A little bit about us.
Here are some of the most popular questions we are asked.
How did you get started?
The Southern Counties Omnibus Collection was formed in August 2012 by a group of friends who were involved in bus preservation. Originally 7681, DMS550 and 7980 had started The Bamford & Sealy Bus Collection being owned by Jake Bamford (7681 & DMS550) and Bernard Sealy (7980). Various buses were added to the fleet over the next few years, namely 5807, T553, 20306, 1178, 5137 and 3131.
DMS550 was sold onto Paul Triptree who was keen to stay involved - as we were keen for Paul and his new bus to be involved with our group too. We were approached by Robin Harrison, who is from the Isle of Wight who wanted to bring his collection of buses under the umbrella. Obviously a name change was now the only answer as we now had vehicles neither owned by Mr Bamford or Mr Sealy! After many months of planning Southern Counties was launched and this our story so far.
DMS550 was sold onto Paul Triptree who was keen to stay involved - as we were keen for Paul and his new bus to be involved with our group too. We were approached by Robin Harrison, who is from the Isle of Wight who wanted to bring his collection of buses under the umbrella. Obviously a name change was now the only answer as we now had vehicles neither owned by Mr Bamford or Mr Sealy! After many months of planning Southern Counties was launched and this our story so far.
So how do you afford these buses?
All of our vehicles are owned and funded by their individual owners as listed on their webpages. The vehicles are in various states of preservation, some being restored and others being 'as withdrawn' condition whilst others are currently in the guise of their last use such as exhibition units. Unlike some groups, we don't aim to have rows of shiny pristine vehicles. Our main priority is to keep what we have on the road and keep them mechanically fit. Anyone who works in the bus industry will tell you that buses don't stay shiny and pristine for long anyway! We tend to go for the realistic 'service' look. A few wonky panels here and there, a tidy but 'in service' interior and sometimes even dust on the outside. Most of our vehicles date from the 1970's which certainly wasn't the happiest of times for the bus industry with service cuts and buses being patched up and sent out so we feel that this is just the right sort of look. Even our buses that aren't on the road are all kept mobile and are given regular romps around the yard in Kent where they live. We are lucky to have such a large off road area we can drive around which helps keep them mobile.
We're very lucky to have a good working relationship with lots of other groups and solo preservationists. The main group we work very closely with is Friends of the East Kent - in fact we share a garage! If we don't take one of our buses to an event it will be one of their buses and visa versa with our buses being used for their events.
We're very lucky to have a good working relationship with lots of other groups and solo preservationists. The main group we work very closely with is Friends of the East Kent - in fact we share a garage! If we don't take one of our buses to an event it will be one of their buses and visa versa with our buses being used for their events.
Where are you based?
At present, our collection is spread across three sites - two in Kent and one on the Isle Of Wight. Long term plans are for the collection to group in one undercover unit which would double as secure storage and workshop facilities. We would also like to look at a unit that would be able to be opened to the public so that our vehicles could be viewed when off the road. Some of the collection is ever on the road at any one time with vehicles being rotated on a yearly basis (except those with defects or under long term restoration.) so that they are seen out and about regularly. We try to attend a varied selection of shows and events, from country fayres to conventional bus rallies. Normally we stick within the Kent area but sometimes we stray into Sussex, Surrey and Essex and we often regularly visit the Isle of Wight - although often without buses in tow!
Can I come and help or see the buses?
We are always on the look out for people to come along and lend a hand. Buses need a lot of looking after and if you feel like you would like to get involved, please CONTACT US. We do not have a membership as we feel that your time can be more valuable than money. If you want to help us IT'S FREE!
Also if you would like to visit the collection please CONTACT US and we will do our best for you view the buses.
Please remember that security is very important to not only bus and coach operators, but also preservationists such as ourselves. Fuel and tool theft is a massive issue and in some cases complete vehicles have been stolen for scrap. If you do come and visit us, please don't share our exact location on social media or the internet.
Also if you would like to visit the collection please CONTACT US and we will do our best for you view the buses.
Please remember that security is very important to not only bus and coach operators, but also preservationists such as ourselves. Fuel and tool theft is a massive issue and in some cases complete vehicles have been stolen for scrap. If you do come and visit us, please don't share our exact location on social media or the internet.