BCSV

BCSV July Meeting: Guest Speaker - Dr Chris Lowe (BusVic)
2019-07-21 15:00 - 17:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
The BCSV are excited to announce another guest speaker for our programme of Sunday social meetings in 2019.
Dr Chris Lowe, Executive Director of BusVic, has kindly accepted our invitation to present at July meeting on Sunday 21 July at 3pm.
BusVic is an industry body that provides various forms of support to operators across the state and advocates to government on the behalf of private operators, both small and large.
Having lead BusVic for over a decade, Dr Lowe has a thorough understanding of the bus industry in Victoria.
Chris will present BusVic’s 10-point vision for enhancements across Victoria’s bus network, as developed ahead of the 2018 state election. He will discuss the various opportunities and challenges that lie ahead along with the likely consequences of ignoring the industry’s recommendations.
He will also provide valuable industry insight into the new metropolitan bus contracts signed with the state government last year.
The afternoon will close with a chance for the audience to ask Dr Lowe questions, followed by a hot drink over afternoon tea.
Our bi-monthly Sunday social meetings are held at Hawthorn Tram Depot / Melbourne Tram Museum, 8 Wallen Rd, near the corner of Power St.
Alight Tram Routes 70 & 75 at Riversdale Junction. Alternatively, Hawthorn Station on the Belgrave/Lilydale line is a short 10 min walk away.
All welcome, free entry!

BCSV June Tour: Optares & Ventura Monbulk
2019-06-23 13:00 - 16:00 | Croydon Railway Station, Wicklow Avenue, Croydon, VIC, 3136, Australia
The BCSV: Bus and Coach Society of Victoria will hold an afternoon tour on Sunday 23 June featuring a chance to sample the Optare Solo and Tempo buses along with a visit to Ventura’s Monbulk depot.
The tour will commence at Croydon Railway Station in outer eastern Melbourne at 1pm (awaiting the 1pm train arrival from Melbourne) and conclude around 4pm with a drop off at Croydon Station.
Fares are $5 for BCSV members and $10 for non-members.
Attendees should have lunch beforehand (or at least bring a packed lunch), although cold drinks will be available on the day.

BCSV May Meeting: Coaches in the snow & MTT Adelaide encore
2019-05-19 15:00 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
Change of May Social Meeting Syllabus Item
We had planned to have Cos Sita as our special guest speaker at our May Meeting, along with Pino Gattellaro (Sunshine Tours)
However, Cos’ mother has recently passed away.
The Society extends its condolences to the Sita family. Because of this, Cos has asked for his address to be postponed to September, and we are happy to accede to his wishes.
An alternative programme has been arranged at short notice, featuring “Coaches in the snow“, using footage on the NSW Snowfields taken by Greg Travers and part of his Australian Buses No 7 DVD.
Paul will also complete our feature on Adelaide government buses from their beginnings in the 1920s through to the Volvo B59s and AEC Swifts. This will include trolleybuses as well as the petrol and diesel MTT buses.
Our bi-monthly Sunday social meetings are held at Hawthorn Tram Depot / Melbourne Tram Museum, 8 Wallen Rd, near the corner of Power St.
Alight Tram Routes 70 & 75 at Riversdale Junction. Alternatively, Hawthorn Station on the Belgrave/Lilydale line is a short 10 min walk away.
Each meeting concludes with a short afternoon tea and chatter on the latest industry gossip.
Both members and guests are welcome, free admission.

BCSV March Meeting: Buses in Adelaide, Hobart & Launceston
2019-03-17 15:00 - 17:00 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
Join us at 3pm on Sunday 17 March 2019 for our March social meeting as Paul Kennelly & Geoff Foster look back at government buses in Adelaide, Hobart & Launceston from 1920 to today.
Our bi-monthly Sunday meetings are held at Hawthorn Tram Depot / Melbourne Tram Museum, 8 Wallen Rd, near the corner of Power St.
Alight Tram Routes 70 & 75 at Riversdale Junction. Alternatively, Hawthorn Station on the Belgrave/Lilydale line is a short 10 min walk away.

Each meeting concludes with a short afternoon tea and chatter on the latest industry gossip.
Both members and guests are welcome, free admission.

BCSV Members' Tour: Volgren Dandenong
2019-01-25 | Volgren Dandenong, 221-243 Hammond Road, Dandenong, VIC, 3175, Australia
We are pleased to confirm the date and time for our members-only tour for January 2019, to be held on the afternoon on Friday 25 January 2019.
Some significant late changes have been made.
In some good news, we have been able to secure an additional 10 spaces for the visit to Volgren. All members on the wait list will now be able to attend. Thanks to those on the wait list for their patience.
Unfortunately, Kingstons Tours have cancelled the planned tour bonus. Management has advised us that, due to work requirements and availability of staff, they will not be able to host us at this time. We apologise for this, but the decision was beyond our control.
For the Volgren tour, those currently on the wait list will be emailed a copy of their ticket from TryBooking over the weekend. However, given the modest numbers attending, we will not require presentation of the tickets on the day. We have used this “no cost” tour to trial the online booking process and will modify it in the future based on our experience and feedback from members.
Due to the overwhelming demand, Volgren has now requested we stagger the arrival of the groups of attendees to best manage the day, especially the brief induction period which can only be done in small groups. The cancellation of Kingstons has also allowed an earlier start (first group 2pm), also something that Volgren welcomed given the size of the group.
To ensure the staggering of groups of the Volgren visit, we are going to request that attendees reserve a spot in one of four groups. These are split up into those who will be driving and those who are using the transfer options from Dandenong.
The visit for each group will remain approximately 2 hours in duration. Those who are driving will be able to leave at the end of their guided tour or otherwise hang around for the group shot at the end.
TOUR GROUPS
The four groups are as follows:
GROUP 1 – ARRIVE VOLGREN BY CAR for a 2pm start, finish approx 4pm
GROUP 2 – ARRIVE VOLGREN BY CAR for a 2:15pm start, finish approx 4:15pm
GROUP 3 – HERITAGE TRANSFER BUS departing Dandenong Station (V/Line Bus Bay) around 2:15pm, return to Dandenong by 5:15pm
GROUP 4 – MODERN TRANSFER BUS departing Dandenong Station (V/Line Bus Bay) around 2:30pm, return to Dandenong by 5:15pm
Those in Groups 3 & 4 will have the option to return back to Dandenong on the alternative vehicle.
Those driving or carpooling should park in the staff carpark off Hammond Rd with overflow parking on the side street (Ruhr Street). Volgren advises some staff will still be in attendance in the factory on the day of the visit despite the RDO.
RSVP
We suggest you make contact with friends you hope to share the afternoon with and then email tours@bcsv.org.au with your preferred option. Spots will be allocated on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Should an option reach capacity, will we place you on the list for the alternative choice, mindful of friendship groups.
Most attendees who failed to select an option were contacted on Wednesday with an allocation made by the tours team, to ensure they are aware of the changes.
Please note that these bookings are restricted to those who had previously secured a spot via an online bookings or had placed their name on the waiting list before it closed. No late comers.
EXTREME HEAT FORECAST – 44 degrees (REVISED AGAIN!)
Please be aware of the current forecast of 44 degrees on Friday ahead of an afternoon cool change. We can only hope the cool change arrives early at this stage, as it will be a sleepless 29 degrees overnight too.

The option of postponing the tour would have been best made on Sunday when the committee met for their bi-monthly meeting, but at that stage the official BoM forecast for Friday was just 35 degrees with a lunchtime cool change. (Meteorologist Jane Bunn on Channel 7 took it upon herself to issue a more realistic forecast of 40 degrees on Sunday night’s news, while the committee meeting was already underway)
At this stage, the tour will proceed as a number of members have chosen to take the day off work to attend, and alternative dates in school term are difficult for a number of people who study or work as school charter drivers.
Older members may wish to give the visit a miss on health grounds. We’d appreciate those who are no longer coming to advise us via reply email so the attendance list can be updated.
For those who decide to attend, chilled water and soft drink will be offered at both the start of the day, during the visit and with afternoon tea at the end. This will be at no cost to attendees.
DRESS REQUIREMENTS – Pants & Hi-Vis Vests mandatory
As advised over the weekend, Volgren has strict requirements for all visitors to wear full length pants in the production areas of the factory. As the factory will be partly operational on Friday, this requirement has not changed despite the forecast of 43 degrees.
Those who wear shorts (or indeed less) may find themselves forced to sit out for large sections of the tour.
We’d further suggest wearing a shirt/T-shirt with at least half-length sleeves, rather than a singlet.
Members should also ensure they bring their hi-vis vest as required by Volgren inside the factory. A small number of vests will be available on the day.
Closed shoes are also required. Ideally leather shoes would be worn, however rubber/vinyl runners/sneakers will be accepted given some members may not own leather shoes.
Volgren have asked us to stress that, “If attendees are not wearing the correct attire they will not be allowed into the factory.”

As the tour will include the outside sections of the plant, we’d encourage members to wear a hat to avoid getting sunburnt. The society will have a bottle of sunscreen available upon arrival.

VOLGREN CODE OF CONDUCT
The code of conduct for visitors at the Volgren factory covers other key rules including not being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, no mobile phone usage inside the plant and photography restrictions.

Agreeing to the code of conduct is part of the requirement of entering the factory. Failure to comply with the code will see ejection from the plant.
Those with access to printers are encouraged to print their own copy out, sign it and bring it on Friday, however printed copies can be obtained upon arrival.

E-TICKETS
Please note the presentation of E-Tickets from Trybooking are not required for this tour. The E-Tickets are issued automatically and were to confirm your spot when bookings opened. As we know everyone coming well, we’ll simply cross your name off the attendance lists for each group.

Save some paper and just print off the Code of Conduct attached!

QUESTIONS
Any last minute questions should be directed to tours@bcsv.org.au or call BCSV secretary Jason Blackman on 0406 407 004.

BCSV 50th Anniversary Afternoon Tea
2018-11-18 15:00 - 17:30 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
The Bus & Coach Society of Victoria will celebrate its 50th Anniversary at the end of 2018.
We are hosting a special afternoon tea to mark the occasion on Sunday 18 November 2018. A big afternoon is planned. We hope you can join us! Please note the event is for BCSV members and invited guests only.
Geoff Mann, the first BCSV President in 1968, and Keith Kings, one of the four founding members, will be our special guests.
Geoff Foster, the original editor of Panorama will present a special segment on the history of the publications of the Society over the years, covering the first News Sheets, through Fleetline and Australian Bus Heritage to the much-loved Australian Bus Panorama of today.

There will be a segment on BCSV Tours over the years with group photos.
Tony Finneran from Sydney, author of the Gone But Not Forgotten -Tony Finneran, is also attending as our special guest. And much more!
A Special Commemorative Edition of Australian Bus Panorama will be released on the day, dedicated to the photography of Keith Kings, Geoff Mann, Bruce Tilley and John Masterton.
10 door prizes (books & models) are up for grabs!
Catering will include sandwiches, scones, fruit and drinks.
Make sure to arrive at Melbourne Tram Museum in Hawthorn by 3pm to be part of this special afternoon.
Melbourne Tram Museum / Hawthorn Tram Depot is located at 8 Wallen Rd Hawthorn, near the corner of Power St.
Tram Routes 70 & 75 stop adjacent, with Hawthorn Station on the Belgrave/Lilydale line a short 10 min walk away,
Please RSVP to the event page as “Going” if you intend to come – https://www.facebook.com/events/349405362224400/

Historic Commercial Vehicle Display 2018 - Yarra Glen
2018-11-11 09:00 - 15:00 | Yarra Glen Racecourse, Armstrong Grove, Yarra Glen, Victoria, 3775, Australia
Join the HCVCA (Historic Commercial Vehicle Club of Australia) and BCSV: Bus and Coach Society of Victoria for a relaxing Sunday at Yarra Glen Racecourse on November 11 enjoying the 37th Historic Commercial Vehicle Display. Gates open to the public at 9am with vehicles in position until 3pm.
Entry is $10 per person with under 14s free! Free parking on site.
Inspect some of the hundreds of vehicles on display, from vintage trucks, buses and tractors, to steam engines and older cars.
Bus operators who regularly take part include Driver Bus Lines, Moonee Valley Coaches, Dysons, Ventura, Diamond Coaches, John Usher’s Invicta collection, among others.
There will be kids amusements, including face-painting and a jumping castle, and also a Touch A Truck section where kids are able to hop into trucks and have a squizz how they all work. There will be live music all day, rocker cover races, which always draws a huge crowd, trade stalls, and of course delicious food and drink stalls.
HCVCA will also draw the much anticipated Tool Box Raffle at approx 2:30pm.
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SET-UP DAY CONVOY & DISPLAY DAY TRANSFER SHUTTLE BUS

Driver Bus Lines has once again invited BCSV members (& any interstate guests) to ride on the set-up day convoy and be picked up on the display day onboard the pristine “Driver Classics” heritage fleet. FREE!

The BCSV: Bus and Coach Society of Victoria are grateful for this offer from Gary Driver.

SATURDAY 10/11 – SET-UP DAY CONVOY

The convoy of Driver Heritage vehicles will leave the Driver depot in Ricketts Rd, Mt Waverley at 12.30pm on Saturday 10th November.

There will be an opportunity to change vehicles on the way. If anyone wishes to board at Lilydale, please email tours@bcsv.org.au

A current day coach will return attendees to the depot at around 5pm, setting down at Lilydale Station upon request.

SUNDAY 11/11 – DISPLAY DAY TRANSFER SHUTTLE BUSES

On the Sunday, members can join the transfer coach at the Driver depot at about 8.30am.

It will stop at Lilydale Station enroute to pick up members who have travelled by train from the city, meeting the service arriving Lilydale at 9.14am.

The return journey from the display, using the heritage vehicles, will leave Yarra Glen at about 3pm with drop off at Lilydale Station around 3:30pm before travelling back to the depot.
A second coach, from Firefly Coaches, will depart Southern Cross Station at 8:30am, leaving from the 216/219 stop outside Coles in Spencer St, just north of Lonsdale St. The coach will return from Yarra Glen around 3pm, returning to Southern Cross by 5pm.

RSVP

Those wishing to travel on either the convoy or display day transfer can email tours@bcsv.org.au to reserve their spot.

ALTERNATIVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Those wishing to catch public transport to Yarra Glen should note that the Route 685 bus from Lilydale only provides a limited service on Sundays.

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BRINGING A VEHICLE?
BUSES & COACHES
Bus and coach operators with heritage vehicles will be formally invited by secretary Jason Blackman to present their vehicles with relevant details.
Owners of preserved buses can contact Jason Blackman via secretary@bcsv.org.au for further details, or call him on 0406 407 004.
Parking is available from 3pm Saturday afternoon for those wishing to secure a prime position or group their fleet together. Also note the dinner & overnight camping options below.
Vehicles must remain in position until 3pm on Sunday.
TRUCKS & TRACTORS
Those wishing to present preserved trucks, tractors or other machinery should contact the HCVCA directly for bookings.
Contact one of the following people:
Shane – 0409 541 494
Cindy – 0427 684 989
Allan – 0425 718 191
Jeff – 0408 181 816
Otherwise contact Jeff Johnston, Display Day Coordinator via vicepresident@hcvc.com.au
Parking is available from 3pm Saturday afternoon for those wishing to secure a prime position or group their fleet together. Also note the dinner & overnight camping options below.
Vehicles must remain in position until 3pm on Sunday.
CAR CLUBS
Car clubs are very welcome to attend. Please contact of the HCVCA organisers to advise an approximate number of vehicles likely to attend.
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SATURDAY NIGHT DINNER & CAMPING
On the Saturday night, the HCVCA holds an annual dinner in the dining room of the Racecourse. This is always a fantastic night, filled with good friends, good food, raffles, and a guest speaker.
Tickets for this are $30 per person and MUST be pre-booked in advance by the 5th November. Payment before, or on the night is OK, by Cash or EFT. Please call Cindy on 0427 684 989 or Allan on 0425 718 191 for dinner bookings.
For those staying at Yarra Glen overnight, a $20 camping fee applies.

BCSV AGM 2018 & September meeting: Freighter Lawton
2018-09-16 15:00 - 17:30 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
Notice of the BCSV: Bus and Coach Society of Victoria Annual General Meeting to be held on Sunday 16th September at the Hawthorn Tram depot / Melbourne Tram Museum at 3pm.
Hawthorn Tram Depot is located at 8 Wallen Road Hawthorn, near the corner of Power Street and Riversdale Road. Tram Routes 70 & 75 stop outside, with Hawthorn Station a 10 minute walk away.
Elections for the Committee will be conducted at the AGM along with the presentation of the annual and financial reports.
COMMITTEE ELECTIONS
Vacant positions include:
Executive Positions:
* President
* Deputy President
* Secretary
* Treasurer
Other Officers:
* Assistant Secretary
* Tours Organiser
* Historical Research (Heritage/Archive)
* Membership
* Restoration
* Safety
* Publications Editor
* Social Media Officer
We’d also welcome those who wish to join as general committee members.
There will be a number of retirements this year and members are encouraged to put themselves forward if they believe they can make a contribution to the Society. In particular, and has been the case for some years, more people are needed to help organise tours behind the scenes.
Nomination forms have been emailed to members and can also be downloaded from our website:
PDF – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Notice-of-2018-AGM.pdf
DOC – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Notice-of-2018-AGM.doc
Nominations are welcome via post or email (secretary@bcsv.org.au) by Wednesday 12 September or otherwise can be made in person at the AGM.
PROXY FORMS
Members who are unable to attend the AGM may nominate a proxy by way of a form which clearly identifies the name of the member’s proxy and is signed by the member. To assist members, an example proxy form has been created but the use of the form is not a requirement.
PDF – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Proxy-Form-2018-AGM.pdf
WORD – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Proxy-Form-2018-AGM.doc
Proxy forms should be declared by your nominated proxy at the commencement of the AGM.
They can also be forwarded to The Secretary, Bus & Coach Society of Victoria, PO Box 33, Caulfield East, 3145 to arrive by Wednesday 12th September. Digital copies accepted at secretary@bcsv.org.au up to 24 hours before the scheduled start of the meeting.
MEMBERSHIP
For those yet to renew their membership, see https://bcsv.org.au/membership/
SOCIAL MEETING
Following the AGM, Paul Kennelly will present the next in the Body Builders series: Freighter Lawton before we finish with our usual light afternoon tea around 5pm.

BCSV August Tour Day 2: CDC Wyndham Depot & 50 years re-enactment
2018-08-05 09:30 - 16:30 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
The BCSV are planning an action-packed tour weekend for August.
On Saturday 4 August we will visit Castlemaine Bus Lines, acquired by the Whitmore Group in mid 2017. Moonee Valley Coaches will transport us to Castlemaine onboard their preserved Austral. (Details – https://bcsv.org.au/event/bcsv-august-tour-day-1-castlemaine-bus-lines/ )
The BCSV: Bus and Coach Society of Victoria are excited to announce a visit to CDC Victoria’s new Wyndham Depot on Sunday 5 August 2018. This new state-of-the-art facility replaced the former Altona and Werribee depots at the start of the year.
After enjoying lunch at Pacific Werribee (aka Werribee Plaza), we will return to the inner southern suburbs to re-enact the tour that was the genesis of the Society 50 years ago – held on Saturday 27th July 1968, prior to the formation of the BCSV: Bus and Coach Society of Victoria later that year.
This tour, which followed local Nuline routes around the Brighton area, was organised by Paul Nicholson, John Masterton and Bruce Tilley. We are pleased to announce that Paul Nicholson will join us next Sunday as our guest for a re-enactment of that very first tour. At least three heritage buses will be involved in the event.
COST:
$5 for members
$15 for non members
Under 18s half price
PICK-UPs:
BUS 1 – EASTERN SUBURBS
* Ringwood Station (first bus bay on Maroondah Hwy): 8:35am (return 5.35pm)
* Box Hill Transit Centre 612 stop: 9am (return 5:15pm)
BUS 2 – SOUTH-EASTERN SUBURBS & CITY
* Oakleigh Station 625 stop south side of station in Johnson St: 8:45am (return 4:50pm)
* Caulfield Station 624 Kew stop north side of station in Sir John Monash Dr: 9:05am (return either 2:45pm & 4:30pm)
* Southern Cross (216/219 stop outside Coles in Spencer Street, near Lonsdale St): 9:30am
NB: Bus #2 will not return to the City after the re-enactment. Express trains depart Caulfield at 10 min intervals – 4:40pm train to City from Caulfield will arrive Southern Cross at 4:58pm. Also see Hoppers Crossing option below.
BUS 3 – WESTERN SUBURBS & GEELONG
* Tarneit Station – 170 stop outside platform 1 – 10:05am (awaits the arrival of the 10:04am train from Geelong)
NB: Bus #3 does not offer a return drop-off. Passengers taking this option can either leave us at Werribee Plaza at 12:45pm & take a 170 bus back to Tarneit (buses operate every 20 mins) or find their own way home from Cauflield at the end of the afternoon re-enactment (drop off at 4:30pm)
HOPPERS CROSSING DROP-OFF
After lunch (approx. 12.45pm to 1.30pm), buses 1 & 2 will travel via Hoppers Crossing Station to drop-off anyone who does not wish to participate in the re-enactment. The 1:48pm train back to Melbourne arrives Flinders St 2:37pm & Southern Cross 2:42pm
CAULFIELD AFTERNOON PICK-UP
Those only wishing to join us for the afternoon portion are welcome to meet us at Caulfield Station. We plan to depart at 2:45pm from the 624 Oakleigh stop outside the racecourse at the corner of Normanby Rd & Station St (the stand once used for the 115A to Middle Brighton & Southland)
All times above are approximate. Please ensure you arrive 5 minutes before departure time.
LUNCH:
On Sunday choose from one of the many food court options at Werribee Plaza. Lunch is expected to be between 12:45pm & 1:30pm.
High-vis vests must be worn at the CDC depot.
RSVP:
Email tours@bcsv.org.au or select “Going” on the Facebook event pages for both days
Day 1: Castlemaine Bus Lines – Saturday 4th August – https://www.facebook.com/events/724940484380347/
Day 2: CDC Wyndham & 50 years re-enactment – Sunday 5th August – https://www.facebook.com/events/207332276694280/

BCSV August Tour Day 1: Castlemaine Bus Lines
2018-08-04 09:30 - 17:30 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
The BCSV are planning an action-packed tour weekend for August.
On Saturday 4 August we will visit Castlemaine Bus Lines, acquired by the Whitmore Group in mid 2017.
After assembling in Melbourne’s north-west, everyone will travel to Castlemaine onboard Moonee Valley Coaches’ magnificently restored Austral Tourmaster, where we will spend the majority of the day enjoying the hospitality of Jamie Whitmore.
We will also pay brief visits to one or two other small operators during the day as a bonus – to be announced on the day.
Then on Sunday 5 August CDC Victoria will host us at their new super depot in Wyndham. (Details – https://bcsv.org.au/event/bcsv-august-tour-cdc-wyndham-depot/ )
Further details will be advised closer to the date.
COST:
$10 for members
$20 for non-members
Half price for under 18s
PICK-UPs:
BUS 1 – EASTERN SUBURBS
* Ringwood Station first bus bay on Maroondah Hwy: 8:45am (return 6.20pm)
* Box Hill Transit Centre 612 stop: 9:05am (return 6pm)
BUS 2 – SOUTH-EASTERN SUBURBS & CITY
* Oakleigh Station 625 stop south side of station in Johnson St: 8:45am (return 6:15pm)
* Caulfield Station 624 Kew stop north side of station in Sir John Monash Dr: 9:05am (return 6pm)
* Southern Cross (216/219 stop outside Coles in Spencer Street, near Lonsdale St): 9:30am (return 5:30pm)
All times above are approximate. Please ensure you arrive 5 minutes before departure time.
LUNCH:
A BBQ lunch will be held in Castlemaine on the Saturday (included in your fare). Please advise of any dietary requirements to tours@bcsv.org.au
RSVP:
Email tours@bcsv.org.au or select “Going” on the Facebook event pages for both days
Day 1: Castlemaine Bus Lines – Saturday 4th August – https://www.facebook.com/events/724940484380347/
Day 2: CDC Wyndham & 50 years re-enactment – Sunday 5th August – https://www.facebook.com/events/207332276694280/

BCSV July Meeting: PTV CEO Jeroen Weimar
2018-07-15 15:00 - 17:00 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
Each year the BCSV invite a guest speaker along to one of our Sunday social meetings to provide their unique perspective on the transport industry in Victoria.

This year we will be joined by Public Transport Victoria’s CEO Jeroen Weimar, who will discuss “Current PTV programs to improve bus services in Victoria and possibilities for the future.”

This will include discussions on the new contact arrangements for metropolitan operators, announcements in the 2018-2019 state budget & the upcoming state election.

There will also be a chance for the audience to ask Jeroen questions.

We hope you can join us, 3pm on Sunday 15 July 2018.

Our bi-monthly Sunday social meetings are held at Hawthorn Tram Depot / Melbourne Tram Museum, 8 Wallen Rd, near the corner of Power St.

Alight Tram Routes 70 & 75 at Riversdale Junction. Alternatively, Hawthorn Station on the Belgrave/Lilydale line is a short 10 min walk away.

Each meeting concludes with a short afternoon tea and chatter on the latest industry gossip.

Both members and guests are welcome, free admission.

BCSV May Meeting: Government Buses in Queensland
2018-05-20 15:00 - 17:00 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
Join us for the next installment in our ongoing series of government buses around Australia. Our next meeting at 3pm on Sunday May 20 will look back at government buses in Brisbane and Rockhampton.

Paul Kennelly & Geoffrey Foster will make another joint historical presentation. Paul will present from the early days till 1970 and Geoff will present from 1970 until the present (hopefully without any USB issues!)

Our bi-monthly Sunday meetings are held at Hawthorn Tram Depot / Melbourne Tram Museum, 8 Wallen Rd, near the corner of Power St.
Alight Tram Routes 70 & 75 at Riversdale Junction. Alternatively, Hawthorn Station on the Belgrave/Lilydale line is a short 10 min walk away.
Each meeting concludes with a short afternoon tea and chatter on the latest industry gossip.
Both members and guests are welcome, free admission.

BCSV March Meeting: Government Buses in Western Australia
2018-03-18 15:00 - 17:00 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
In a new series of BCSV meetings, Paul Kennelly & Geoffrey Foster will make joint historical presentations on the government bus operators in cities throughout Australia. Paul will present from the early days till 1970 and Geoff will present from 1970 until the present.
The series kicks off on Sunday March 18 at 3pm with a look back at government buses in Perth, Rottnest Island and Kalgoorlie
Our bi-monthly Sunday meetings are held at Hawthorn Tram Depot / Melbourne Tram Museum, 8 Wallen Rd, near the corner of Power St.
Alight Tram Routes 70 & 75 at Riversdale Junction. Alternatively, Hawthorn Station on the Belgrave/Lilydale line is a short 10 min walk away.
Each meeting concludes with a short afternoon tea and chatter on the latest industry gossip.
Both members and guests are welcome, free admission.

BCSV Feb Tour: Shepparton Day Trip
2018-02-25 09:00 - 19:00 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
Join the BCSV: Bus and Coach Society of Victoria for single day tour on Sunday 25 February 2018 visiting three local operators in the Shepparton/Mooroopna district – Ford’s, Dyson’s and Balfour’s.

PICK UPs:

* 8.15am – Sandbelt Carpark Moorabbin, Cnr Bignell Rd & Nellbern Rd (return 7.50pm)

* 8.35am – Caulfield – Caulfield Station, north side, 624 bus stop: awaits train from Frankston due 8.30am (return 7.30pm)

* 9.00am – Southern Cross Station – Spencer St, at 216/219 bus stop (return 7.00pm)

COST:
$10 for members, including a BBQ lunch
$20 for non-members, including a BBQ lunch
Under 18s are half price.
Pay onboard.
RSVP:
Please advise attendance for catering purposes by selecting “Going” on the Facebook event page or sending us an email to tours@bcsv.org.au
Those with dietary requirements should also let us know beforehand.

BCSV November Tour Day 2: Crown & Mees
2017-11-26 09:00 - 18:00 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
On Sunday 26 Novenber the BCSV visited Mee’s depot in West Heidelberg.
This was followed by an afternoon visit to the operations of Crown Coaches as part of their 50th Anniversary celebrations.
We paused for lunch at Doncaster Shoppingtown between visits.
Costs was $10 for members and $20 for non members (U/18 half price).

PICK-UPs
Mitcham Station (740 stop) – 9:15am
Box Hill Station (612 stop) – 9:35am
* connects with 9:30am train arrival from BelgraveDoncaster Shoppingtown (293 Greensborough stop) – 9:45am
Heidelberg Station (551 stop) – 10:05am
* connects with 9:52am train arrival from City (9:18am ex Flinders St)
* connects with 10am train arrival from Hurstbridge
DROP-OFFs
Please note: Drop off at Mitcham Station only at approximately 4.30pm.
Train to Box Hill & the 903 bus returned participants to the other locations

BCSV November Tour Day 1: 40 Years of TeleBus
2017-11-25 09:00 - 18:00 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of TeleBus pioneered by John Usher, we drove over TeleBus Areas 1, 2, 3 and 4 using representative vehicles used on the TeleBus service.
This was followed by a BBQ lunch at Ventura’s Lilydale depot.
In the afternoon, we explored Lilydale depot, our first visit since February 2010, with some short rides of other buses in the fleet.
There was be a brief visit to Croydon depot as well.
Costs were $10 for members and $20 for non members (U/18 half price).
PICK-UPs
Pick up from Oakleigh Station 9:35, 624 stop – north side of station
* Connects with service ex Cranbourne 8:38 (Due at Oakleigh 9:11)
* Connects with service ex Dandenong 9:11 (Due at Oakleigh 9:31)
* Connects with service ex Pakenham 8:44 (Due at Oakleigh 9:31)
* Connects with Pakenham Service Ex Flinders St 8:48 (Due at Oakleigh 9:13)
Pick up from Glen Waverley 9:55, 623 stop
* Connects with Glen Waverley Service ex Flinders St 8:59 (Due at Glen Waverley 9:44)
The Tour commenced at Croydon Station at 10:30am
* awaiting the 10:27am arrival at Croydon Station (ex Flinders Street 9:26, take Belgrave service & change at Ringwood for Lilydale Shuttle)
DROP-OFFs
The Tour concluded at Croydon Station at 5pm to connect with the 17:08 City Service
Bus returned to Glen Waverley Station at 17:40
Bus returned to Oakleigh Station at 18:00

BCSV November Meeting: Victorian School Buses 70s – 90s PART 3
2017-11-19 15:00 - 17:00 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
Over a dozen members joined the BCSV for our November social meeting from 3pm on Sunday 19 November where Geoff Foster presented the third and final part of his slide presentation on Victorian County School Buses of the 70s, 80s and 90s.
As always. small afternoon tea followed.
Hawthorn Tram Depot / Melbourne Tram Museum is located at 8 Wallen Rd Hawthorn near the corner of Power Street. Tram Routes 70 & 75 stop near-by, with Hawthorn Station on the Belgrave/Lilydale line a short 10 min walk.

HCVCA Historic Commerical Vehicle Show 2017
2017-11-12 09:00 - 16:00 | Yarra Glen Racecourse, Armstrong Grove, Yarra Glen, Victoria, 3775, Australia
Hundreds joined the HCVC (Historic Commercial Vehicle Club of AUST.) and BCSV: Bus and Coach Society of Victoria for a relaxing Sunday at Yarra Glen Racecourse looking over dozens upon dozens of restored trucks, buses, tractors and assorted machinery at the 36th annual Historic Commercial Vehicle Display.
Entry was just $10, with kids under 14 free!
Parking and food was available onsite.
Driver Bus Lines also offered a modern transfer vehicle departing their depot on Ricketts Rd Mt Waverley around 8:30am, stopping enroute at Lilydale to collect those off the 9:14am train arrival.
Passengers returned home at 3pm onboard the vast array of vehicles in the Driver Classics hertiage fleet, dropping off at Lilydale about 3:30pm and arriving back to Mt Waverley by 4:30pm.
McKenzies 685 bus also serves Yarra Glen but operates to a limited timetable on Sundays.
Members were reminded not forget their wallet, plenty of interesting books, merchandise and bric & brac on sale!
If you have a bus or coach you’d like to display, email BCSV Secretary Paul Kennelly via secretary@bcsv.org.au or call (03) 9509 1593.
Truck owners should contact the HCVCA directly – contact Jeff Johnston, Display Day Coordinator via vicepresident@hcvc.com.au or call 0408 181 816.

BCSV Members' Event: Driver Classics Convoy
2017-11-11 13:00 - 17:00 | Driver Bus Lines, 45-53 Ricketts Road, Mount Waverley, Victoria, 3149, Australia
Gary & Daryl Driver from Driver Bus Lines invited BCSV members and interstate guests to join them for the Saturday afternoon convoy to Yarra Glen for the set-up, in order to secure a prime postion for the public display for the the HCVCA Historic Commerical Vehicle Display.
The convoy departed from outside the depot in Ricketts Rd Mt Waverley at 1pm on Saturday 11 November after a 12:30pm pick-up at Mount Waverley. Bus Routes 693, 703, 733, 737 & 742 all stop within walking distance.
Upon arrival at Yarra Glen, a support vehicle returned participants to Mt Waverley, arriving back about 5pm.
There was an opportunity to change vehicles enroute.

No cost was involved.

BCSV 2017 AGM & September Social Meeting
2017-09-17 15:00 - 17:00 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
Notice of Annual General Meeting – Sunday 17th September 2017 at 3pm
Are you the missing piece of the puzzle?
As always, the BCSV were looking for new and eager members to join our committee to take the society forward for the coming 12 months. There were several openings which would suit most skills and time commitments.
Executive Positions:
President, Deputy President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary,
Treasurer
Other Officers:
Tours, Social Meetings, Archives, Membership, Restoration, Safety, Publications Editor, Website
Nomation Forms:
Nomination forms were emailed to members on 30 August or can be downloaded from our website:
PDF – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Notice-of-2017-AGM.pdf
WORD – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Notice-of-2017-AGM.doc
Venue:
Hawthorn Tram Depot, 8 Wallen Road Hawthorn (cnr Power Street and Riversdale Road, catch tram routes 70 or 75)
AGM Agenda:
1. Apologies and President’s Welcome
2. Minutes of previous AGM
3. Presentation of Annual Report
4. Financial Report
5. Election of Office Bearers for 2017-18
6. General Business
7. Close of Meeting
At the conclusion of the AGM, Paul Kennelly presented Bus Builders: Symons & Fowler and H A Grummet & Son

Moonee Valley Coaches & Dysons Heritage Day
2017-09-02 09:00 - 17:30 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
Members joined the Bus and Coach Society of Victoria on Saturday 2 September 2017 for a day out riding heritage buses in Melbourne’s North.

The Higginson family warmly invited us back for a morning of rides on some the Moonee Valley Coaches heritage fleet. After a BBQ lunch, we headed across to Dysons to celebrate their 65th anniversary by sampling their growing heritage fleet.

The focus of the afternoon was heritage rides rather than a Dysons depot visit.

PICK-UPs & DROP-OFFs
Bus #1
Oakleigh Station (625, 701 & 733 stop on Johnston St) – Pick-up 9:15am, Return 5:30pm
Caulfield Station (624 Kew Stop on Sir John Monash Dr) – Pick-up 9:30am, Return 5:15pm
Southern Cross Station (216 & 219 stop on Spencer St, north of Lonsdale St) – Pick-up 10am, Return 4:45pm
Bus #2
Lilydale Station (Bus Interchange) – Pick-up 8:50am, Return 5:30pm
RIngwood Station (670 & 679 stop on Maroondah Hwy) – Pick-up 9:23am, Return 5pm
(Awaits 9:15am train ex Belgrave & 9:18am train ex City/Box Hill)

LUNCH

BBQ Lunch at Moonee Valley Coaches. Advise of any dietary requirements to tours@bcsv.org.au

COST

$10 for BCSV members and $20 non-members. Under 18s half price. New members were welcome to join on the day.

BCSV July Meeting: More European Travels
2017-07-16 15:00 - 17:00 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
Members joined the BCSV: Bus and Coach Society of Victoria for our July social meeting at 3pm on Sunday 16 July as Geoffrey Foster provided us with another installment of photos from his latest adventures around Europe.
Afternoon tea followed.
Both members and guests were welcome to attend.
Melbourne Tram Museum / Hawthorn Tram Depot is located at 8 Wallen Rd Hawthorn, near the corner of Power Street.
Tram Routes 70 & 75 stop adjacent, with Hawthorn Station on the Belgrave/Lilydale line a short 10 min walk away,

BCSV May Tour - Ventura Dandenong & Victorian Touring Coaches
2017-05-28 09:00 - 17:00 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
The Bus & Coach Society of Victoria’s May tour visited the Ventura depot in Dandenong.
This was long overdue – despite opening in March 2008 under Grenda’s, this was our first visit! This depot became Ventura’s head office after the purchase of the business in 2012.
We also visited the new Victorian Touring Coaches depot in Springvale which opened in the second half of 2016.
PICK-UPs
From the city and south:
Oakleigh Station (624 bus stop, north side in Portman Street) – 10.00am (approx 4pm drop off)

From the east:
Boronia Station (691 bus stop) – 9.15am (approx 4:30pm drop off)
Glen Waverley Station (754 bus stop) – 9.50am (approx 4pm drop off)

MORNING TEA & LUNCH
As there was a morning tea at VTC, we ask people to indicate their attendance for catering. This can be done by email to tours@bcsv.org.au or by clicking “going” on the tour Facebook page.

We also enjoyed a BBQ lunch at VTC before heading to Ventura.
FARE
There was no cost for members attending this tour, with non-members $10. Under 18s half price.

BCSV May Meeting: Transport Around Bendigo 1920-1990
2017-05-21 15:00 - 17:00 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
On Sunday 21 May 2017 we held our May social meeting Melbourne Tram Museum / Hawthorn Tram Depot.
Archives Officer Paul Kennnelly presented a detailed look back at tram and bus transport across Bendigo from 1920 to 1990.
Afternoon tea followed.
Both members and guests were welcome to attend.
Melbourne Tram Museum / Hawthorn Tram Depot is located at 8 Wallen Rd Hawthorn, near the corner of Power Street.
Tram Routes 70 & 75 stop adjacent, with Hawthorn Station on the Belgrave/Lilydale line a short 10 min walk away,

BCSV March Meeting: Bill Slattery - Buying & Selling buses
2017-03-19 15:00 - 17:00 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
On March 19 at 3pm we held our first social meeting for 2017 as our special guest speaker Bill Slattery reflected on 40 years of buying and selling buses.
We finished the afternoon about 5pm with a cuppa and a chance to catch up.
As usual, we met at the Melbourne Tram Museum / Hawthorn Tram Depot, 8 Wallen Rd Hawthorn near the corner of Power Street.
Tram Routes 70 & 75 stop near-by, with Hawthorn Station on the Belgrave/Lilydale line a short 10 min walk.

BCSV March Mini-Tour: Routes of Hampton
2017-03-12 14:30 - 17:00 | Caulfield Station – Normanby Rd, Normanby Rd, Caulfield East, VIC, 3145, Australia
Following our successful mini-tour over old Nuline routes a few weeks earlier, we ran another on Sunday 12th March 2017 with a pick up at Caulfield Station at 2.30pm, with an additional pick up at Hampton Station at 3.15pm.
This tour retraced the routes of Hampton Green Bus Lines, Hampton Red Bus Service and Arrow Motors (later Nuline) on its route from Hampton to North Brighton.
The mini-tour finished about 5pm with drop offs along the way as required.
There was no cost to members, non-members were charged $5.
Craig Coop again supplied our bus, this time an ex Invicta Custom Coaches bodied Isuzu.

BCSV February 2017 Overnight Tour: Bendigo & surrounds
2017-02-25 09:00 - 2017-02-26 18:00 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
The Bus and Coach Society of Victoria held an overnight tour in February 2017, visiting various operators in Bendigo & surrounds.
We visited local operators such as Christians, Bendigo Coachlines, Flood’s & Whitmore Group as well as the renowned historic Bendigo “Talking Tram” operation.
BCSV Members, along with others who previously expressed a formal expression of interest, were required to pay a $20 deposit to secure their spot no later than November 30.
Those joining us in Bendigo were requested to pay a $5 deposit to secure their place onboard.
General bookings opened on December 1 on a first come, first served basis until December 31 (again $20 deposit required).
Residual payment for all attendees was then due on January 31.
Shift workers were granted flexibility to cancel up to 7 days prior (full refund) should rosters prevent them attending, if they indicated this on the booking form.
Booking forms (which include rates) can be downloaded below:
PDF – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Bendigo-Tour-Booking-Form.pdf
WORD – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Bendigo-Tour-Booking-Form.doc
Attendees were encouraged to RSVP to the event page for future updates – https://www.facebook.com/events/627616620750701/

BCSV Members' Mini-Tour: Route 617 Reenactment
2017-02-19 15:00 - 18:00 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
BCSV deputy president Craig Coop invited members to join him for an afternoon outing on Sunday 19 February onboard his preserved Transit bodied Hino as he retraced Route 617 Caulfield – Middle Brighton – Southland, which he operated from 1986 to 1991 as Nuline Bus Service (which he still operates today (separate to Nuline Charter)).
The tour departed the southern side of Caulfield Station in Normanby Rd at 3pm and returned by 6pm.
COST: This outing was free of charge but was a special members’ only event.

BCSV November Meeting: Victorian School Bus Operators 70s - 90s PART 2
2016-11-20 15:00 - 17:00 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
The final BCSV social meeting for 2016 featured the conculding half a slide presentation by Geoffrey Foster looking back on a number of regional Victorian School Bus Operators during the 1970s to 1990s, covering operations in the north and east of the state.

As usual, both members & guests were welcome to attend this presentation at Hawthorn Tram Depot from 15:00 on 20 November.

As always. small afternoon tea followed.

Hawthorn Tram Depot is located at 8 Wallen Rd Hawthorn near the corner of Power Street. Tram Routes 70 & 75 stop near-by, with Hawthorn Station on the Belgrave/Lilydale line a short 10 min walk.

HCVCA Historical Commerical Vehicle Display 2016
2016-11-13 09:00 - 15:00 | Yarra Glen Racecourse, Armstrong Grove, Yarra Glen, Victoria, 3775, Australia
The annual HCVCA Historic Commerical Vehicle Display Day was held at Yarra Glen Racecourse on Sunday November 13 2016.
Hundreds enjoyed a day out looking at dozens upon dozens of beautifully restored trucks, buses, machinery and other historic vehicles. People chatted with the owners, got tips for your projects and gained inspiration for your next dream vehicle.
Entry was $10, kids under 14 Free.
Driver Bus Lines provided return shuttle bus transport from Mt Waverley & Lilydale. Otherwise there was ample onsite parking.
BCSV: Bus and Coach Society of Victoria members can enjoy a free BBQ lunch in conjunction with the team at Driver Bus Lines
For the rest, there were ample food options on site.

Bus and coach owners should chat to Paul Kennelly (secretary@bcsv.org.au) for details on presenting their vehicle for the next display.

For all other commercial vehicles, make contact with the HCVCA directly. Details – http://www.hcvc.com.au/
