Rummage Reveals Hidden Treasure!

It’s not often that a real bit of bus history is plucked from the depths of a dark garage cupboard ... but that’s exactly what happened when Mick Roche went rummaging at Travel West Midlands’ Lea Hall garage. What he discovered was a really remarkable find: A 1901- 1951 leather-bound Discharge Book, detailing 50 years of bus history. The book may have seemed insignificant then, but now it provides a fascinating read.Mick, who is the Trade Union Chairman at TWM’s Lea Hall garage, passed the book on to TWM’s City Manager John Wright. John said: "We wanted more people to be able to view this fascinating piece of Birmingham transport history. Taking this on board, the company decided to donate the book to the popular Aston Manor Transport Museum, where it is now on public display."I think it is a real gem in the history of BCT and am glad that we have found a good home for the impressive book. Personally, I had a lot of interest in its contents as it mentions my grandfather who was also a long-standing BCT employee."Geoff Lusher from Aston Manor Road Transport Museum said: "I would like to thank everyone involved at Travel West Midlands for having the kindness to donate this fantastic piece of history to our museum. Ensuring that our visitors have the opportunity to look through its historical content is terrific and we are proud to have it on public display. I can promise it will be well looked after for many years to come."Aston Manor Transport Museum208-216 Witton LaneBirmingham, B6 6QE.Opening times:11am-5pm all year round on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays.Admission: Adults £1.50, Concessions 75p, Family £4.00 (2 adults + up to 3 children).for more details visit the Astom Manor Transport Museum website at www.amrtm.orgTWM Buses to Aston Manor Transport Museum: 7, 11A and 11CClick here to select and view online timetables. Pictured is John Wright, TWM’s City Centre Manager (left) with Geoff Lusher from the Aston Manor Transport Museum.

Published 3rd May 2006