Safeguard Coaches’ centenary celebrations at Guildford Cathedral on Saturday 16 March were enjoyed by over 3,000 visitors from the local and transport communities who were bused to the event on a fleet of 7 heritage vehicles. Safeguard showcased a selection of its fleet, including its three latest acquisitions, at the event.
The sale of limited-edition centenary souvenir booklets and goody bags, a raffle, and a collection resulted in a total of £5,239 being raised for The Fountain Centre on the day. The Fountain Centre was chosen in loving memory of Safeguard’s late Engineering Manager, Brett Lambley.
The history and future of transport were key themes of the whole event which included talks, stalls and activities celebrating bus and coach heritage and also looking to the future. These themes carried through to Safeguard Coaches’ latest acquisitions, which were officially unveiled on the day.
The first is a 1963 Bedford J2 coach with 18 seat Plaxton Embassy bodywork which Safeguard Coaches previously owned and has reacquired after a 55-year absence. The Guildford-based company first acquired the coach with the business of Cookes of Stoughton in 1966.
Registered 644HAA, the coach ran in the Safeguard fleet for two years before being sold on. After a long life she was eventually restored to top condition and was re-acquired by Safeguard Coaches from Steve Dine, owner of Empress Coaches of Hastings.
Steve commented “To see her back with one of her original owners is really rather special. I’m delighted she has returned to Safeguard Coaches, and I am confident she’ll bring a characterful dimension to the events and excursions she’s used for.”
The other new additions unveiled were two brand new 70-seat coaches, representing a total investment in excess of £0.5M by the Guildford-based company. These coaches are the first in the Safeguard Coaches fleet to offer wheelchair accessibility and will in future be seen across the length and breadth of the UK and Europe.
Commenting on their purchase, Managing Director Andrew Halliday said, “These latest acquisitions follow the purchase of five brand new buses recently, and this investment demonstrates the Newman family’s continuing commitment to their company which began 100 years ago with a char-a-banc.”
The day event was followed by a semi-formal evening reception for Safeguard’s staff, customers, friends and associates.