Time To Say Goodbye

Saturday 24th July: A poignant occasion as I joined Woody and Andy to bid farewell to Lea Hall Garage and witness the final West Midlands journeys of the MCW Metrobus...

* An early start sees me head over to Stourbridge for 8:30. Here I meet Mr Wood and get some photos of the 294 and 295 on their final day being operated by National Express West Midlands.

* Next its on board the 9 with Mark looking forward to this route being run by Pensnett Garage. We change at Bearwood onto that Birmingham institution, the Outer Circle. Our 11A takes us down through Harborne, Selly Oak, Bournville, Cotteridge, Kings Heath and Hall Green with views of the Grant Arms, the Hazelwell and the New Billesley.

* Alight at Acocks Green Garage and the Metrobus Farewell Running Day is already in full swing. The depot is hosting an open day as part of the commemorations and a selection of vintage buses are on display alongside model stands and a burger stall. Woody and I have a scout around whilst awaiting the arrival of Mr Lunn. Its fascinating to see inside the garage proper with the various staff noticeboards and engineering equipment.

* Andy arrives on the scene and checks on the instructions for his stint driving one of the Metrobuses later on. After a further mooch around we head across to Lea Hall, accompanied by a soundtrack of the Kinks and howls of pain from Woody whenever Andy demonstrated the D9 driving.

- Lea Hall Garage -

* Our visit to Lea Hall was simply brilliant, albeit a sombre occasion as well. The garage is closing down with its routes and vehicles being transferred elsewhere - it doesn't seem that long ago that I was here for a celebratory birthday open day, but this is an altogether different occasion. Mark has secured permission for us to visit and take photos, so its on with the hi-vis jackets and across to the admin office to check in.

* I felt very privileged to be granted such access, and the whole experience was an eye-opener in terms of what is involved in operating a bus depot. We have a look around the admin block, noting the reception desk and driver information boards, then headed into the main garage. You definitely got the sense the place was winding down towards the inevitable, and there was a sense of sadness in the air although it was still fun roaming the yard for photos of parked up buses and the reserve fleet.

* We'd just about finished our tour (Andy even videoing the toilet block!) when David Harvey arrived with his preserved vintage bus hoping for one last look around. With permission secured, he was able to park it in the garage entrance and provide us with some wonderful bonus photos - a happy accident if ever there was one! This really made our day and gave Lea Hall a fitting footnote after 55 years of transport service.

* Andy then does the honours to get us back to Acocks Green, with it being my turn to suffer the D9 punishment in the front seat. After a quick burger and a bit more networking, it's time for Andy's driving stint. 2832 returns off 31E duty and becomes the 37E to Corporation Street and back, therefore providing my last ever journey on an in-service West Midlands Metrobus.

- Andy takes the wheel of the 37 -

* The journey begins at 13:49 loading at Acocks Green Village with driver Paul from Coventry doing the run into Birmingham. The bus is packed out with enthusiasts and brings back my own fond memories of riding Metrobuses on a variety of routes over the years. Corporation Street provides photo opportunities and a driver change as Andy takes the wheel for the return leg and Woody gets in position to film the occasion (and gets shut in the doors for his troubles!) The experience of that last ride is something I will remember for a long time.

* Back at Acocks Green Garage, the bus is swamped by enthusiasts all keen for that special shot. Andy eventually finds a gap in the crowds in order to drive the bus into the yard and out of sight. With 2832 parked that just leaves two more buses out on the road. 2988 is the next back, getting duly mobbed fresh off 11E duties, then its left to 2903 to have the honour of being the final Metrobus out in service. It arrives back off its trip on the 1 just after 3:20pm complete with farewell banners and RIP in the back blind. After an array of photographs, it eventually disappears into the yard to a round of applause and its the end of an era.

* The crowds disperse and its time to wander home. Mark and I decide to mark the passing of the old workhorse with a few drinks across Stourbridge way. Andy kindly provides us with a lift to Halesowen as Mr Wood takes delight in me suffering some more D9 treatment - my revenge is swift however as we leave him trapped in the car by the childlock, we only let him out because it was his round!

- "Let me out!!" -

* The William Shenstone is our first port of call for a spot of tea and a soothing pint, mine being Sadler's Brickmakers Bitter. The Sadler's theme continues as we venture over to Lye to visit their brewery tap, the Windsor Castle. This pub wasn't exactly what I was expecting, as instead of the usual traditional interior it seemed modern and contemporary - I actually rather liked it. Much of the building has been given over to dining but we find a perch near the bar where we can savour our excellent pints of Worcester Sorcerer.

* We conclude proceedings back at Stourbridge, trying a half in each of the Wetherspoon's - I was especially pleased to find some Beowulf Chasewater on at the new Chequers. We also decided to try a drink at the re-opened Rock Station for old time's sake, but the less said about that the better. We finish instead at the Duke William, a closing half as I try some of the Duke's house brew. Our discussion here involves reviewing what had truly been a landmark day in the local transport scene. Woody and Andy really did me proud today, and I must also thank the staff at Lea Hall and all those involved in the farewell event at Acocks Green. With Lea Hall closed and the Metrobus gone, things might not quite be the same again, but at least we gave them a great send-off...