The Eastern Counties Bus Preservation Group CIO 1188658

All about the group, founded in 2019.

The Eastern Counties Bus Preservation Group was established to preserve and restore historic commercial vehicles for the advancement of historical, technical and general education. In addition to vehicles, we actively safeguard artefacts and records of historical and educational value, ensuring that the rich transport heritage of our region is protected for future generations.

Our particular focus is the 1990s era of Eastern Counties bus operations, especially the period surrounding deregulation, the Grampian Regional Transport takeover, and the formation of First Bus. Alongside our vehicles, we hold a substantial collection of artefacts from this period, including material relating to Great Yarmouth Transport, Eastern Counties, First Eastern Counties and the well-known “Flying Banana” era.

The group was formed in November 2017 by Jamie and Kaylee Vendy. Our first vehicle, and now our flagship, was S574TPW — a 1999 Scania L94UB with Wrightbus Axcess Floline bodywork. Purchased from Connexions Buses, this vehicle marked the beginning of the collection and remains a centrepiece of the group.

In May 2019, N619GAH, a 1995 Mercedes-Benz 609D, joined the fleet in rather unexpected fashion. We had originally approached OR Jones about the vehicle in January of that year, but it had already been sold. However, in early May the opportunity arose once again — and 240 faultless miles later, the minibus arrived safely at our Cambridgeshire base.

July 2019 saw the arrival of P330RVG, a 1997 Volvo B10M coach acquired from Lynx Bus. Initially laid up, it served as secure storage for group parts until late 2022.

With three vehicles privately owned at that stage, Jamie and Kaylee formally established
The Eastern Counties Bus Preservation Group. During the winter of 2019/2020, the decision was made to apply for charitable status. Registration with the Charity Commission for England and Wales was granted in March 2020 (Charity No. 1188658), just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In early 2020, LN274 (YYE274T), a 1979 Leyland National, joined the collection after several years out of service. Initially jointly purchased by Wesley Tierney and Ryan Charlton, ownership transferred fully to the group in summer 2021.

The summer of 2020 proved far from quiet. We recovered 329 (CVF29T), a 1979 Bristol VR double-decker, for restoration. New to Great Yarmouth Transport in 1979 and later operated by First Eastern Counties (Blue Bus), it had spent nearly two decades serving as a summer house in North Norfolk before joining us.

In 2022, fleet number 705 (S664SNG) entered preservation after several years in storage in Surrey and is currently housed in dry storage. Later that year, D70TLV (fleet number B798) was also acquired following a prolonged period stored near Bedford.

Early 2023 saw the acquisition of WEX685M, formerly of Great Yarmouth Transport. Although it spent a brief period with First Eastern Counties during 1996/97, it retains the Great Yarmouth Transport livery it carries today, complete with its distinctive First emblem detail in the rear window.

Beyond vehicle preservation, we are also proud organisers of The Big Bus Show, an annual event celebrating historic and modern buses, bringing together enthusiasts, operators and the local community in support of transport heritage and education.

The group is led by husband-and-wife team Jamie and Kaylee Vendy and is supported by two trustees, whose combined dedication ensures the continued preservation and promotion of Eastern Counties’ transport history.