Ryde Social Heritage Group research the social history of the citizens of Ryde, Isle of Wight. Documenting their lives, businesses and burial transcriptions.
RYDE SOCIAL HERITAGE GROUP
Based at Ryde Cemetery Heritage & Learning Centre. Preserving, documenting and promoting the social history of Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
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Group Outing to Bus & Coach Museum

Members looking at the vehicles

On Wednesday 19 April 2017, some of the Ryde Social Heritage Group members met at the Bus and Coach Museum, Park Road, Ryde, where we were welcomed by enthusiastic volunteers.

We were given a most interesting and amusing guided tour of the Buses and Coaches.  It was amazing to see the horse-drawn stagecoach originally owned and operated by the Vanner family known as “Civility,” which is almost intact. The plush cushions and upholstery are at present being restored, and after much dusting with small brushes, the paintwork of the coach can be seen.  One knows from pictures of the post-horn, sounded to alert intending passengers, and also to warn people of the coaches’ approach. It appears  the horn was kept in a wicker sheath, strapped to the rear of the coach, one of the many items to be seen, of a way of life, long gone. Vehicles of different eras, were viewed and reminiscing of people known to have driven the coaches, and travelling on the buses.

A few agile members were seen climbing into the buses and going upstairs.  It was agreed that  it was  a very enjoyable afternoon.

Photographs by David Bushell