Walsall museum fair transports fans back in time

Model buses, transport memorabilia, toys, books and photos were on sale to visitors at Aston Manor Road Transport Museum in Aldridge yesterday.

Around 15 stallholders attended the event, which also celebrated the museum's move to its new home in Shenstone Drive.

Free bus rides were also offered to take visitors between the museum, Walsall and Chasewater.

Aston Manor director Alan Bishop said: "There were hundreds of people at the event. It was very well attended.

"We had up to 15 stallholders selling all sorts from toy and books to bric-a-brac and photos. There's been a brilliant atmosphere and everyone has been in a good mood. We normally put these events on twice a year. It also helps raise funds to keep the museum alive."

The museum is aiming to open more frequently this summer after submitting a planning application to remain in its location long-term.

Change of use from commercial to a museum will help the charity to become a permanent fixture and open its doors to visitors on a regular basis.

It could then open up to four days a week and one aim is to become a regular school trip venue. The intention is to become a fully operational museum by June. Volunteers were told they needed to relocate from their previous Beecham Business Park home of nine months by the end of October and managed to agree a lease for premises in nearby Shenstone Drive.

It was the second time in a year the charity has had to move its belongings.

They relocated from their original home in Birmingham after a row with the city council over rent.

They moved to Beecham Business Park, in Northgate, before Christmas 2011 before being informed that they needed to move last year.

Its collection includes a tram from the 1920s, a van from 1928 and a taxi from the 1970s, along with an old Royal Mail bicycle, bus stops and an old fuel pump.

Further events this year include collectors fairs on May 12 and November 24, and Heritage Open Days on September 14 and 15.