The change in season did little to dampen spirits as almost 50 members of the Border Counties Historic Vehicle Club gathered in Knighton on Sunday, October 19, for the Border Counties Run.

Participants set off from M A Evans Transport and West Pennine Trucks on Ludlow Road, where they were welcomed with a tour of the company’s new facilities before taking to the roads for their autumn drive through the border countryside.

Hauliers Roy and Dave Edwards, owners of the start venue
Hauliers Roy and Dave Edwards, owners of the start venue (E A Bates)

As the rain began to fall, the convoy set off, led by Lewis Weaver in his AEC Marshal. The impressive line-up of classic trucks, joined by a solitary Dennis Lancet bus in East Kent livery, made its way into town before turning off to climb the Presteigne road.

A pair of Scanias of local building contractor D J Bright of Knighton
A pair of Scanias of local building contractor D J Bright of Knighton (E A Bates)
Mike Chandler of Llandrindod Wells with his AEC Mercury
Mike Chandler of Llandrindod Wells with his AEC Mercury (E A Bates)
Knighton's Dave Coxill with his Atkinson
Knighton's Dave Coxill with his Atkinson (E A Bates)
Lewis Weaver with his AEC Marshal
Lewis Weaver with his AEC Marshal (E A Bates)

The line-up featured a wide range of vehicles, from a 1950 Albion Chieftain stock wagon to classic American models including Peterbilts, Macks and Kenworths, as well as a comparatively modern Scania driven by potato and onion wholesaler Paul Marsh.

From Knighton, the route took drivers through Norton, Presteigne and Kington, enjoying the border roads and autumn-coloured countryside before joining the A44 towards the Fforest Inn. From there, the long line of classic vehicles continued across Mid Wales, drawing plenty of attention as they passed through towns and villages on their way to Builth Wells, Rhayader, Llangurig and on to Llanidloes. The procession then followed the Severn Valley, taking in the stretch of road through Newtown and Welshpool.

From there, the vehicles continued along the Shrewsbury road through Buttington, Trewern and Middletown to Halfway House, finishing at the depot of commercial vehicle repairers T J Parry & Sons. The family-run firm, which also took part in the run with their Foden truck Shropshire Lad, provided a fitting end point for the day’s journey.