Wakes Services Limited

Wakes Services Limited

Document 1 of 3 - January 1964 - December 1969

The research into the Wakes Services Limited fleet of Sparkford and Wincanton was completed in April 2011 mainly by Paul Welling and Michael Wadman with support from Roger Grimley and Ian Trotter.

R E Wake started operating in 1930 and further research and a book are being written on this period before Wakes Services Limited was established in January 1964. Roger Grimley has recently published his book with the full story of "Wakes - The Early Years (1930 - 1964)".

In January 2000, South West Coaches was established and Hulbert’s of Yeovil took over Wakes Services Limited and combined the operations. Some of the Wakes vehicles are still running today. Wherever possible we have accurately tried to trace and seek permission from the owners of different vehicle pictures.

You can find Groups on the photo sharing site Flickr for both Wakes Services and South West Coaches:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/1524665@N20/

http://www.flickr.com/groups/1586906@N24/

If you have any information updates or want to get in touch, please contact Paul Welling by email:

welling.paul@yahoo.com

KYB 576

Ian Trotter

KYB576

Countrybus.co.uk – Peter Brown

KYB576 damaged in Wake’s Wincanton depot in 63

History

· Dec 48 – New to Wake, Sparkford

· Nov 64 – Withdrawn after accident and scrapped

Technical information

· C35F

· Chassis – Dennis Lancet III 447J3

· Body – Duple A 47187

KYD 771

Ian Trotter/R Marshall Bristol Vintage Group

KYD771

Ian Trotter/P Yeomans

KYD771

History

· Jun 49 – New to Wake, Sparkford

· Feb 67 – Acquired by Shirley, Meriden (D)

Technical information

· C33F

· Chassis – AEC Regal III 9621E742

· Body – Burlingham I

LYA 449

David Gillard (Ian Trotter)

LYA449 in Yeovil in Jul 61

R Marshall, Bristol Vintage Bus Group (Ian Trotter)

LYA449

History

· Jul 49 – New to Wake, Sparkford

· Jan 68 – Withdrawn

· Dec 68 – Scrapped at Trowbridge

Technical information

· L28/27R

· Chassis – AEC Regent III 9612E5421

· Body – Reading

MYA 524

LEAD Technologies Inc. V1.01

Peter Relf – Wakefield Files

MYA524 at Sparkford

David Beardmore

MYA524 in Audley by Top on 4 Nov 07

History

· Jul 50 – New to Wake, Sparkford

· Apr 71 – Withdrawn

· By Nov 81 – Acquired by George, Hare Street, for preservation

· By Dec 90 – Acquired by Sworder, Walkerm, Herts

· By Feb 91 – Acquired by Hunter, Tarleton, preservationist, for spares

· By Feb 06 – Acquired by Atkin, North Owersby preservationist for spares

Technical information

· C29F

· Chassis – Bedford OB 140818

· Body – Duple Vista II 48070

MYA 525

Countrybus.co.uk – Peter Brown

MYA525

History

· Jul 50 – New to Wake, Sparkford

· Apr 71 – Withdrawn

· Jun 71 – Acquired by Warren, Ticehurst (not used)

· Feb 78 – Acquired by Lemon, Banstead (for preservation)

· Mar 85 – Acquired by Banstead Coaches, Banstead (for preservation)

· Jul 96 – Acquired by Andrew Higgs, Cheltenham (for spares) or possibly restored

Technical information

· C27F

· Chassis – Bedford OB 141556

· Body – Duple 56478

RYB 496

P Yeomans (Ian Trotter)

RYB496 at Wincanton

History

· Jun 54 – New to Wake, Sparkford

· Jan 69 – Withdrawn

Technical information

· C38F

· Chassis – Bedford SBO 27461

· Body – Duple Vega 54 1051/87

RYC 496

History

· May 54 – New to Wake, Sparkford

· Sep 72 – Withdrawn

Technical information

· C38F

· Chassis – Bedford SBO 27121

· Body – Duple Vega 54 1051/142

TYD 888

David Gillard (Ian Trotter)

TYD888 in Jul 65

Countrybus.co.uk – Peter Brown

Castle Cary in 63

History

· May 55 – New to Wake, Sparkford

· May 74 – Acquired by Gunn, South Petherton (Safeway)

· Dec 79 – Acquired by West of England Transport Collection, Winkleigh

· 80 – Acquired by George et al, Edinburgh, for preservation

· By Dec 87 – Acquired by Gascoine, Edinburgh, for preservation

· By Sep 95 – On loan to Scottish Vintage Bus Museum

Technical information

· C43F

· Chassis – AEC Reliance MU3RV390

· Body – Duple Elizabethan 225/1

VYC 571

Ian Trotter/R Marshall Bristol Vintage Group

VYC571 at Sparkford

History

· May 56 – New to Wake, Sparkford

· Apr 63 – Converted to SB1 spec (i.e. Bedford engine vice Perkins)

· Jun 72 – Withdrawn after two accidents (Jan 70 and Jun 72)

Technical information

· C41F

· Chassis – Bedford SBO 43767

· Body – Duple Vega 1060/150

KDD 846

Roger Grimley Collection

KDD846

John Wakefield Files

KDD846 at Newport being restored

History

· Nov 50 – New to Miller, Cirencester

· Nov 56 – Acquired by Wake, Sparkford

· By May 81 – Acquired by Alldis, Wimbledon, for preservation

· By Dec 82 – Acquired by Hoskin, Blackwood, for preservation

· By Jun 88 – Acquired by Ball, Bristol (Eagle Coaches) (not operated)

· Oct 89 – Lewis, Llanvihangel Crucorney, Gwent for preservation

Technical information

· C27F

· Chassis – Bedford OB 144940

· Body – Duple Vista II 56238

813 BYB

Robert F Mack (Ian Trotter)

813BYB at Sparkford

Mr Candy (Ian Trotter)

813BYB at Sparkford in May 66

History

· May 58 – New to Wake, Sparkford

· Jan 74 – Withdrawn

· By Apr 78 – Scrap yard near Somerton

Technical information

· C41F

· Chassis – Bedford SB1 63145

· Body – Duple Vega 1090/235

14 BYB

Ian Trotter

14 BYB at the Sparkford Depot

History

· Jun 58 – New to Wake, Sparkford

· 73 – Acquired by Chilton Cantelo House School

Technical information

· C41F

· Chassis – Bedford SB1 63235

· Body – Duple Vega 1090/238

GBY 567

Roger Grimley Collection

GBY567

History

· 47 – New to Bennett, Croydon (no. 2)

· ? – Acquired by Withers, Gillingham (Grosvenor)

· Nov 58 – Acquired by Wake, Sparkford

· Jan 66 – Acquired by Lewis, Stalbridge

Technical information

· C29F

· Chassis – Bedford OB 57469

· Body – Duple Vista IA 44524

273 EYA

History

· Jun 59 – New to Wake, Sparkford

· May 78 – Acquired by T S Mantle Sea Cadets

Technical information

· C41F

· Chassis – Bedford SB1 70219

· Body – Duple Super Vega 1105/419

718 FYA

Paul SA Redmond

718FYA in the garage (YRV301 left)

History

· Oct 59 – New to Wake, Sparkford

· May 66 – Acquired by Watts, Isle Brewers

Technical information

· M12R

· Chassis – Austin J2VA 49641

· Body – Kenex

500 FYC

Ray Cuff (Ian Trotter)

500FYC

History

· Dec 59 – New to Wake, Sparkford

· Nov 78 – Withdrawn

· By Feb 82 – Converted to mobile caravan

Technical information

· C41F

· Chassis – Bedford SB1 74996

· Body – Duple Super Vega 1120/188

KHU 623

David Gillard

KHU623 in Jul 61

David Gillard

KHU623 at Sparkford in Sep 65 (RYB496 right)

History

· Sep 47 – New to Bristol Tramways & Carriage Co. Ltd L4102

· Oct 51 – Gardner engine replaced by AEC 7.7

· Jul 59 – Acquired by Say, Hardwicke, Gloucester

· Jun 60 – Acquired by Wake, Sparkford

· Dec 65 or Feb 66? – Withdrawn

Technical information

· L27/28R

· Chassis – Bristol K5G (AEC) 64027

· Body – ECW 1590/2

336 KYC

Roger Grimley Collection

336KYC at Wincanton

R Marshall, Bristol Vintage Bus Group (Ian Trotter)

336KYC at Sparkford

History

· Feb 61 – New to Wake, Sparkford

· Aug 78 – Withdrawn

Technical information

· C41F

· Chassis – Bedford SB1 85439

· Body – Duple Supa Vega 1133/38

YRV 140

Michael Wadman

YRV140 at Wincanton in 1975

YRV140 at Glastonbury Festival in 90

http://www.travellerhomes.co.uk/?p=937

History

· Jan 62 – New to Byng’s, Southsea, Portsmouth

· Jan 63 – Acquired by Wake, Sparkford

· By Dec 82 – Withdrawn

· By Jun 86 – Converted to mobile home

Technical information

· C41F

· Chassis – Bedford SB5 89532

· Body – Duple Super Vega 1145/230

YRV 301

Ian Trotter

YRV301 next to LJB693E

History

· Jan 62 – New to Byng’s, Southsea, Portsmouth

· Jan 63 – Acquired by Wake, Sparkford

· By Mar 83 – Withdrawn

· By Aug 88 – Converted to mobile home

Technical information

· C41F

· Chassis – Bedford SB5 89545

· Body – Duple Super Vega 1145/232

The following vehicles after this point were acquired after the creation of Wakes Services Limited in Jan 64

561 WYA

Roger Grimley Collection

561WYA at Sparkford

History

· Feb 64 – New to Wake, Sparkford

· Aug 68 – Acquired by Simpson SE20, London

· May 73 – Acquired by Austerfield SE20, London

· Oct 77 – Broken up for spares

Technical information

· C52F

· Chassis – Bedford VAL14 1164

· Body – Duple Vega Major 1172/18

312 KYC

Ian Trotter

312KYC

History

· Mar 61 – New to Bowerman,Taunton

· Dec 64 – Acquired by Wake, Sparkford

· By Jul 82 – Withdrawn

· ? – Acquired by?

· By Aug 83 – Converted to mobile home

Technical information

· C41F

· Chassis – Bedford SB1 87193

· Body – Duple Super Vega 1133/349

CYC 669C

R Marshall, Bristol Vintage Bus Group (Ian Trotter)

CYC669C

G Lumb (Ian Trotter)

CYC669C at Yeovil Pen Mill Station

History

· Mar 65 – New to Wake, Sparkford

· Sep 72 – Acquired by Walker, Wiveliscombe (Wivey Coaches)

· Mar 79 – Acquired by Harding, Bagborough

Technical information

· B39F

· Chassis – Bedford SB5 96722

· Body – Strachan 52187

FYC 126C

Ian Trotter

FYC126C in Sparkford on delivery in 65

R Marshall, Bristol Vintage Bus Group (Ian Trotter)

FYC126C in Sparkford

History

· Dec 65 – New to Wake, Sparkford

· By Jul 89 – Withdrawn

· ? – Acquired by Gantley

· Last taxed to the end of Jun 94 (listed as non PSV rate) assumed to have been used as a mobile home

Technical information

· DP45F

· Chassis – Bedford VAM5 1029

· Body – Willowbrook CF1272

In 1965, Wakes won the contract for the main replacement bus service for the Somerset & Dorset Railway, from Glastonbury to Blandford. At the last moment, however, Reggie Wake had second thoughts and withdrew his licence application. The contract had to be retendered and was eventually awarded to Somervale Coaches; as a result not only was the closure of the railway delayed for two months, but so was D (for Diesel) Day on the Western Region, the date when steam was supposed to have been eliminated on the Region.

Wakes had ordered three Bedford VAM5 / Willowbrook to operate the service; instead they were generally used on the main Yeovil - Shepton Mallet service, and, as they were fitted with coach seats, on excursions at weekends and during the summer.

FYC 127C

Ray Cuff (Ian Trotter)

FYC 127C in Sparkford on 26 Apr 70

History

· Dec 65 – New to Wake, Sparkford

· Jul 75 – Withdrawn

· Jun73 – Acquired by Partridge, Garndiffaith

· ? – Acquired by Peter Smith, Garnswllt near Ammanford

· Jan 79 – Acquired by Lewis ,Maenclochog, West Wales

· By Jul 86 – Acquired as mobile caravan, Ringwood

Technical information

· DP45F

· Chassis – Bedford VAM5 6801391

· Body – Willowbrook CF1273

HYC 624D

History

· May 66 – New to Wake, Sparkford

· Jun 70 – Withdrawn

· 76 – Acquired by Marsh's Coaches, Wincanton

· By Jan 80 – Disposed of

Technical information

· M11F

· Chassis – Bedford CALZ 6319023

· Body – Martin Walter

JYC 600D

R Marshall Bristol Vintage Group (Ian Trotter)

JYC600D at Yeovil Bus Station

History

· Jul 66 – New to Wake, Sparkford

· Aug 73 – Acquired by Knightswood, Watford

· ? – Acquired by Pandora Holidays, St Leonards

· Sep 78 – Acquired by Budden, Woodfalls

· Feb 79 – Seat store

· Jul 81 – Sold for scrap

Technical information

· C52F

· Chassis – Bedford VAL14 6804400

· Body – Duple Vega Major 1202/20

FUJ 54D

Roger Grimley Collection

FUJ54D

History

· 66 – New to Evans, Minsterley

· Feb 67 – Acquired by Wake, Sparkford

· Aug 76 – Acquired by ?

Technical information

· C45F

· Chassis – Bedford VAM5 6822946

· Body – Duple Bella Venture 1205/224

JNT252E

Stephen Purkiss (Paul Welling)

JNT252E at Yeovil Bus Station in service with Wakes c72

History

· 66 – New to Phillipson of Goldthorpe Rotherham trading as Dearneways in 1966 as LWY820D and not operated

· Apr 67 – Acquired by Whittle Highley who re-registered it as JNT252E

· Feb 68 – Acquired by Wakes, Sparkford

· Nov 73 – Acquired by Brutonian

· Jan-78 – Acquired by Kingsforth (dealer),

· Apr 78 – Acquired by Thistle, Doncaster

· Apr 79 – Withdrawn and presumed scrapped

Technical information

· B53F

· Chassis – Bedford VAL14 1687

· Body – Willowbrook (Duple Midland) CF1111

Information

JNT was originally delivered to Phillipson of Goldthorpe Rotherham trading as Dearneways in 66 as LWY820D. (Not Phillips of Shiptonthorpe which was a different operator). Phillipson didn't use the vehicle and it was sold to Whittle of Highley in Apr 67 who re-registered it as JNT252E.

Although JNT has a Willowbrook body, the badge on the radiator grille is definitely a Duple badge. The PSV Circle show it as Duple Midland. Wake's bought it to replace the last Wake's double-decker LYA449 an AEC Regent III with Reading L27/27R bodywork which was withdrawn in Jan 68. The Bedford VAL had 53 seats the decker 54! Although there were many coach bodied VALs bus bodied examples were comparatively rare. With the introduction of one man operation on the main route from Yeovil to Shepton Mallet when the double deckers were finally withdrawn in 68, the usual vehicles to be found on this service was JNT252E. The second bus was usually one of the two dual-purpose VAMs with Willowbrook bodies, FYC 126/127C.

GDF 469D