Unicorn have taken delivery of a brnd new Yutong T122HDH - UN24ORN
It looks absolutely stunning. It is fully PSVR compliant with a wheelchair lift.
March 22, 2026
P and O Lloyd, Bagillt, Holywell
A third Caetano Levante has joined the fleet. It is BK14LDZ a Volvo B9R / Caetano Levante (C48FLt). It was new in April 2014 to Bennett ,Gloucester; in 10/20 it was with Sovereign, Willenhall
Keane's Coaches (DPK Commercials) Eryrys
The latest Levante to join the Keane's fleet is FJ61EVP
It is a Volvo B9R / Caetano Levante (C48FLt) It was new in September 2011 to Galloway, Mendlesham [301] wher it was used on National Express work. In 9/24 it was with Bentley of Buxton
March 1, 2026
Pats Coaches, Southsea, Wrexham
V11PPC the Van Hool TX16A Acron has been converted back to a 40 seater with tables and a kitchen. It is being used for prestige hire such as the Wrexham FC ladies team and is also available for executive work.
RO71KUW (recently PC71PAT) has returned to the fleet after a short period with GM Buses. Unfortunatly its first duties has been to donate some urgent parts to the accident damaged service bus PC74PAT to enable it to return to work the 146 Wrexham to Whitchurch service.
Left the fleet - OOC884 Volvo B7R / Plaxton Profile C70F which has gone to an operator in Telford. It is likely to be re-registered back to KX56OVF
GM Buses, Ruthin
The Iveco / Ilesbus RO71KUW has returned to Pats Coaches and was not used on service on the 2 Ruthin to Mold route.
From 23rd February the 2 Mold to Ruthin route via Llanarmon-yn-Ial, Eryrys, Maesafn has now been converted to the 22 Llanarmon fflecsi service. Anyone travelling on this service must now contact fflecsi by either using an app or by making a telephone call to the fflecsi call centre. It is also no longer possible to travel from Ruthin to Mold or from Mold to Ruthin.
The firm have had on demonstartion loan CU75AZW which is a Mercedes Benz Sprinter 517CDI with a 22 seat VIP Cento Bus body.
Unicorn Travel, Wrexham
Left the fleet is SK02OZJ the Scania K114EB4 / Irizar Century II. It has gone for scrap or spares to Davies Motors, Ruthin. It came from Coopers Tourmaster in their livery in May 2024 to Pats Coaches and came to Unicorn last July.
Keane's Coaches (DPK Commercials) Eryrys
Another Caetano Levante has joined the fleet with another on its way.
Arrived is FJ61EYG a Volvo B9R with a C48FLT body which was new in February 2012 to Premiere, Nottingham; (9/13) Durbin, Patchway; (1/14) Edinburgh Coach Lines, Edinburgh; (2/15) Galloway, Mendlesham, Suffolk; (9/24) Bentley, Buxton
February 5, 2026
Pats Coaches, Southsea, Wrexham
PC22PAT has been given the new Leger 'silver' Livery form the previous blue livery that it has had form new. The work being expertly undertaken by K C Bodywork who are located at the Pas Coaches depot.
The firm have currently on loan CU75AZW which is a Mercedes Benz Sprinter 517CDI which has a 22 seat VIP Cento Bus body. It is a demonstrator and is staying longer than originally intended as it is being used in place of vehicles that have had to be used on the 146 Whitchurch service as the service bus on that route is currently off the road.
GM Buses, Ruthin
G M Buses Limited (David McAulay) is now operating the 2 Mold to Ruthin service that goes via Llanarmon-yn-Ial, Eryrys and Maeshafn.
Until 22nd February the service will continue with the same timetable as operated by M and H Coaches. After that date the route is becoming partly demand responsive Exactly how this will work does not yet appear to be published in the public domain.
The vehicle mainly being used by G M Buses Limited is RX18LNH which is a 15 seater Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 516CDI with EVM bodywork. It was new in June 2018 to Arriva Merseyside as their fleet number 1023 and was used on the 'Click' service at Speke. It later in August 2020 went to the Runcorn depot. In July 2025 it went to Presidential in Bootle.
Keanes Coaches (DPK Commercials), Eryrys
A very recent arrival is NCZ855 a Scania K410EB6 / Caetano Lavente II ( C85L)
It was new in August 2014 to National Express. (7/23) with Jason Edwards, Iver; (11/23) with Endeavour, Aston; (7/25) with Nash, Handsworth.
Originally registered BK14LGF and was C57FT. Converted to 85 seats by November 2024.
Further coaches have now been given the distinctive fleet livery including the latest Tourismos and the mini buses.
January 19, 2026
Darren Beacher - Beachers Coaches Alltami
Darren has changed his coach and now has YJ14CFL which is a Van Hool TX15 / Van Hool Alicron TX (C42Ft) It was new in March 2014 to Fishwick,Leyland; (4/16) with Mid Wales, Penrhyncoch (CW) and (8/22) with Bibby, Ingleton, North Yorkshire from where it came.
(Photos courtesy of Darren)
His former coach YJ11GHY a Van Hool T915 / Alicron T9 which he has had from February 2019 has gone to Bus & Coach Services, Cork, Ireland 12/2025.
P and O Lloyd, Bagillt, Holywell
The firm have recently acquired two Caetano Levantes.
(Photo courtesy Richard Hughes)
BX65WCM arrived in December and is a Volvo B11R / Caetano Levante II (C48FLt) . It was new in January 2016 to John Shaw and Son (The Travellers Choice), Carnforth who were the last operators.
(Photo courtesy David Lloyd)
FJ60HXX is a Volvo B9R / Caetano Levante (C48FLt). It was new in December 2010 to National Express [C114]; (1/20) Llew Jones, Llanrwst [not used]; (2/20) Sovereign, Willenhall; (8/21) West Yorkshire Travel, Cullingworth; (6/23) Bridgnorth Bus & Coach, Wilden; (5/25) Moffat & Williamson, St Fort
GM Buses, Ruthin and Pats Coaches
PC71PAT, the Iveco IS72C12DA / Ilesbus (C29FL) has been sold bv Pats Coaches to GM Buses of Ruthin and is likely to be used on the 2 Mold to Ruthin service via Llanarmon-yn-Ial, Graianrhyd, Erryrys, Maeshafn which is changing operator from M and H Coaches of Trefnant to GM Buses on 26th January. It has lost its cherished number and regained its original number of RO71KUW
January 8, 2026
Pats Coaches - Wrexham F C Supporters Coach line Up
A wonderful sight on New Years Day about to leave for the Blackburn away match outside the Wrexham FC Racecourse / STōK Cae Ras ground were nine coaches (7 Pats and 2 Unicorn) led by the 'Lager Bus' Tourliner OU17DRN
New Years Day Wrexham and Chester Charity Bus Running Day
The Annual New Year's Day charity event was held again mainly centred at the King Street Bus Station.
It was an extremely enjoyable day - apart from the weather which was quite wet and at times very cold.
Well over 20 buses and coaches were involved in the three routes with a number of other vehicles being seen at the Bus Station. About 50 return journeys were available for enthusiasts and public alike to enjoy.
I am not going to list every vehicle seen but some favourites of the day appear below:-
Former Crosville DFG65 (875VFM) owned by Clive Myers
Former Crosville and Crosville Wales EOG207 (C207GTU) owned and driven by Andy Hamer
Former Chester City 99 (YMA99W) owned and driven by Matt Davies
Former Stockport 93 (MJA893G) Leyland PD3/13 - East Lancashire (H38/32F) owned and driven by Simon Alexander.
Delaine
Leyland Atlantean / Willowbrook (H44/32F)
60 (DTL489D).
Unfortunately was not able to ride on this - but looked excellent.
January 6, 2026
Keith Davies, Pats Coaches
Monday 30th December was the day of the funeral of my friend Keith Davies of Pats Coaches.
An indication of the respect and regard that he earned was shown by the vast amount of people that attended the funeral at Pentrebychan. The Chapel and the out buildings could have been filled five times over with the mourners attending. The Car Park was full to overflowing and also two coaches brought many others.
There was a floral tribute in the shape of a coach
Also led by Ben Lewis a tribute was made by his drivers lining up coaches in the yard with a special message on the destinations. I believe the hearse drove past these coaches en route to Crematorium. He would have liked and been touched by this.
A mighty man in the Bus Industry, a person who was a privilege to know and someone who will be greatly missed by very many. Thoughts continue to be with his family.
P and O Lloyd, Bagillt, Holywell
The latest to join the P and O Fleet is FJ60HXX a Volvo B11R / Caetano Levante II
It was new in January 2016 to John Shaw and Son (The Travellers Choice), Carnforth from who was its last operator.
It is believed that joining this new vehicle shortly will be another Levante FJ60HXX
December 20, 2025
Pats Coaches, Southsea, Wrexham
Two coaches have left the fleet this month - both have gone to Llew Jones, Llanrwst
405UPJ / BU18YRX Mercedes Benz Tourismo M2 (C53FT) It was new to Pats in June 2018 and originally had Leger Silver Service livery but was changed to Shearings in October 2020. It later reverted back to Leger Silver livery in 2022. It has reverted to its original number BU18YRX
K7WXM / KX56OVG Volvo B7R / Plaxton Profile (C70F) It was new in January 2007 to Corbel, Edgware and came to Pats in November 2020. IT has also reverted to its original number.
December 17, 2025
Unicorn Travel, Llay, Wrexham
Left the fleet is N268PTL Volvo B10M-62 Plaxton Premier 320 C49FT. It came to Unicorn in September 2023 and was given the name Nora. It has gone to Davies Motors, Ruthin
Voel Coaches, Dyserth, Rhyl
Two new acquisitions are LA13TWU and LA13TYC. They are both Volvo B9R / Plaxton Panther 2 C70F New in July 2013 to the MoD and from August 2025 with Mistral, Knutsford. They originally carried the numbers RX13CYF and NU13TWG.
TYC has entered service and has been converted to 70 seats. It is currently in white but will receive the orange livery shortly.
TWU has yet to enter service. It has been painted orange and is being up-seated to 70 seats
(Photo courtesy Richard Hughes)
Left the fleet is YX14EGU Mercedes-Benz O816D / Plaxton Cheetah C29F which came to the firm in November 2021.
December 6, 2025
Keith Davies, Pats Coaches - R.I.P
It is with a deep feeling of shock and tremendous sadness that I record the untimely death of my friend Keith Davies.
I have had the privilege to know Keith for a considerable period of time and he has always warmly welcomed me to his business and been extremely helpful and informative.
At the age of 60 he has been taken far too early and he and his family have not been able to enjoy the benefits of all his hard work in building up such a successful business that is highly respected by everyone in the bus and coach industry.
He is already and will be even more greatly missed by all who ever met him. At this difficult time my thoughts are especially with his family.
It has been an honour to have known him, to have witnessed his openness and friendliness in dealing with everyone he had dealings with and seeing the respect he earned from his employees and everyone involved in the bus and coach industry.
Rest in Peace Keith
November 25, 2025
Pats Coaches, Southsea, Wrexham
There has been a couple of coaches receiving a new livery.
MAN Neoplan Tourliner OU17ORN has been given the All-Over-Advertisement for Wrexham Lager. This is due to the link between the Lager Company and the Wrexham Football Club. This coach is used for conveying supporters to away mataches but during the week is used on school contracts - usually to Penley School.
YN22YMR which has sported a Shearings livery since new in March 2022 has now been repainted into the firm's livery which looks good on this Scania K360IB4 / Higer.
(Photo courtesy Ben Lewis)
Tourismo BU18YTK has left the fleet and gone to T M Travel, County Down. It was new in June 2018 to Shearings and came to Pats in October 2020 following the collapse of the original Shearings company. It was given the new Shearings (Leger) livery shortly after joining the Pat's fleet.
George Edwards, Bwlchgwyn
As has been posted in September the firm have had a coach on loan from Llew Jones, Llanrwst.
The reason for this is that they have agreed to purchase a Tourismo coach from Llew Jones. This is believed to be BT66 UAB a Mercedes Benz Tourismo C49FLT which was new in January 2017 to Kings Ferry, Kent. From February 2020 it went to Ireland with B Kavanagh of Urlingford and later with Barrys of Cork. During that period it was registered as 171-D-51762.
It has already been painted into the George Edwards fleet colour of red and is currently being up-seated. However the delay in completing the transaction is thought to have been a paperwork difficulty due to the importation of the coach from Ireland.
In the meantime since September George Edwards has been using a loan vehicle from Llew Jones YT19KUO - This Irizar I6 was new in May 2019 also to Kings Ferry.
November 24, 2025
New book on buses in North East Wales
A new book has been published that looks at the bus scene in North East Wales / Clwyd since 1986.
The author, Peter Daniels, current Mayor of Ruthin, has worked in public transport co-ordination with Clwyd County Council since 1988 and all of its 1996 successors. He continues to work as a manager with Transport for Wales, albeit now part-time.
There are some 72 pages with 150 colour photographs each of which have a detailed narrative that informs the reader of the significance in the context of the deregulated bus years from 1986
Every last penny after production costs will go to the three designated mayoral charities, which are the Denbighshire & Conwy Stroke Association, Vale of Clwyd MIND, and Transforming Lives for Good.
Further details including how to purchase a copy are available from the micro-publisher’s site at hiraethog.co.uk
Price £15 if obtained via the website above. The book was to be made available from other sources at £22.50 but there have not been sufficient copies available for them to be distributed in shops.
former Flintshire County Council - two Electric Buses
The two electric buses - Switch (Optare) Solo EV YJ72EVF and EVG which were acquired by Flintshire County Council in September 2022 and were never used in service are now being operated by Llew Jones of Llanrwst. They see regular service on the 19 Llandudno to Llanrwst service.
After leaving Flintshire County Council in May 2025 they went for auction in South Wales and were then acquired by Llew Jones of Llanrwst. It is understood that there was an amount of over half a million pounds between the price paid for them when new compared to the price paid at auction. During the period of over two and a half years (32 months) they were never used on service and stood parked in one of the County Council yards.
P and O Lloyd, Bagillt, Holywell
Leaving the fleet is Scania K360IB4 / Irizar Century which carried the registration number L100PLL. It came to the firm in August 2021 from Dodsworth, Rufforth, North Yorkshire and it was new in Oct 2012 to New Adventure Travel, Cardiff
It has reverted to its original number YR62DZX and is to be exported to Greece.
The latest Tourismo Coach to be delivered to the firm in late September was given the registration number BV75HSL. Howevere it is likely not to see service during the winter. As it has not been taxed it may be re-registered with a '26' plate next year.
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