AFTER 21 years of restoration, the Nailsworth Boys Club bus is to go on display at the Gloucestershire Vintage and Country Extravaganza next month.

From 1959 to 1978 the bus was used by the Nailsworth Boys Club and the Stroud Vintage Transport & Engine Club (SVTEC) want passengers and drivers to reunite for a trip down memory lane.

The bus is a ‘Bristol J type’ built by the Bristol Tramways & Carriage Company in 1934 for their own use as a 26 seater luxury coach. As luxury coaches weren't needed during World War 2, it was demoted to bus work.

In 1959 it was sold to Nailsworth Boys Club to use as a mobile caravan. The bus became well known in the Stroud Valleys convoying members of the boys club on outings and could often be seen transporting canoes. The club used the bus until June 1978 when it was sold to the Bristol Vintage Bus Group who then spent the next 21 years painstakingly restoring it back to 1947 condition.

A representative from SVTEC said: “We are keen to reunite any former members of Nailsworth Boys Club with the bus at our show, so if any readers remember travelling on the bus or used to drive or maintain it, we'd love to see you at the Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza.

“We are seeking boys club members from 1959 to 1978 that would like a trip down memory lane to come along to the show.”

The Gloucestershire Vintage and Country Extravaganza is at South Cerney Airfield, Cirencester from Friday, August 4 to Sunday, August 6 showcasing many vintage vehicles.

If you were in the Nailsworth Boys Club or you just want more information then contact John Hitchings by email at jhitchingsbus@blueyonder.co.uk.