Help bring back ‘Pals bus’ glory
THE Accrington Heritage Trust has launched a fundraising appeal to restore a vintage bus.
Painted in the blue and red colours of the 11th Service Battalion (Accrington) East Lancashire Regiment, the 1975 Leyland Leopard is one of the last remaining examples of a bus decorated in the colours of the Accrington Pals.
However, the vehicle has fallen into disrepair and the Accrington Heritage Trust is calling on residents to help raise the £14,000 needed to restore it to modern safety standards.
The bus is currently housed at the Town & District Transport Trust in Great Harwood and it is hoped once restored it will be available to tour local historic sites and to be used by schools and other local organisations.
The blue melton and red pinstripe were the dress colours of the Accrington Pals Battalion when it was formed during the First World War.
However, the uniform was unpopular with the soldiers as they said it made them look like tram conductors.
These colours were then adopted by Accrington Transport Committee for their first buses in 1928, along with black window frames.
The number 42 was painted in the livery in 1990 and the bus was withdrawn from service in 1997.
Supporters will receive a specially designed, personalised digital certificate to say thank you, while those donating £100 or more will receive a framed copy in the post.
Alan Pickup, from Accrington Heritage Trust, said: “This would make a cracking gift for someone who wants to help us preserve Accrington’s heritage, both transport and military, for young people to appreciate.
“The framed ones look fantastic and will get us closer to our target.”
To make a donation visit amazingaccrington.co.uk/palsbus/.