Hold very tight please, you're in for a tour-de-force of the best of British buses dating from the 1940s if you visit Toddington station on 12^th July.  Taking place on the third day of the railway's summer Diesel Gala you'll be spoiled for choice as not only will the railway be fielding its largest-ever number of diesel locomotives at one event, but around 40 buses are expected, too.

The oldest bus expected at the moment is a 1949 Bedford OB and there will be plenty of people saying to one another: "Used to go to school in one of those…"  Double-deckers and coaches in a variety of company liveries will be vying with one another while there will be classic bus connections between Cheltenham Sap and Evesham Network Rail stations to allow visitors to get straight to the railway by public transport. These services are FREE although donations to the bus owners will no doubt be very welcome.

• Cheltenham Spa Network Rail station (departing 09.30 and 10.00) to Cheltenham Racecourse station, returning late afternoon (times to be confirmed);
• Evesham Network Rail station to Toddington. Routemaster bus will meet the train from Worcester (arrives Evesham 09.32) and then wait for the London and Oxford (arrives Evesham 10.17) before proceeding to the Bus Rally at Toddington. The return service will depart Toddington for Evesham at 16.00.

Rally organiser Jim Clarke says: "The 2008 event was such a success that I'm sure this will become a regular fixture in the railway's calendar.  The mix of diesel locomotives and mainly diesel-powered classic buses proved to be a perfect mixture and attracted many people to the diesel gala who might otherwise not have come."

There will be opportunities throughout the day to travel on some of the buses on display, as well as the services connecting with Network Rail stations. 

Savour the sound of the diesel engine grinding up through the gears.  The creaking bodywork.  The gentle brushing of roadside vegetation on the side of the bus.  The distinctive 'ting-ting' of the conductor's bell.  That very evocative scent of oil and upholstery.  The rocking motion that takes you back to an age you thought had gone for ever - but for one day, brought alive again at the GWR!

For a glimpse of what's in store, take a look at the pictures of last year's event, taken by Tony Boucher who is once again providing expert assistance for organiser Jim Clarke.