Today has been one of those days when I’ve had several magic moments. I was conducting a recorder ensemble near Ipswich this afternoon, playing a piece written by my friend Steve. It’s one of those pieces of music which finishes slowly and gently. Everything came together so beautifully in our final performance this afternoon that the final chord just left everyone (myself included) with a smile of appreciation at a rare moment of musical perfection.

After I’d finished work I drove on towards Oxford, ready for another recorder day there tomorrow. I stopped off at the South Mimms services on the M25 and was delighted to see I’d been followed in by four vintage buses. I grabbed my camera and went over to take some photos and had a brief chat with the drivers. The buses are part of a collection of Bristol Buses (the ones I’ve posted here date from 1950 & ’51) and they were on their way to a bus rally at the Imperial War Museum at Duxford tomorrow. They’re beautiful vehicles, in wonderful condition, and apparently NHY947 is the only surviving example of that particular model. And to think if I’d decided to continue my journey and stop elsewhere I’d have missed them completely!

There's something about those old ones that's far more stylish than the new ones. Jarvo · 2010-09-25: 16:55

I love old vehicles like this. Coincidentally I've posted some classic car shots this evening. Lynda · 2010-09-25: 16:56

Glad you stopped for a break , these are lovely . MoMac · 2010-09-25: 17:51

You always post the nicest sets of vehicle shots! I love the ones like #3 & 4 with the great details. And thanks for liking my Grand Canyon shot - I'm honored that you put it in your faves! djnana · 2010-09-25: 18:10

They look amazing. :) ????? · 2010-09-25: 18:45

music for our eyes.... maharba · 2010-09-25: 21:41

Nostology! Shaparak · 2010-09-25: 23:13

Magic moments and photos printed by a beautiful nostalgia, for our big pleasure... :) josy63 · 2010-09-26: 02:55

Beautiful machines. Thank heavens for the kind of maniacs that devote their time to keeping them in such pristine perfection. yellodog · 2010-09-26: 04:17

very magical moments! DieRomantic · 2010-09-26: 06:29

So retro, so nostalgic. wildduck · 2010-09-26: 06:35

Must be the first positive comment about South Mimms services :-) davids · 2010-09-26: 10:06

how very cool, congrats!! urmysunshine · 2010-09-26: 10:32

Super cool, Helen. _________________________________________ OMG! I almost have a heart attack watching the race... Sorry for Hamilton, he should look the wing mirrors! ????? · 2010-09-26: 12:46

beautiful busses, I thought I would have one of them among my Malta busses, but only Leyland GKorts · 2010-09-26: 12:50

fantastic Helen....Serendipity at its best cariad · 2010-09-26: 12:58

Amazing buses indeed! Just think of the number of passengers it must have served and inspite of all these years, they remain so fresh! Jothindra · 2010-09-26: 18:41

Another great find! And you are preserving this vintage so well! Great shots! SunflowerGirl · 2010-09-26: 22:29

Is #3 called Lift to Open by any chance??? LAZYWASP · 2010-09-29: 09:11

Cool set! pandka · 2010-10-04: 07:45

What a lucky pit stop that was alison · 2010-10-10: 17:49

Tagged: bus bristol vintage