Bedford SB5 Duple Vega . Vista. Bella Vega.Firefly
Tat & Bridget's POO ! Heading To Leicestershire
POO32D (1966) Bedford SB5. Duple Bella Vega . Ex-Boon . Boreham .
Seen 25.9.89 Leicestershire after the Frodo Baggins Skool bus benefit at Clyro Court . Followed by a few days reliving Hay Bluff's weather . Tat and Bridget's bus & mini combination = practical but frowned upon by most other country's . Their bus was last seen c2008 in Devon . Photo = Dave Fawcett
Sylvia 's Vista . Spring Equinox Stonehenge 1989
XFD901H (1970) Bedford SB5 . Duple Vista C41F . Ex-Mills . Gornal Wood .
Seen 19.3.89 Stonehenge . Wilts. Now scrapped . Photo = Dave Fawcett
Bella Vega At Swindon Beltane Festival 1989
ADL488B (1964) Bedford SB3 . Duple Bella Vega C41F . Ex-Crinage . Ventnor . I.O.W.
Seen 29.4.89 Swindon . This was on the first site for the Beltane festival until the 'romans' forced a change of plan ..and site moved to the Dragon Hill below Uffington's White Horse . Later scrapped . Photo = Dave Fawcett
Alan's 'Landscape' Bus At Rats Run 1989
OVW687D (1965) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Supreme . Hadleigh . Essex .
Seen 9.6.89 Longstock . Hampshire . This Drove was used as a pre-Andover festival meeting point . Another of Bes's creations .. for the nearside look in the 'art' section . Later scrapped . Photo = Dave Fawcett
Colin's Vega On Common Moor Site 1989
LVG100B 825CAN (1964) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Clarke E16 .
Seen 18.7.89 Treworgey Tree Fayre . Liskerd . Cornwall . Colin and several others were parked on the edge of Common Moor before the festival . Later lived in by Drongo Dave & Liz (with whom it was painted yellow ) then Justine & Asia & finally scrapped . Photo = Dave Fawcett
Tim & Zippy's Vega At Treworgey Tree Fayre 1989
ENP324B 552LOV (1964) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F . Ex-Hancock . Birmingham .
Seen 3.8.89 Liskeard . Cornwall . During the festival its burgundy paint-job was 'transformed' by the 'Doc'. Sold to Becks in the same year , she sold it to Jade in 1990 , he used parts from another Bella Vega to keep it roadworthy , before selling to Howarth & Morag in 1995 . During a site move it suffered injection pump failure & whilst on the roadside a collector swapped it for a decker ACU425B . As to the fate of their bus .. Photo = Dave Fawcett
John & Ceryn's Firefly In Amsterdam 1989
997XNN (1964) Bedford SB5 . Duple-Northern Firefly C41F. Ex-Barton . Chilwell 997 .
Seen 26.8.89 Havens Festival . Amsterdam . Holland . This coach had been bought from Barton by Tom , sold to Ganesh Bob , then swapped for an OB with Pete . Sold by Pete in the Notts. area in the mid 80's and with John & Ceryn c1989-92 & finally Dave & Kate c1994 then scraped . Photo = Dave Fawcett .
Wasted Paul's Duple Vega At Treworgey 1996
YFL573J (1971) Bedford SB5 . Duple Vega 31 C41F. Ex-Shaw . Maxey .
Seen 14.7.89 Treworgey Tree Fayre . Liskeard . Cornwall . Originally bought from one of the Barnsley scrapyards by Blah Dave who sold it to Trevor 2 years later . Who then sold it to Tat Dave , followed by Mark & Claire who passed it onto Wasted Paul ..Not sure if it had further owners before being weighed in ? . Photo = Dave Fawcett
Six O'clock Bus . Havens Festival Amsterdam 1989
BCF547C (1965) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F . Ex-Combs Coaches (Mulley) . Ixworth 98 .
Seen 31.8.89 Holland . Suffering from a leaking front skylight plus a missing door window which must have been a pain on this rain-swept site ! Later scrapped . Photo = Dave Fawcett
Phil & Sheris's SB13 Bella Vega . Rougham 1989
FRO266C (1965) Bedford SB13 . Duple Bella Vega C41F . Ex-Simmonds . Letchworth .
Seen 10.9.89 Green Deserts 'Harvest Fayre' . Suffolk . From the rear section it looks as if Phil and Sheris's coach had previously been transformed as a car or bike transporter ?. Later scrapped on site at Hempnell and seen by Neil Pickford in Jordan's scrapyard in 1992 ..Photo = Dave Fawcett
Tat & Bridgit's Home At Gopsall Wharf 1990
POO32D (1966) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Boon . Boreham .
Seen 17.2.90 Leics . This was before they started a family which resulted in a refit . Photo = Dave Fawcett
'Comfy Lux' Nick At Autumn Equinox 1990
GFO494K (1972) Bedford SB5 , N Series . Duple (composite) Vega 31 C41F. Ex-Owen . Knighton .
Seen 22.9.90 Larkhill Track . Stonehenge . Wiltshire . Upon arriving for the autumn equinox we found the track-way blocked off (with vehicles such as the skool bus behind piles of gravel..) So tried to enter via the military end ...but soon forced to do U turn.. With Nick can be seen Hilary & Wesley . Bus later scrapped . Photo = Dave Fawcett
John & Ceryn's Firefly At Hungerford Festival 1991
997XNN (1964) Bedford SB5 . Duple Northern Firefly C41F. Ex-Barton . Chilwell 997 .
Seen 5.5.91 Hungerford Common Festival . Berks . Originally bought by Tom c1982 , sold to Ganesh Bob , then Pete before being lived in by John & Ceryn & finally by Dave & Kate until 1994 . Photo = Dave Fawcett .
Ed & Jenny's Firefly . Sodbury Festival 1991
299DWU (1962) Bedford SB5 . Duple Northern Firefly C41F. Ex-Duple Demonstrator , Sold To Longster . Pateley Bridge 1963 .
Seen 27.5.91 Avon . Ed & Jenny still have the bus at their place in Brittany & soon to be restored to its original operators colours ? ...Photo = Dave Fawcett
Col & Claudia At Rats Run Solstice Festival 1991
AOR212B 3405NT (1964) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F . Ex-Whittle . Highley .
Seen 21.6.91 Rats Run . Longstock . Hants . When Guy later owned it he painted the bus red with 'Free' ? down the nearside & took it to France in 1995 . Later scrapped . Photo = Dave Fawcett
Charlie's 'Tantivy' Bella Vega At Twistleton 1991
Q915GJA J10857 OTS836 (1963) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F . Ex-Watson . Dundee .
Seen 26.8.91 Twistleton Dale Festival . Ingleton . N.Yorks . The 'Tantivy' name refers to its last PSV operator on Jersey . Later scrapped . Photo = Dave Fawcett .
Tat & Bridgit's 2nd Bella Vega . Clifton Hall 1992
HNX905D (1966) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Marvin . Rugby .
Seen 6.1.92 Clifton Campville . Staffs . Intended to be for Bridget and their kids to keep the original bus 'tidy' . But Tat resold it after getting as far as taking the seats out . Any remember who bought it ? . Seems to have been scrapped later ? Photo = Dave Fawcett
Rivit's Bella Vega At Clifton Hall Site 1992
6740ET (1964) Bedford SB13 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Riley . Rotherham .
Seen 2.3.92 Clifton Campville . Staffs. I'd presume that its been scrapped by now ? Photo = Dave Fawcett
Tat Squeezing Out Of Charity Farm Site 1992
POO32D (1966) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Boon . Boreham .
Seen 16.5.92 Breedon . Leics. Tat was squeezing the bus out for an MOT visit . Yes some of us were legal . The Celtic decoration was painted by Julian . By 2008 it was looking sad on a farm in Devon , now scrapped ?? . Photo = Dave Fawcett
Pat's Bedford At Upton Drove 1992
474EWW (Not Original Plate) Beford SB ? Duple Bella Vega C41F.
Seen 20.9.92 Upton Drove . Leics. Pat only stayed the night on our site so never got to suss out its id . It'd previously been owned by Shaun & Serena . At some stage it'd been 'ringed' with a Leyland bus's reg. plate ... Photo = Dave Fawcett
Nick's N Series SB5 . Barrowden Lane Site 1993
GFO494K (1972) Bedford SB5 . N Series . Duple Vega 31 C41F. Ex-Owen . Knighton .
Seen 8.7.93 Barrowden Lane . Ketton . Leics. Nick's bus had been used as an emergency brake by another coach since I'd last seen it and the rear end had 'shrunk' by about 6" !! Its now been weighed in . Photo = Dave Fawcett
Nick's Duple Vega 31 At Barrowden Lane Site 1993
GFO494K (1972) Bedford SB5 N Series . Duple Vega 31 C41F. Ex-Owen Knighton .
Seen 8.7.93 Ketton . Leics. The rear end which had been shorted by 6" after being used as an emergency brake by another bus ! Later scrapped . Photo = Dave Fawcett
Tat & Bridget's Bella Vega At Ketton Site 1993
POO32D (1966) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F . Ex-Boon . Boreham .
Seen 8.7.93 Borrowden Lane . Ketton . Leics. Showing the post 5am site raid repairs by Bill & Adam after riot cops had trashed all the rear windows after finding the front door locked ! Last noted on a Devon farm c2008 ? Photo = Dave Fawcett
Guy's 'Free' Bella Vega At Dommet Wood Site 1994
AOR212B 3405NT (1964) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Whittle . Highley 14 .
Seen 31.3.94 Somerset . Previously owned by Col & Claudia . I later saw Guy & his bus (painted red) at various French festivals in 1995/6 . It was then scrapped . photo = Dave Fawcett
Ed's Firefly At Gallows Tree Common 1985
299DWU (1963) Bedford SB5 . Duple Northern Firefly C41F. Ex-Duple Demonstrator . To Longster . Pateley Bridge in 1963 .
Seen 1985 Gallows Tree Common . Ed & Jenny still have their bus in Brittany , one of very few Firefly's to survive at all . Photo = Alix .
Anna's Vega 31 In Her Garden 2008
BWP654M CAO189K J15725 (1971) Bedford SB5 . Duple Vega 31 . Ex-Yeowart . Whitehaven .
Seen 2008 . Taunton . Having been parked up for a few years and Anna tried to sell it in 2008 , but it was eventually scrapped . . Photo = Anna Doolan .
Nathan's ? Bella Vega at Farnborough Site 1992
FRO497C ? (1965) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Whitehead . Letchworth .
Seen 1992 . Farnborough Site . Photo = Liz Salter .
Guy's Bella Vega at Belfort Festival . France 1995
AOR212B 3405NT (1964) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F . Ex-Whittle . Highley 14.
Seen 8.7.95 Belfort Festival (90) T.de Belfort . France . Guy's home was amongst the large English contingent squatting the festival's camp-site in 1995 . Previously owned by Col & Claudia . Later scrapped . Photo = Dave Fawcett
Guy's Bella Vega Rear Door . Annonay . France 1995
AOR212B 3405NT (1964) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F . Ex-Whittle . Highley 14 .
Seen 23.6.95 Street Theatre Festival (07) Ardeche . France . Not sure if the cut down look was Guy's handiwork or that of its previous owners Col & Claudia ? . Later scrapped . Photo = Dave Fawcett
Guy's Bella Vega At Annonay Festival . France 1995
AOR212B 3405NT (1964) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F . Ex-Whittle . Highley 14 .
Seen 25.6.95 Annonay Street Theater Festival (07)Ardeche . France . Free ?? .. not really !! Later scrapped . Previously owned by Col & Claudia . Photo = Dave Fawcett
Green & White Bella Vega . Carlucet . France 1995
GUO125D (1966) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F . Ex-Trathern . Yelverton .
Seen 3.9.95 Carlucet (46) Lot . France . Whose was this bus ? I'd presume that it was scrapped years ago ? Photo = Dave Fawcett
Paul's Vega 31 At Colombieres . France 1995
DVF452K (1971) Bedford SB5 . Duple Vega 31 C41F. Ex-P.J. Brown . Ely .
Seen 27.10.95 Colombieres (34) Herault . France . This was on land that Paul , Pog & others had tried to buy to live on , but the local Mayor decided otherwise ! . I think this bus ended its days in S. Spain ? . Photo = Dave Fawcett
Bella Vega At Winter Solstice , Stonehenge 1989
KVJ438F Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F . Ex-Sargeant . Kington .
Seen 21.12.89 Stonehenge . Wiltshire . Whose ? Later scrapped . Photo = Dave Fawcett
Tracey's SB5 Dominant
HRT530N (1975) Bedford SB5 . Duple Dominant C41F . Ex-Boon . Boreham .
Seen ? Sold to Al & now with Annie . Photo = Phil Neale .
Niky's Bella Vega . Belfort Festival . France 1996
DAP190C (1965) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Woburn WC1 .
Seen 8.7.96 (90)T.de Belfort . France . Originally owned by Bex , who'd bought it from Saltash in Cornwall , then sold to Nick & Nicky who'd crossed the channel for this festival . Later scrapped ? . Photo = Dave Fawcett
Vega 31 At Aurillac Street Festival . France 1996
HNP814J J29627 (1971) Bedford SB5 . Duple Vega 31 C39F. Ex-Jersey Motor Transport . Tantivy 32 .
Seen 24.8.96 (15) Cantal . France . Noted as being owned by Boggle . Later being sold by its then current French owners for 10.000Eur in 2009 ! . Photo = Dave Fawcett
Bex's Bella Vega As Bought . Saltash 1992
DAP190C (1965) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F . Ex-Woburn WC1 .
Seen 1992 Cornwall . Seen here in the livery of Andrew's Coaches . Marshfield . Wilts . Later owned by Nick and Nicky , in whsoe ownership I photographed it in 1996 at the Eurokopean Festival near Belfort , France . Presume it's long since been scrapped ? Photo = Bex's
Bex's Bella Vega As Bought . Saltash 1992
DAP190C (1965) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F . Ex-Woburn WC1 .
Seen 1992 Cornwall . Wearing the livery of its last PSV operator Andrew's Coaches of Marshfield . Hants . Bex later sold the bus to Nick & Nicky in whose hands I saw it at Belfort , France in 1996 . After that ? . Photo = Bex
Blah Dave's Duple Vega 31 At Great Yews 1986
YFL573J (1971) Bedford SB5 . Duple Vega 31 C41F. Ex-Shaw . Maxey .
Seen 1986 Great Yews Site . Blah found this bus in a Carlton Bus Yard , sold it to Trevor after 2 years . Then it went to Tat Dave , Mark & Claire , & by 1989 Wasted Paul (which is the last time I saw it at Treworgey) & later weighed in . Photo = Trevor .
Nathan's SB5 Duple Vega 31
EYD147J (1970) Bedford SB5 . Duple Vega 31 C41F. Ex-Bryant & Clarke . Williton .
Seen ? Owned by Liam in the 1990's & taken to Norway & Denmark . Then used by Ray c2000 before Nathan . But seen in a Devon scrapyard in 2012 & might have been saved by a collector ? Photo = Gary Conway .
Burgandy & Blue Bella Vega c 1990
FMX596B (1964) Bedford SB13 . Duple Bella Vega C41F . Ex-Wootten . Hither Green SE13 .
Seen ? . Whose ? Photo = Rags .
Short Skirted Bella Vega !
ADL486B (1964) Bedford SB3 . Duple Bella Vega C41F . Ex-Crinage . Ventnor . I.O.W.
Seen ? .Later scrapped . Photo = Rags .
Ex-Jersey Bella Vega
9969 J2465 (1965) Bedford SB3 . Duple Bella Vega C41F . Ex-Rover . Jersey .
Seen ? . This bus had later been used by Tantivy as Jersey 18 . and then by Educational Holidays (Island Coachways) Guernsey & reduced from 7'6" to 7'4" wide . But do not know its Traveller history ! Photo = Rags .
Tim & Zippy's Bella Vega At Stonehenge
ENP324B 552LOV (1964) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F . Ex-Hancock . Birmingham .
Seen ? Wilts . It was later painted by the Doc at Treworgey Fayre in 1989 & then sold to Becks , who sold it to Jude in 1990 . He kept it for 5yrs , revamping it with parts from another Bella Vega , before selling to Howarth & Morag . They suffered injection pump failure during a site move & a preservationist turned up to swap it with his decker ACU425B . What became of it then .. Photo = Scabby Chris .
Dave & Jo's Bella Vega Scrapped At Treworgey 1989
MMC307C (1965) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex- R.A.C.S. London SE18 KO117 .
Seen 7.89 Liskard . Cornwall . Previously Suzi & Dave's . After 3 engine changes it was time to change bus's for Dave , so helped by HB he dismantled the bus during a dusty hot week & sold the parts to other Bella Vega owners at the festival . Later they bought a Bella Vista JAP485D . Photo = Dave Fawcett.
Vega Rear End Shot On Brightwalton Drove 1990
VFL43H (1970) Bedford SB5 . Duple Vega 31 C41F. Ex-Shaw . Maxey .
Seen 25.9.90 Brightwalton Drove . Wantage . Berks. I was taking a photo of Pooch & Maggot treating their dog rather than the bus behind them , so have no owners listed .. photo = Dave Fawcett
Jim's Thursday's Child . At Rats Run Solstice 1991
EAX93B WGR565 (1964) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Hylton Castle . Sunderland .
Seen 6.91 Longstock . Hants. Solstice Festival . Parked next to Beryl's 'Flying Shuttle' Previously owned by Lynn & Damien & their children Oli & Jai . Here it was owned by Jim , who sold it to Rob 'The Didge' at Pilton in 1994 & used on site & anti-road demo's . Burnt out on Henparcau Farm , Wales , which also destroyed Helen The Hat's Bristol .. But Rob tells me that its chassis & running gear were exported to India ! . Photo = Dave Fawcett .
Bella Vega at Molesworth Peace Camp 1985
XGV444 (1964)? Bedford SB13 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Mulley . Ixworth .
Seen 1985 Molesworth . Cambs . Photo = Kingsworthy .
Bella Vega at Molesworth Peace Camp 1985
XGV444 (1964) Bedford SB13 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Mulley . Ixworth .
Seen 1985 . Molesworth . Cambs. Like the peace camp , long since gone , but not forgotten . Photo = Nigel .
Gibo's Vega 31 in Cheshire 1992
ORM884M (1973) Bedford SB5 . Duple Vega 31 C41F. Ex-Wright Bros. Nenthead .
Seen 1992 Cheshire . Later scrapped . Photo = Gibo .
Gibo's Dodgy Cafe At Ashbourne Site . Derbys 1992
ORM884M (1973) Bedford SB5 . Duple Vega 31 C41F. Ex-Wright Bros. Nenthead .
Seen 1992 Ashbourne Airfield . Derbys. Photo = Gibo .
Rear End Shot Of Duple Vega 31
SYD574L (1973) Bedford SB5 . Duple Vega 31 C41F. Ex-Brewer . Combwich .
Seen ? Whose ? Photo = Angie .
Colin's Bella Vega At Botley Site 1991/2
LVG100B 825CAN (1964) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Clarke E16 .
Seen 1991/2 Botley . I'd last seen this bus painted dull grey & red on a pre-Treworgey Festival park up . Later this bus became bright yellow & was owned by Drongo Dave & Elizabeth . Then scrapped after being used by Justine & Asia . Photo = Zippy .
Drongo Dave's New Door On His & Liz's Bella Vega
LVG100B 825CAN (1964) Bedford SB13 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Clarke E16 .
Seen ? Owned by Colin in 1989 and painted drab grey & red , then rusty brown . Here it was owned by Dave & Elizabeth , who'd replaced the door after trashing it on their 1st journey . Later sold to Justin & Asia & then scrapped . Photo = Jim & Hev .
Bella Vega Seen in Bartholomew RD. Brighton 1993
LUN475F (1968) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Rhyl United ?
Seen 1993 . Bartholomew Rd. Brighton . Whose ? Photo = Steve Vallance .
Phil & Dee's Coach in Shrewsbury
reg ? Bedford ? Duple Viceroy Or Bella Vega ?
Seen ? Shrewsbury . Not sure if this was a Ford Trooper or a Bedford Bella Vega ?? . Photo = Stoff .
Al's Dominant On Yoke Farm 2009
HRT530N (1975) Bedford SB5 . Duple Dominant C41F. Ex-Boon . Boreham .
Seen 2009 . Hereford . This had been Tracey's , by 2012 it was owned by Annie & looking tatty . Photo = Gary Conway .
White Bella Vega at Ribblehead Festival 1987
reg ? Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. EX-?
Seen 8.87 Ribblehead Festival . N. Yorks . Distant shot taken from the viaduct so no details of this bus .. anyone recognise it ?
Ex-Jersey Bella Vega Arriving At Inglestone 1989
9969 J2465 (1965) Bedford SB3 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Rover . Jersey .
Seen 5.89 Inglestone Common Festival . Avon . Following on the heels of Jez & Mare's J2 blim .. Who owned this bus ? Photo = Dave Fawcett
The 'Warped Bus' At Montgomery Festival 1984
reg ? Bedford SB5 Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-?
Seen 1984 Powys . Photo = Tash .
Circus Bus at Testa Delli Acqua , Sicily 2008
DNU601C (1965) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-White . Calver . Derbys.
Seen 11.08 Testa Delli Acqua , Sicily . Photo = Sprocket Circus .
Bella Vega ? With Upper Deck at Treworgey 1989
Bedford ? Duple Bella Vega ??
Seen 7.89 Treworgey Festival . Cornwall . Anyone recognise this bus or have a better photo of it ? Photo = Robert .
Grant's Red & White Bella Vega & Car
GTU433C (1965) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Brazendale . Pride of Sale . Sale .
Seen ? Looks like he'd made the car 'ambulance' unit from a caravan chassis ? Grant bought this for £500 from Bulgers in Beaminster . Photo = via Gary Conway .
Pat's Rear End Ringer On Fremington Site , 1990s
474EWW ... Ringed Bedford SB5 Duple Bella Vega C41F.
Seen 1990s Fremington . Devon . Photo = Giles .
Tatty Looking Bella Vega !
FMX596B (1964) Bedford SB13 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Wootten . Hither Green SE13 .
Seen ? . Whose ? . Chris sat next to someone's bus .. Photo = Dave Kotula .
Phil & Dee's Bus at Inglestone Common . 1989
Bedford Bella Vega Or Ford Trooper ?
Seen 5.89 Inglestone Common Festival . Photo = Jen .
Dragon Bella Vega At Stonehenge Festival . 1984
reg? Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F.
Seen 1984 Wilts. Anyone recognise this bus ? . Photo = John .
Nick's Blue SB5 Vega 31 .
BRP200K (1971) Bedford SB5 . Duple Vega 31 C41F. Ex-Jeffs . Helmdon .
Seen ? This coach was later owned by Hazel c2000 & by 2016 it was in a rough state as a static , who thought she'd sold it as a complete unit in 2017 but the scrappers only took the chassis & engine ! . photo = Stoff ?
Liam's Vega 31 In Norway 1993
EYD147J (1970) Bedford SB5 . Duple Vega 31 C41F. Ex-Bryant & Clarke . Williton .
Seen 1993 Norway . Whilst on this Scandinavian tour Liam fell for a Unimog he later brought back to the UK from Denmark . The bus was later lived in by Ray c2000 & then Nathan . But by 2012 it was in a Devon scrapyard by & saved by a collector ? photo = Liam .
Liam's Vega 31 Leaving Santander 1996
EYD147J (1970) Bedford SB5 . Duple Vega 31 C41F. Ex-Bryant & Clarke . Williton .
Seen 1996 Spain . After taking the bus around Europe Liam sold it to Ray by 2000 & then passed to Nathan who painted it red & black .But by 2012 it was in a Devon scrapyard & might have been saved by a collector ?. Photo = Liam .
Davey Gravey & Josie's Blue Vega 31 In Spain
NHT761L (1973) Bedford SB3 . Duple Vega 31 C41F. Ex-Avon County Council School Bus .
Seen ? . Now owned by Kayte , sat on blocks in Spain & nearside painted brown . photo = Josie .
Davey Gravey & Josie's Blue Vega 31 In Spain
NHT761L Bedford SB3 . Duple Vega 31 C41F. Ex-Avon County Council School Bus .
Seen ? By 2011 it was owned by Kayte , repainted brown (part from its offside ) and sat on blocks in Spain . Photo = Josie .
Bella Vega In The French Pyrenees . 1980's
FPT504C (1965) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-General 24 . Chester Le Street .
Seen 1980's Pyrénées . France . This was owned by a couple of Traveller's for 7 years .. anyone know what became of it ? . Photo = Mark Smith .
Jen Jen's Bella Vega Enroute to Greenham 1982
reg? Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F.
Seen 1982 Stonehenge to Greenham Common . photo = Jen Jen .
Nathan's Bella Vega At Lechlade 1992
FRO497C (1965) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Whitehead . Letchworth .
Seen 1992 Lechlade Photo = Meike .
Bella Vega at Bullbarrow . Dorset
reg? Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F.
Seen ? Bullbarrow Site . Dorset . Could this be Grant's bus ? Photo = Carolyn
Green & White Bella Vega in Saintes 1987
reg? Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F.
Seen 1987 Saintes . France . Dik's bus ? Photo = Tim .
Kayte's SB3 Vega 31 On Blocks In Spain 2011
NHT761L (1973) Bedford SB3 . Duple Vega 31 C41F. Ex-Avon County Council . School Service .
Seen 2011 Spain . Previously owned Davey Gravey & Josie , with whom it was painted blue (and the offside still is !) Photo = Kayte .
Tatty Green Bella Vega in Bus Magazine
CPO345B (1964) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Durrant . Alfold . Lincs.
Seen ? Whose ? Photo = Bus magazine .
Bella Vega Lined Up
VRF902C (1965) Bedford SB13 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Harper . Heath Hayes . Birmingham .
Seen ? Whose ? photo = Terry .
Blue & White Bella Vega On Norfolk Site
reg? Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-
Seen ? Norfolk . Any info welcome..
Duple Vega 31 With Circus ? 1984
XUO879K (1972) Bedford SB5 . Duple Vega 31 C41F. Ex-Trathen . Yelverton .
Seen 1984 ? Looks to have been part of a performing troupe ? Photo via Ian Trotter .
White & Blue Bella Vega At Boscombe Down
AOR212B 3405NT (1964) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Whittle . Highley 14 .
Seen ? Boscombe Down . Wilts. Whose was it here ? Later painted green & black with a rainbow by 1991 when lived in by Col & Claudia . Then owned by Guy who added 'Free ?' in 1994 & changed its overall colour to red by 1996 . Eventually scrapped . Photo = via Gary Conway .
Tom's Firefly At Greenham Common 1982
997XNN (1964) Bedford SB5 . Duple Firefly C41F. Ex-Barton . Chilwell 997 .
Seen 1982 Greenham Common . Tom had bought the coach from Barton , sold to Bob who swapped it for Pete's OB . Pete sold it in the Notts. area in 1985 . Later owned by John and Ceryn and scrapped after being used by Dave & Kate c1994 . Photo = Janet
Rob's Yellow & Blue Bella Vega at Odstock 1989
FWU749C (1965) Bedford SB5 . Duple Super Vega C41F. Ex-Whiteley . Maltby .
Seen 1989 Odstock Site . Salisbury . Rob can't recall much about his old bus ..apart from it having a wheelchair lift in the boot & he sold it to Tat Dave ..It'd been a handicapped , hospital ambulance bus for a while . Photo = Rob Horne .
Dain's Vega 31 at Butleigh Long Drove
reg? Bedford SB.. Duple Vega 31 C41F. Ex-
Seen ? Butleigh Long Drove . Photo = Tony Thompson .
Duple Bella Vega With Salisbury Plain Destination
BMW138C (1965) Bedford SB13 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Wilts & Dorset .
Seen ? Whose was this ? Photo = Martin Perry .
Grey & White Firefly
955FWO (1963) Bedford SB5 . Duple Firefly C41F. Ex-R.I. Davies & Sons . Tredegar . Monmouthshire .
Seen ? Whose ? In the colour scheme of a later PSV operator owner Keates of Bradford , but long since scrapped ! Photo = Adrian .
Leigh's Ex-Jersey SB3 Bella Vega .Sprotbrough 1992
FNC52F J34871 (1968) Bedford SB3 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Tantivy . St.Hellier . Jersey 16 .
Seen 1992 Sprotbrough . He later sold it to Britt c1994/5 , eventually scrapped . Photo = Leigh .
Leigh's Ex-Jersey Bella Vega . Sprotbrough 1992
FNC52F J34871 (1968) Bedford SB3 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Tantivy . Hellier . Jersey 16 .
Seen 1992 Sprotborough . Leigh had to replace a windscreen that'd been trashed at Castlemoreton & luckily PSV Sales in Carlton where he'd bought it from had dismantled other narrow Channel Island coach bodies . He later sold to Britt who lived on it at the same site . Eventually scrapped . Photo = Leigh .
Jim & Beck's Bella Vega & Doc's Paint-job 1990
ENP324B 552LOV (1964) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Hancock . Birmingham .
Seen 1990 . It had been painted during the Treworgey Festival in 1989 , when owned by Tim & Zippy . Becks sold it to Jade in 1990 , he kept Doc's artwork , revamped it with parts from another Bella Vega & then sold it to Howarth & Morag in 1995 . During a site move they suffered an injection pump failure & whilst stuck on the side of the road a collector swapped it with his decker ACU425B . As to what he did with their bus .. Photo = ?
Nathan's Vega 31 In A Devon Scrapyard 2012
EYD147J (1970) Bedford SB5 . Duple Vega 31 C41F. Ex-Bryant & Clarke . Williton .
Seen 2012 Devon . Previously owned by Liam , who'd taken it around Europe in the 1990's , then Ray & her partner c2000 , before Nathan . I think the bus was subsequently removed for spares by a collector ? Photo = John Hembry .
Tat & Bridget's Old Bus
POO32D (1966) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Boon . Boreham .
Seen ? Not sure who owned it here & if it still survives ??.. Photo = Gary Conway .
'Princess' Serving 'Trucking Good Festival Food'
69RRL (1963) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Penryn & Falmouth Motor Company .
Seen ? Jacqui & Chris used their coach as a festival café . But after being sat in a field unused for 16yrs it was weighed in .. Photo = Jacqui
Tat , Bus & Refuges At Stoney Cross 1986
POO32D (1965) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Boon . Boreham
Seen 1986 Stoney Cross . Hants. Tat waiting to leave the airfield after the dawn police raid that saw only 4 Traveller's vehicles driving off towards Glastonbury & the rest being impounded ! . Photo Peter Gardner
John & Ceryn's (?) Red & Yellow Firefly
997XNN (1964) Bedford SB5 . Duple Firefly C41F. Ex-Barton Chilwell 997 .
Seen ? Originally bought from Barton by Tom c1982 , sold to Ganesh Bob , who swapped it with Pete for his OB , sold by Bob in the Notts. area in 1985 .. with John & Ceryn by 1989 . They painted it blue by 1991 , then with Dave & Kate c1994 , eventually being scrapped . Photo = via Gary Conway .
Bella Vega . Savernake Forest After Beanfield 1985
FNT232D (1966) Bedford SB3 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Salopia . Whitchurch 232 .
Seen 6.1985 Savernake Forset . Hants. Whose ? Photo = Alix
Blue & Grey Firefly 1985
reg? Bedford SB5 . Duple Northern Firefly C41F.
Seen 1985 Site prior to Cannock Chase . photo = Tash .
Bella Vega Being Evicted at Norwich 1983
361VRL (1964) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Grenville . Cambourne .
Seen 1983 Norwich . Photo = Al Stokes
'Thursday's Child' At Watchfield Rainbow Camp 1988
EAX93B WGR565 (1964) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Hylton Castle . Sunderland .
Seen 1998 Watchfield . Later sold to Jim & then Rob The Didge with whom it burnt out on a farm fire .. Photo = Lynn
'Thursday's Child' Lower Wadden Farm 1989
EAX93B WGR565 (1964) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Hylton Castle . Sunderland .
Seen 1989 Lived in by Lynn & Damian & their children Oli & Jai , sold to Jim by 1991 .. then to Rob The Didge in 1994 . But burnt out Henparcau Farm which also destroyed Helen The Hat's bus .. Photo = Lynn .
Bella Vega In Yorkshire 1991
ONW208B 2909DH (1964) Bedford SB13 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex- Central . Walsall .
Seen 1991 Yorkshire . photo =
Police Calling In At Charity Farm Site 1992
POO32D (1966) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Boon . Boreham .
Seen 1992 Leics. I doubt if Tat offered them a cuppa ? Photo = Sharon .
Bella Vega & Viceroy & Acid . Stonehenge 1984
reg? Bedford SB5 Duple Bella Vega C41F. & Bedford YRQ ? Duple Viceroy C45F.
Seen 1984 Wilts. The Viceroy looks as if its engine was being worked on during the festival ? .Photo = Dave Trippas .
Ed & Jenny At Ativator Festival 1988
299DWU (1962) Bedford SB5 . Duple Northern Firefly C41F. Ex-Duple Demonstrator , Sold To Longster . Pateley Bridge 1963 .
Seen 1988 Tewkesbury . Now parked at their French property . Photo = Janet .
'Comfey Lux' Nick At Smeeton Westerby 1994-
GFO494K (1972) Bedford SB5 N Series . Duple Vega 31 C41F. Ex-Owen . Knighton .
Seen 1994/5 Leics. Nick's bus had been shortened after a following bus used it as a a brake .. later scrapped . Photo = Steve .
Liam's Duple Vega In Norway 1993
EYD147J (1970) Bedford SB5 . Duple Vega 31 C41F. Ex-Bryant & Clarke . Williton .
Seen 1993 Whilst in Denmark Liam met Soren who was using a converted Unimog & later took it to the UK . His bus was later used by Ray & her Partner c2000 , then Nathan (who painted it red & black) Then ending up in a Devon scrapyard in 2012 , but might have been saved for parts by a collector ? . Photo = Soren .
Rear Of Liam's Duple Vega 31 In Norway . 1993
EYD147J (1970) Bedford SB5 . Duple Vega 31 C41F. Ex-Bryant & Clarke . Williton .
Seen 1993 Norway . After returning to the UK Liam sold the bus to Ray who was living in it in 2000 . Then bought by Nathan & by 2012 it was in a Devon scrapyard , but might have been saved by a collector ? . Photo = Soren
Alan's Landscape Bus . 1990's
OVW687D (1965) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Supreme . Hadleigh . Essex .
Seen ? Bes had painted the whole surface of Alan's home . Later scrapped . photo = Bes .
Alan's Landscape Bella Vega Cilgerran Festi 1994
OVW687D (1965) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Supreme . Hadleigh . Essex .
Seen 1994 Wales . With a for sale sign in the door , but not sure if it changed hands before eventually being scrapped ? Photo = Matthew
Pete's Firefly
997XNN (1964) Bedford SB5 . Duple-Northern Firefly C41F. Ex-Barton . Chilwell 997 .
Seen ? Bought out of service from Barton by Tom , sold to Ganesh Bob , then swapped for an OB with Pete . Sold by Pete in the Notts. area in the mid 80's , with John & Ceryn c1989-92 , finally with Dave & Kate c1994 ? . Photo = Pete
Pete's Firefly & Jessica's Ambulance 1985
997XNN (1964) Bedford SB5 . Duple-Northern Firefly C41F. Ex-Barton . Chilwell 997 .
Seen 1985 Bought out of service from Barton by Tom , sold to Ganesh Bob , then swapped for an OB with Pete . Sold by Pete in the Notts. area in the mid 80's and with John & Ceryn c1989-92 & finally Dave & Kate c1994 , then scraped . Photo = Pete
David's Dominant In Alsager In 2009
40679 J88633 Q790RDE A973DWP (1984) Bedford SB5 . Duple Dominant C40F. Ex-Mascot Motors . Jersey .
Seen 2009 Cheshire . Not sure when David bought this , but its now matt black & in Portugal by 2015 . Photo = Reddman
David's Dominant . 2015
40679 J88633 Q790RDE A973DWP (1984) Bedford SB5 . Duple Dominant C40F. Ex-Mascot Motors . Jersey .
Seen 2015 He was overwintering in Portugal with it . Photo = Adam
Nick's Vega 31 At Forest Fayre 1994
BRP200K (1971) Bedford SB5 . Duple Vega 31 C41F. Ex-Jeffs . Helmdon .
Seen 1994 A blue coach , now looking rough but still used by Brenda in 2016 . Photo = Robert Jowitt
Brenda's Blue Vega 31 . 2016
BRP200K (1971) Bedford SB5 . Duple Vega 31 C41F. Ex-Jeffs . Helmdon .
Seen 2016 Owned by Nick in the 1990's , now showing its age after being static for some years . Photo = Brenda
Bamboo's Bella Vista At Glastonbury Festival 1987
DWH794C (1965) Bedford VAS1 Duple Vista C29F. Ex-Leigh . Bolton .
Seen 1987 Pilton . Somerset . Photo = Chrissie
Brenda's Blue Vega 31 . 2016
BRP200K (1971) Bedford SB5 . Duple Vega 31 C41F. Ex-Jeffs . Helmdon .
Seen 2016 In the 1990's this bus had been owned by Nick . photo = Brenda
Brenda's Blue Vega 31 . 2016
BRP200K (1971) Bedford SB5 . Duple Vega 31 C41F. Ex-Jeffs . Helmdon .
Seen 2016 . In the 1990's this was owned by Nick . Photo = Brenda
Green & White Bella Vega In Blackpool 1982
BSN281C (1965) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Chisholm . Bearsden .
Seen 1982 Blackpool . Photo = Frans
Red & White Bella Vega In Amsterdam 1979
FRO266C (1965) Bedford SB13 . Duple Bella Vega C41F . Ex-Simmonds . Letchworth .
Seen 1979 Holland . by 1989 it was owned by Phil & Sherin , the rear end had been cut off , but also the roof raised & painted black & yellow . Scrapped at Hempnall airfield site & seen at Jordan's yard in 1992 . Photo = Frans
White & yellow Bella Vega At UK Festival
reg? Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F.
Seen ? Photo = Di
Tim & Carol's Bella Vega . Manchester
reg? Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F.
Seen ? Manchester . Photo = Simon
Tim & Carol's Bella Vega . Manchester
reg? Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F.
Seen ? Manchester . Photo = Simon
Tim & Carol's Bella Vega . Manchester
reg? Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella C41F.
Seen ? Manchester . Photo = Simon
Convoy From Savernake-Westbury . Marlborough 1985
Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega's , Leyland Fg ..
Seen 1985 Hants. Photo = via Wally
Blue & Black Bella Vega . Glastonbury ...
reg? Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F.
Seen ? Pilton . Somerset . Humber F**k Pig in front & Karlos' Super Vega behind it . Photo = Andy
'Thursday Child' At Treworgey Festival 1989
EAX93B WGR565 (1964) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Hylton Castle . Sunderland .
Seen 1989 Cornwall . Here it was a family home to Damien , Lynn , Oli & Jai . Then sold to Jim by 1991 & with Rob The Didge in 1994 . But burnt out Henparcau Farm which also destroyed Helen The Hat's bus . Photo = Dean
The End For Brenda's Vega 31 . 2017
BRP200K (1971) Bedford SB5 . Duple Vega 31 C41F. Ex-Jeffs . Helmdon .
Seen 2017 Originally converted by Nick , then lived in & later stored by Hazel . When she finally decided to find a new owner its bodywork was shot , so scrapper's came for it , but only took its engine , gear box & chassis .. Photo = Brenda
Grant's Bella Vega
GTU433C (1965) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Brazendale . Pride of Sale . Sale .
Seen ? His coach had been painted red & white at one time & bought for £500 from Bulger's of Beamster . Photo = Grant
Marlbourogh Convoy Led By Bella Vega 1985
4013DW (1963) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Whittle . Highley .
Seen 1985 Post-Beanfield to White Horse convoy . photo = Guardian
Britt's Bella Vega At Sprotbrough Site c1995
FNC52F J34871 (1968) Bedford SB3 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Tantivy . St.Hellier . Jersey 16 .
Seen 1995? Sprotbrough . This had previously been lived in by Leigh on the same site . Later scrapped . Photo = Marc
Colin's Bella Vega
LVG100B 825CAN (1964) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Clarke E16 .
Seen ? Later painted yellow when owned by Drongo Dave & Liz , it's final owners were Justin & Asia . Photo = Colin
Ray's Duple Vega 31 At Broadfield . Kent 2000
EYD147J (1970) Bedford SB5 . Duple Vega 31 C41F. Ex-Bryant & Clarke . Williton .
Seen 2000 Kent . Previously owned by Liam , who'd taken it to Noway in the 1990's . Not sure when Ray & her partner bought it , but later seen with Nathan painted red & black . By 2012 it was in a Devon scrapyard & might have been saved by a collector ? Photo = Ray
Jacqui & Chris's 'Princess' In Spain 1987
69RRL (1963) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F. Ex-Penryn & Falmouth Motor Company .
Seen 1987 Spain . In the UK their home was part of the 'Trucking Good Food' cafe . But after being sat unused in a field for 16yrs it was weighed in . Photo = Jacqui
Tat's Bella Vega At Port Meadow Festival 1986
POO32D (1966) Bedford SB5. Duple Bella Vega . Ex-Boon . Boreham.
Seen 1986 Oxford . Photo = Gilbert
Jude's Bella Vega On Evesham Site 1993
ENP324B 552LOV (1964) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F . Ex-Hancock . Birmingham .
Seen 1994 Evesham . His coach was originally converted by Tim & Zippy & Doc did its paint-job at Treworgey in 1989 . They sold it to Becks in 1990 , she sold it to Jude in the same year . He kept it for 5 yrs before selling to Howarth & Morag , with whom it suffered an injection pump failure & a collector swapped it for his decker ACU425B . Photo = Angie
Tim Juggling In Front Of His & Zippy's Bella Vega
ENP324B 552LOV (1964) Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C41F . Ex-Hancock . Birmingham .
Seen .. At the 1989 Treworgey Fayre they got Doc to repaint it & then sold it to Becks , who then re-sold it to Jude in 1990 . He kept it for 5yrs , revamping it with parts from another Bella Vega , before selling to Howarth & Morag . They suffered injection pump failure during a site move & a preservationist turned up to swap it with his decker ACU425B . What became of it then .. Photo = Luke B Domingo
Bella Vega Parked In Brougham Road , London 1985
Reg .. Bedford SB5 . Duple Bella Vega C45F.
Seen 1985 London . Photo = Ania
Bob's Bella Vega At A Welsh Festival 1984
Reg .. Bedford SB5 Duple Bella Vega C41F.
Seen 1984 Wales . No windscreen , hole cut in the front panel & no reg plate .. Photo = Bob
Catherine's 'Bridget' . France 1989
Reg ? Bedford SB5 Duple Vega C41F.
Seen 1989 France . Photo = Catherine