For 2025 a collection of Dennis vehicles were on display at Brooklands on June 22nd, courtesy of the London Bus Museum, a combined event with their regular Summer Festival. The display was set up in conjunction with the Tilford Rural Life Museum near Farnham in Surrey. The museum was quieter than expected thanks to weather forecasters predicting extreme heat, major road works on the M25 and local railway engineering work. Nonetheless an eclectic range of Dennis vehicles gathered for the event ranging from a 1911 Trailer Pump to a 2017 Enviro 200 Single Deck Bus. The fire fraternity were able to sport four exhibits, the Trailer Pump mentioned above being supported by a 1936 Ace, the well-known exhibit previously with Dennis factory fire brigade (and still owned by Alexander Dennis), a 1968 F106 and a 1997 Rapier, all in splendid condition. As for buses, the London Bus Museum's own 4-ton Double Decker, celebrating its centenary, was prominent at the event, now in the livery of one of the previous operators, the London Public Omnibus Company. Another 'bus' exhibit was a fully restored Dennis G chassis dating from 1928. This vehicle is in the process of a comprehensive rebuild, the chassis having been completed with the body soon to be re-united with the chassis and the restoration continued. The 1950s and 60s generation of Dennis buses were represented by a Lance from 1950, Lancet from 1957 and two Aldershot and District Lolines. The Lancet is the sole operational survivor of the type and made the journey from North Norfolk to be at the event. Other visitors from Norfolk brought along the 1911 Trailer Pump mentioned above and a 1945 Max which is in the process of restoration. This lorry is to be rebuilt as a beavertail and made operational to carry other smaller Dennis exhibits to shows. Also present was a nicely restored example of a 30 cwt truck. The 'modern' generation of buses were well represented. Now fewer than 4 Darts dating from between 1990 and 2001 with various body makes. Also present on site were a 1999 Trident open topper, Enviro 400s from 2011 and 2015, and an Enviro 200 from 2017. Some of these vehicles were operational on the day, running on the Museum's service 462 to and from Weybridge. The pleasant informal atmosphere allowed both exhibitors and members of the public to study the vehicles and share experiences and advice about the restoration activities. The weather remained dry throughout the day and, although warm, was accompanied by a fresh breeze which made conditions quite pleasant.
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