WWY 115G
was new to Abbey Coachways of Selby in January 1969. Abbey Coachways have operated 13 Bedford VALS in total, 6 of which aquired from new. There were three Bedford VAL 14 (DWF 50/51C - 1965, KWF 4E - 1967), and three VAL 70 (WWY 114/115G - 1968/69, DWR 116H - 1970). Another seven Bedford VALS were aquired 'second hand' between 1972-77.
WWY 115G remained with Abbey Coachways until 1976, where the coach was sold to Croda Paints as Staff Transport. At Croda Paints, 115 lost it Metalic livery and was painted into a Plain White livery.
After 8 years with Croda, 115 was repurchased by Abbey Coachways, with the idea that the coach would be restored and return back into service. However, the coach lay idle until 1990.
In 1990, WWY 115G was aquired by an member of the Telford Bus Group, whom was in need for a coach. This was made possible with the help of via TBG founder member, P Watts.
Due to personal reasons and other commitments, WWY 115G was sold to 'The Telford Bus Group' in 1991. 115 was brought by TBG with funds raised by the group by selling an similar Bedford VAL, MVM 824G. (Both these VALS were purchased by 'the group', and not individual members.)
Between 1991 and 1994, 115 was used to transport Dance Troupes from Telford, as well as attending many rallies with TBG.
At the end of 1994, Restoration began on 115.
Restoration Details:
The main task for 115 to be taken off the road was to repair the boot as it has become very weak over the years. While off the road, TBG members agreed that the coach should be restored.
For the restoration, parts were aquired from some ex-VALS at Abbey Coachways.
The removal of the panels at the rear revealed some rot and cracks on the Frame Members. We think that during its career it has had a shunt at the rear end.
Later, the Boot was rebuilt with a Steel frame and Plywood for the floor.
Inspection to the Fibre Glass panels at the front and rear of the coach revealed that they were in reasonable condition. Just the one corner required repair, and this task was carried out by member, D Angel.
All of the panels taken off were replaced with new, and most of the exterior work was completed. The coach was then professionally painted due to a donation from S Culverhouse. 115 travelled down to Leominster during January 2000 and returned in March that year. The paint job contained three topcoats over two undercoats and one etch primer. The colour of 115 is as near as Abbeys Coachways as possible.
Also while at Leominster, the engine was professionally Steam Cleaned.
When 115 returned to Telford in March 2000, there was only one more problem with the vehicle, mechanically. As with all Bedford VALS, the brakes were in need of repair. With help from Member, P Emery from Vals Classic Coaches, Staffordshire, the Brake system was repaired.
To complete the exterior the metal trim was replaced onto the side, and a small portion of Black fillet was added, but not completed when the coach returned to the road in 2001.
The interior was in pretty good condition. From Abbey Coachways, we had a full set of headrest covers, but the whole of the interior needed a good, thorough clean.
All of the seats were removed from the coach and given an servere beating, and then refitted. The floor was really bad. Member, J Sergeant had to use eight applications of Industrial Floor Cleaner and another of heavy-duty floor cleaner before the original colour returned. The Formica was given a thorough clean, and other parts like luggage racks were cleaned. Then 115 was ready for the road.
WWY 115G returned to the road for the Bedford Gathering in August 2000, however the coach was not complete. All of the metal chrome on the exterior was fitted apart from the front bumper, as there was several dents in the original and an replacement was trying to be sourced. The display on the side that read "Jervaulx Royale" was missing on the offside as minor touches were being made, original wheel trims were dented and new were being aquired, and most of the fillet was missing on the exterior.
Over the next few years, 115 started to look complete. Wheel trims were aquired during 2001/2002, most of the fillet had been added, besides for the top strip on the nearside, an new bumper was fitted in time for the Bedford Gathering in August 2002, The 'Jervaulx Royale' display was refitted within 2 months, and other minor restoration tasks were completed.
But we thought luck was letting us down when the 115 returned to the road in 2000. While attending the Bus rally at Meadowhall Shopping Centre at Sheffield in August 2000, we encountered two problems. On the way we noticed an 'bulge' had appeared in the O/S front axle tyre. The wheel was changed and we arrived at the rally without further hick-ups. However, it was not plain sailing home. When we were going around an island at Derby, the 2-speed axle became disconnected and left us stranded half way up a hill.
But good luck returned in 2001, when 115 won its first award after restoration into Abbey Coachways Livery at Duxford 2001 as "Best 1960's Single Decker" and again in 2002 in special "Doyen in Class".
The painting on the rear boot lid of WWY 115G was created by artist, and TBG Secretary, S Culverhouse. In 2001, the Abbey was painted on the boot lid, with letters 'Selby' added in 2002, and the contact numbers added and lid varnished by March 2003. A very superb effort if i may say so.
On 27th October 2002, we was planning to go to an event at Wythall. But many of you remember the strong winds and falling trees, well a couple of our members won't forget, when a tree fell through the front windscreen and damaged both the windscreen and the Fibre-Glass surround. A lot of effort and arguments went towards repairing the coach.
115 was due on the road for Sandwell Historical Vehicle rally on 4th May, but she was still uncomplete. But the following week, 115 attended Potteries Rally at the Wedgewood Centre, Stoke-on-Trent.
In 2003 it was agreed that 115 would be sold for restoration work to begin on other Group Vehicles. Therefore the coach was advertised from October 2003. The coach was advertised in Bus and Coach Preservation.
After alot of interest, TBG sold WWY 115G to D.Greatholder of Rugeley in June 2004 for further preservation.
Mr Greatholder has attended many events since aquiring the coach, and has made huge efforts preserving the coach, with alot of help from his wife and son.
On 29th August 2004, WWY 115G won "The Best preserved Bedford" award, followed by "best vehicle" award at POPS rally in May 2005, and "Best Preserved Coach" at Bedford Gathering in August 2005.
In 2007, the 2 speed axle was reinstated on the vehicle, which means that the coach performs even better.
In 2008, D Greatholder added black and chrome number plated to WWY 115G.
Watch out for this superbly preserved coach, and hope D Greatholder all the best for the future events.
If you wish for further inforamtion about this vehicle, e-mail telfordbusgroup@yahoo.co.uk
