August 2026 Caistor, Lincolnshire. Jack Delaine-Mellor steers 32 onto the low loader for its first journey in 20 years.

                                                              Photo: A Delaine-Smith

                                                                                                                                                     Photos: A Delaine-Smith


The bull nose Bedford is one of the most recognisable provincial coaches of all time and is particularly synonymous with the post-war era. Delaine took delivery of six Duple bodied Bull-Nose Bedford’s, three WTB’s pre-war, a Wartime Utility OWB in 1945 and an OB in 1949 and 1950. 32 was the last of the type to enter the fleet and was in service with Delaine for nine years before being replaced a new generation of higher capacity Bedford SB


August 1950

New to Delaine Coaches Ltd

December 1959

Withdrawn from service

1960-1967

Operated by Brown of Caistor, Lincolnshire

1967-1971

Operated by Appleby of Louth, Lincolnshire following their acquistion of Brown’s

1971-1979

Operated by Barkwith Church, Nr Wragby as a non-psv

1979-2006

A series preservation attempts were mounted by several owners

2006-2026

After a succession of owners, 32 was rescued from a field in Lancashire by George Atkin of Caistor, Lincolnshire and stored undercover at his premises for the next 20 years.
George has a sentimental attachment to 32 as his father used to driver it when was with Brown’s

August 2026

Became part of the Delaine Heritage Trust collection. Restoration will be carried out over the next few years




Fleet No: 32    Reg No: ETL 373   
Year: 1950    Chassis: Bedford OB    Body: Duple (C29F)

32 is seen in Bourne Market Place, the driver is Derek Tilley, uncle to the Delaine-Smith brothers and who AD58 DBL (144) is named after.                                                 Photo: Delaine Heritage Trust Collection

32 is seen in Haconby on a service to Bourne.  

                              Photo: Delaine Heritage Trust Collection

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© Delaine Heritage Trust


August 2026 Caistor, Lincolnshire. With Delaine blue still visible on the boot door, George Atkin watches on as 32 is loaded onto the low loader for the journey to the south of the county.                                                               Photo: A Delaine-Smith                                                                                                                                                       Photos: A Delaine-Smith