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 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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

 

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. 

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. 

                                                                  (.Photo courtesy David Lloyd)

It is believed that joining this new vehicle shortly will be another Levante  FJ60HXX 

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.

 

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.

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

 

 

 

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.

                                                                 (Photos courtesy Ben Lewis)

 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. 

 

 

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.

                                                        (photo courtesy Richard Hughes)
 

 

Townlynx, Greenfield, Holywell

 The firm have had a bit of a tidy up with their older vehicles and yards.

The yard containing the buses donating parts has been cleared and so the following have left the fleet and all have gone for scrap.

LX03OSY        Transbus Trident ALX400  ex Stagecaoch East - with Townlynx since 10/2018

Y213BAW       Volvo B6BLE / Wright Crusader ex Dublin  Bus - with Townlynx 9/2012

Y72YSO          Volvo B6BLE / Wright Crusader ex Dublin  Bus - with Townlynx 9/2012

Y978WDM      Volvo B6BLE / Wright Crusader ex Dublin  Bus - with Townlynx 9/2012

 

What was a rented out yard is now occupied by Townlynx and 5 buses not in service are currently being stored there.

BX07OOH    BMC Falcon 1100FE    
BX07OPW    BMC Falcon 1100FE      
CN04NLL    Transbus Dart SLF    Transbus
KU02YBP    Dennis Trident  ALX400
LX03OTG    Transbus Trident ALX400
 

One other vehicle is still not being used and that is the all electric YJ64DZS    Optare M890EV Solo

This is still in the prime position in the yard but has not seen service since joining Townlynx in April 2022 

 

Pats Coaches, Southsea, Wrexham

 A recent arrival is BW11KGE a Mercedes Sprinter 313cdi   with an  Elite Conversions 16 seat body.    It was converted from a van.  It was new in August 2011 and was with Lloyds of Machynlleth from September 2016 who registered it DW11OYD.

The Mercedes Benz Sprinter 516CDI  /  Ilesbus    C19F that recently arrived has been re-registered from V22JRP to J60MKD.

The Scania K360IB4 /  Higer YN22YMR  is currently being repainted out of Shearings livery into the firms smart livery.

Keanes Coaches (DPK Commercias Ltd) Eryrys

 The recent arrivals of K121MPR, L121MPR and K28UTW have all received the firm's very smart  livery and look excellent.

 

Volvo / Plaxton Profile  SIG1393 and Scania / Caetano Lavante K11BBT have left the fleet.  It is believed they haveboth  gone to Davies Motors, Ruthin for scrap.

 

 

P and O Lloyd, Bagillt, Holywell

 The second brand new '75' plate  Tourismo coach has now arrived - BV75HSL  

They are both fully PSVR compliant with 53 seats and with lifts 

 

                                                                       ( Photo courtesy David Lloyd)

Goodwin Bagillt

 The two BMCs that recently entered the fleet have received vinyls promoting the firms facilities. They have also received fleet numbers.

BX56XBJ has also bee re-registered to WEZ411 and is fleet number M15

 

BX07OPR has not yet been re-registered - it carries fleet number M16  (please note the corrected registration number from a previous incorrect report)

 

The Neoplan Starliner 25EXG that has joined the fleet from Arvonia is currently being painted into the firm's smart yellow livery. 

 

 

Correction re BMC 1100

Last month I reported the transfer of BMC Falcon 1100 BX07OPS had transferred from P & O Lloyd to Go Goodwin in Bagillt.  It was actually BX07OPR that transferred.  OPS is still with P&O Lloyd.

I apologise for this error. 

Unicorn Travel, Llay, Wrexham

 Rejoining the firm after over six years since it was last here is :-

PN13TFO   a  MAN Neoplan N2216/3SHD 480 /  Neoplan Tourliner    

It now has a lift and is PSVR compliant.  It was new in April 2013 to City Circle, Hayes (82) and came to Unicorn in October 2017 and returned in January 2019 after the lease had finished.  The firm did want to buy it but it had already been promised to Holmeswood Coaches.

 

It will be given a new registration soon and will have the firm's smart new livery.

The Tourliner that was  MF11LVR;   R1UTW  is now R19UTW and has been given an excellent face lift by the boys at KC Bodywork and currently looks very smart.  It too will be getting new vinyls very soon.