‘Transport of joy’ as cars and more return to town

HUNDREDS of cars, motorbikes, lorries and even a stagecoach crowded into the centre of Coleford on Easter Monday as the town’s popular Carnival of Transport returned after Covid.

Many of the classic and vintage vehicles had been lovingly restored while others were in remarkable condition for having virtually no work having been done on them despite being decades old.

Local enthusiasts from across the Forest were joined from others from around the South West and South Wales.

They were happy to chat with visitors and tell them more about the fascinating stories of the vehicles.

Jim Jenkins had made the short journey from Beachley with his 1948 Lea Francis.

He said: “It had been off the road for many years and was in bits and pieces when I got it.

“It took a couple of years to restore and I got it back on the road in 2000.

“I’d previously had a Lea Francis saloon and I’d always fancied the sports version.”

Next to the Lea Francis on St John Street was a 1929 Austin ‘Chummy’ owned by Mr Robert Mayow of Staunton near Corse.

He said: “It’s been a very good event with lots of interest.”

The carnival also featured a range of stalls, music and food.

With the town centre closed to traffic, visitors were ferried in on buses from the Perrygrove Railway.