Midland Red Hereford

[Frothblower]

Here's one for you Omnibus Boffins. Spotted in Hereford this weekend. I thought Midland Red was no more?

 

[Frothblower]

Here's one for you Omnibus Boffins. Spotted in Hereford this weekend. I thought Midland Red was no more?

Thats got you stumped

 

[Arkrite]

That is at the old Midland Red Garage, Friar Street , Hereford. When I started walking the beat in Hereford ,1969 that garage was on it and a regular teastop on the night shift. Midland Red were big around Herefordshire, both long distance and around the city. Local bus companies tended to be a lot smaller and some still used single decker half cab coaches and Bedford OBs. I used Midland Red to return home to Shrewsbury once a month. If I showed my Warrant I did not have to pay, unlike going by train.Photo credit to Google Earth.

 

[Frothblower]

That is at the old Midland Red Garage, Friar Street , Hereford. When I started walking the beat in Hereford ,1969 that garage was on it and a regular teastop on the night shift. Midland Red were big around Herefordshire, both long distance and around the city. Local bus companies tended to be a lot smaller and some still used single decker half cab coaches and Bedford OBs. I used Midland Red to return home to Shrewsbury once a month. If I showed my Warrant I did not have to pay, unlike going by train.Photo credit to Google Earth.

Thanks for sharing your memories Arkrite. That is a new sign, I wonder why they still put Midland Red on it?

 

[Thylacine]

Thanks for the picture of the sign, Frothblower. And for the longer shot of the garage and those interesting notes, Arkrite. Here's a "potted history" of the garage:

The Midland Red garage at Friar Street, Hereford, was purpose-built by the company and opened in April 1925. It took over from leased premises at the "Black Lion", Bridge Street, which had been operated since 16 March 1920. The Friar Street garage was extended in December 1930 and again in April 1941 . Driver-only operation was pioneered by Midland Red at Hereford on 1 July 1956. When Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Co Ltd (the full title of Midland Red) was renamed to Midland Red Omnibus Co Ltd on 29 March 1974, the garage sheltered 37 vehicles, which were operated by about 120 staff. When Midland Red split up on 6 September 1981, Hereford Garage passed to Midland Red West, which was renamed to First Midland Red (trading as First in Midlands) on 26 March 1999. I am unfamiliar with the later history of First and the Hereford depot. Perhaps someone else can complete the story.

 

[Thylacine]

It seems that First Group plc are still running in the area, trading as First in Worcestershire and Herefordshire. I believe that they are still using the Hereford garage. I would like to know the date the "First Midland Red" name was dropped. The sign is obviously a survivor from those days. This would be one of the last signs carrying the grand old name "Midland Red". A wonderful find, Froth!

 

[Frothblower]

Thanks for the information everyone. I'm so pleased I saw it.
This is the Original photo I took without the sign cropped

 

[robert]

Last Tuesday i had to travel to Worcester, and as i would be having a drink i checked out public tranport from Solihull to Worcester.One of the web site i visited was First Midland Red West. Covering Birmingham Kiddiminster Worcester with a host of other places inbetween. I opted for the train £7.40 return.

 

[Lloyd]

Gosh, I've been there a few times!
Here's the same garage c1935, when it was about 10 years old, having replaced Midland Red's first base in Hereford, the yard of the Black Lion Inn.
Hasn't changed much over the years, has it?

 

[Lloyd]

Last Tuesday i had to travel to Worcester, and as i would be having a drink i checked out public tranport from Solihull to Worcester.One of the web site i visited was First Midland Red West. Covering Birmingham Kiddiminster Worcester with a host of other places inbetween. I opted for the train £7.40 return.

I would have got the train to town, then the 144 bus to Worcester. All free on my Centro area bus pass! More to spend on the drinkies!

 

[robert]

Lloyd I not due mine for another 18 months (60) but i cant see me getting it with all these cuts. I will have to stick to day savers and a couple less drinks. you know how to hurt a man lol

 

[Thylacine]

First Midland Red Buses Ltd appears to be still operating (though now based at Leicester). A fascinating survival of the old "Midland Red" name, but I suspect that it is not displayed on the buses.