ALMOST 3,500 free tickets were issued to happy passengers who helped the Friends of King Alfred Buses (FoKAB) start the New Year in style.
Eight King Alfred buses, supported by four visiting vehicles, operated across the one-time King Alfred network from The Broadway on Monday, January 1. Programmes, designed by Best Impressions, costing £5 each nearly sold out.
A popular innovation this year was the introduction of a direct link between the King Alfred celebration and the Provincial Society’s Ale’n Ride event based in Fareham and Gosport.
David Morgan, FoKAB secretary, said: “Demand was extremely heavy between around 11am and 2.30pm, with some journeys fully loaded before leaving The Broadway."
READ MORE: Photos show Friends of King Alfred Buses vintage fleet in Winchester
One bus that couldn’t be part of the day’s operations was the 1950 Leyland Olympic JAA 708, which was irreparably damaged in a fire last month. The FoKAB stall sold a stack of Stephen Morris’ book The Return of the Leyland Olympic, which was published to mark its launch in 2012.
James Freeman, chairman of FoKAB, said: “This was certainly the best New Year's Day operation we have experienced for a good many years. The buses performed well, the volunteers did all that was expected of them and more, the passengers came in droves from all around and a good time was had by all.
“Buses are fun because they are for sharing and yet everybody's experience is unique to themselves. After New Year's Day’s success we look forward to welcoming everybody back to Winchester for our biggest event of the year, the Original King Alfred Running Day on Bank Holiday Monday, May 6.’
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here