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Former Bus Returns To Island After 50 Years For Restoration

A former Southern Vectis bus is back on the Island to be restored after 50 years on the mainland.

The 1953 Bristol double-decker has joined the Isle of Wight Bus and Coach Museum’s collection, having been donated by enthusiast and collector Derek Priddle.

It was towed from its former home in Surrey by Stag Lane Motors and ferry firm Wightlink also provided the ferry crossings free of charge.

The bus, JDL 40, was sold by Southern Vectis in 1970 and achieved notoriety by overturning near Gatcombe in December 1954.

The picture shows the bus being handed over to Richard Newman, the Hon. President of the IW Bus Museum (centre of picture), by Derek Priddle (right of picture).

While the bus has been on the mainland it was used as site accommodation by a demolition contractor in Wales.

When rescued by Derek Priddle in 1987, it was in use as a storage shed and temporary accommodation in Dyfed.

JDL 40 is one of over 70 Bristol K type buses purchased by Southern Vectis in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

It will be restored at the Bus Museum over a number of years in memory of member and benefactor John Reynolds of Binstead, who died in May 2019.

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