Two Forest Bus Companies

Top photo: The single deck bus which belonged to Cotterell's of Mitcheldean is parked in Cantilupe Road, Ross-on-Wye in front of the now demolished School.
Bottom photo: Bevan Bros. of Soudley Valley Coaches.

Malcolm added (May 2007) : "I hope this might get someone remembering/producing a photograph of Meek's of Nailbridge I think they used to operate between Ruardean, Drybrook and Cinderford".
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Thanks also to Michael Stephens who added (May 2007) : "The Bevans vehicle is KDD 38, an A.E.C. Harrington FC33F. Purchased new in 1950 by Bevans and was with Bevans until 1980, then sold to Mr N Hellinker of Stroud for preservation.
The Cottrell vehicle looks like FDF 866 an A.E.C. Duple C33F, purchased new by Cottrells in1946 and sold in 1957.
This information is from 'Fleet Histories of Selected Operators Gloucestershire Part 1 Forest of Dean and Tewkesbury Areas' published by the P.S.V. Circle in September2005. Also in the above book is a photo of a Meek's vehicle, the same photo also appears in 'Images of England Gloucestershire's Independent Buses and Coaches' printed by Tempus Publishing".

Michael also added (July 2007): "Information from BUSES Issue 629 August 2007 is that Cotterell's are to cease operations from JULY 31st 2007"

Thanks also to Avril Sanderson who added (Sept 2007): ".My grandfather Herbert Smith was a driver for Meakes from the 1930's until the 50's when they were taken over by Edwards. Meakes had 2 buses based in Nailbridge one running from outside the memorial hall in Woodside then on to Ruardeen Hill and on to Cinderford. The other went from the square in Ruardeen to the Morse (Morse Road) and on to the triangle in Cinderford".

Thanks also to Mike Smith who added (October 2007): "My father Bert Smith worked for Meek's buses as driver and mechanic in the late 30's through to the mid 50's. Meek's had three buses I can remember - an old Ford and later a Bedford Utility and later again a Bedford Duple coach. My mother Iris joined him for a while. Other conductors I remember were Bill Hill and Harry Taylor".