the event just featured buses and coaches built to that width due to the narrow lanes, but more recently larger vehicles have joined the ranks of the superbly turned out buses and coaches that operate in and around the area of the pretty town of Kingsbridge in Devon on just one Saturday in September.
 
This is the fifth time that our cameras have attended the event to record the operation of over forty preserved buses and coaches in action for you to enjoy as well as one brand new electric double-decker! There are a wide variety of vehicle types and bus companies represented, as you will see in this programme.  Many are from the erstwhile fleets of Western and Southern National, but many more are represented including London Transport.  Again as you would expect, vehicle types are represented mostly by Bristol including H, L, LS, SU, LH, RE, FLF, FS and VRT types, but you will also see other types including AEC, Albion, Beadle-Bedford, Ford, Guy, Dennis, Leyland and Mercedes-Benz. Our filming begins at the start of the event in the centre of Kingsbridge where we record the arrivals and departures of the buses and coaches at the town’s small bus station.  There is a good deal of action as the buses fill up to start their journeys and tussle with the modern day traffic. Our cameras are located roadside, in the bus station and onboard some of the buses, by the cab or travelling with the passengers to complete your experience. 
 
There are three rides to enjoy.  Firstly on board former Exeter Corporation 74 (974 AFJ), a 1960 Guy Arab IV with a Massey H57R body for a ride from Slapton Village on route 93.  We have put a camera on the front bulkhead window, over the bonnet to capture the views and sounds for this spirited ride back to Kingsbridge along the narrow Devon roads.  With lovely views of the sea at Slapton Sands we think you will enjoy the ride!  Our second ride of the day is rather special involving the oldest and newest buses in service at the event.  Our camera is on board 7001 (GO25 ELC), a brand new Wright Streetdeck Electroliner with a low-height sixty-five-seat body built in 2025 and operated by Go Ahead Plymouth Citybus. In front of it, for the 161A route to Churchstow, is 137 (FJ 8967), a 1933 Bristol H with a Bristol B35R body in Western National’s wartime livery.  We travel along the narrow lanes on this ‘silent electric’ bus with 137 travelling in front.  After arriving at Kingsbridge we see both buses passing each other showing how bus design has changed in the 92 years that separate them!  Our third ride is on board C2736 (LHY 976), a former Bristol Tramways Bristol L5G with an ECW two-door 33-seat body dating from 1949. Bristol was unique in operating two-door Bristol L-types, this bus moved from the city fleet to the country fleet but retained its ‘second’ door throughout its service life.  Our cameras travel on this bus on the 108 route to RAF Hope Cove near the village of Soar.  Once back at Kingsbridge we film the final arrivals and departures as this lovely event comes to a close. As usual we would like to thank Colin Billington and his team for organising the 18^th Kingsbridge Vintage Bus Day with the “Reflections of Coming of Age”.