CAR enthusiasts were reunited in the Cotswolds last week, more than 20 years after the garage they used to work at burnt down.

John Moore, a former employee of Busby’s Garage in Fairford, organised the reunion for anyone who used to work at or had bought a car from the beloved town centre garage.

In its heyday, 18 people worked at the garage under Hugh and John Busby, who were famed for the fondness they showed their customers and staff.

The garage’s workshops were destroyed in a fire in the early 1990s and it was forced to close down.

Last week, more than 50 people turned out at the Palmer Hall to see a wonderful collection of old cars that had been bought from Busby’s over the years.

Memorabilia was on display inside the hall, including old service books, photos and the last MOT certificate issued by Busby’s, dated April 30, 1990.

The certificate’s owner, George Lynam, drover his son Steve and wife Elvira to the reunion in a 1970 Triumph 1300 which he had bought brand new from Busby’s.

George recalled that: “John Busby himself drove the car from Cheltenham to the Fairford forecourt ready for me to drive home after buying it for £1,000” and estimated the car to be worth £15,000 in today’s money.

Fairford resident Philip Mutlow brought along his 1961 Vauxhal Cresta, which was recognised by Terry Chesterman, who serviced the vehicle during his 12 years working at Busby’s and whose name was spotted in the service book.

Among the other guests were Phil Gardiner with his 1968 Austin Mini Cooper Mk 2, Cilla Whiteman, Jackie Stephens and her sister Sue Crowley who all worked on the pumps in the 70s.

Other former staff included Ted Miller, Terry Lambert and Dave Griffin, who learn his trade at Busby’s and now runs his own garage in Whelford.

John Moore was thrilled that so many people were able to come to the reunion and share their memories.

“I’m told that news of the Reunion has gone global, so I now have a very satisfied feeling knowing that the Reunion will be talked about for many years to come”, he said.