Safeguard’s Centenary Event Raises more than £5k for The Fountain Centre

Published on: 21 Mar, 2024
Updated on: 22 Mar, 2024

Safeguard Coaches’ centenary celebrations at Guildford Cathedral on Saturday March 16 were enjoyed by more than 3,000 visitors, and £5,239 has been raised for The Fountain Centre at the Royal Surrey Hospital.

More than 3,000 people visited Safeguard Coaches’ centenary event celebrations at Guildford Cathedral. Photo by Daniella West.

The sale of limited-edition centenary souvenir booklets and goody bags, a raffle, and a collection resulted in the funds being raised for The Fountain Centre on the day.

The Fountain Centre, which provides therapies and support for cancer patients across Surrey, was chosen in loving memory of Safeguard’s late engineering manager, Brett Lambley.

Andrew Halliday (centre, Safeguard Coaches), Mark Taylor (Alexander Dennis/Plaxton) and Jason Williams (Volvo Bus and Coach) formally handing the new Volvo/Plaxton 70-seat coach SA24SAF to Safeguard Coaches. Picture by Orchid PR.

Along with seven heritage vehicles, Safeguard showcased a selection of its fleet, including its three latest acquisitions, officially unveiled on the day.

The history and future of transport were key themes of the whole event which included talks, stalls and activities celebrating bus and coach heritage and also looking to the future.

The 1963 Bedford J2 coach. Picture by Daniella West.

And a 1963 Bedford J2 coach with 18-seat Plaxton Embassy bodywork, which Safeguard Coaches previously owned and has been re-acquired after a 55-year absence.

Safeguard first acquired the coach with the business of Cookes of Stoughton in 1966.

Andrew Halliday (left, Safeguard Coaches) is handed the keys to the 1963 Bedford J2 coach by Steve Dine (Empress Coaches). Picture by Orchid PR.

Registered 644HAA, the coach ran in the Safeguard fleet for two years before being sold on. After a long life she was eventually restored to top condition and was re-acquired by Safeguard Coaches from Steve Dine, owner of Empress Coaches of Hastings.

And here are some more photos of the memorable event, these ones taken by Daniella West.