MANX THORNY RESCUE

At shows and rallies, the Walsh brothers, Ken and Ray, usually bring two or three restored classics. One piggybacked on another. And, for the last few years, a third kitted out with a lounge area, kitchen and sleeping accommodation. Their present hospitality vehicle is the 1961 Austin FG-based ex-Aberdare, South Wales, mobile library.

While the owners of many restorations at these events are often nowhere to be seen, one or both of the Walshes is generally on hand to answer questions.

Ray says that Ken – who tends to take care of the meeting and greeting – would gasbag with a parrot if it wanted to talk about restoring old trucks. Ray handles the catering side – with a hint of ‘keep out, that’s my department’. Understandably, as he fits the kitchen facilities.

In 2019, their hospitality vehicle was a 1949 Beadle single-decker that former operator Crosville had converted into a mobile coach tour booking office. They were at the Smallwood event, near Sandbach, Cheshire.

Crosville used to run country bus and coach tour services in the Cheshire, Merseyside and North Wales area. So, for Wrexham classic enthusiasts Brian and Sue Owen, the cream and green Beadle was a welcoming site – almost a piece of home. They are great friends of the Walshes, who’d restored some of Owen family’s collection.

Brew served, Ken sensed it was time for sympathy. “What’s the problem, pal?”