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Solent Bus News

Issue 232 Aug/Sept 2018

www.solentomnibusclub.weebly.com

Beer, Bricks and

Buses day 12/5/18.

© Chris Drew

http://www.solentomnibusclub.weebly.com/

Diary 2018

Most meetings are held at Portchester

Community Centre 7.45pm. 3th August 2018 Special guest, Andy Warton. 7th September 2018 Members evening ~ Bus stations, garages and termini. 5th October 2018 Launch of 'FESTIVAL 50'. Looking forward to 2019, our 50th year. 2nd November 2018 Three members, half-hour each. 7th December 2018 Christmas fun quiz.

2019

4th January 2019 Roger Watts opens our golden anniversary year. 1st February 2019 Model bus rally and ‘One every decade’ photographic competition. Plus AGM. Pilgrim Coaches.

SRU 146R Photographs from the John Bulman collection. Committee. Chairman: Barry Turberfield. Secretary: Roger Watts Treasurer: David Etheridge. Please Note: The Solent Omnibus Newssheet contains facts, views, opinions, statements and other content and links to external websites not controlled by the Solent Omnibus Club. The Club takes reasonable efforts to include accurate, current information but makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy, value or safety of the published items. No liability or responsibility can be taken for errors or omissions. Under the Data Protection Act 1984 the SOC gives notice that membership details are held on computerised records. This information is not divulged without permission.

Editorial Rodney Barnes, 13 Whimbrel Close, Southsea, Hants, PO4 8YP.

Telephone 023 9273 1061 e-mail [email protected]

2 Solent Omnibus Club August 2018

There is a lot of news from our area this time mainly centred on cutbacks from many sources. There is

little to report on vehicles. Ironically operators to our east and west have recently received a large

batch of buses. 41 Enviro 200 saloons are at Poole and 30 Enviro 400s at Worthing. Perhaps some will

come into our area soon, with Unlinks’ large order due for delivery soon in Southampton. There is a

continuing story with the protracted demise and resurrection of Emsworth and District. Again with the

cutbacks this newssheet appears at a tie of unfinished business.

News

June saw one of our specialist meetings where three members make a presentation of about half an

hour each. Adrian Willats gave one of his traditional presentation of special interest shots. Chris Drew’s

presentation showed an interesting selection on a scene theme and Roger Watts spoke about the

forthcoming photographic competition in October 2018.

July saw members join Bob Gray at his garage in Fareham for a summer evening away from our

Portchester base. Bob and friends open his garage up and create a venue for various stalls for books,

spares and models. Thanks to Bob and Sue for welcoming us at our annual “outing”.

A member’s recommendation “Members who collect EFE and Corgi bus models may not be aware of

“New to You” bookshop in Cosham High Street. Essentially a second hand bookshop, the proprietor

often has bus models in the window with a lot more inside. All in good condition, including original

boxes, for only £8 -10 each.”

News from our area.

Emsworth and District has provided much news this time. At a recent Public Enquiry he Commissioner thanked Paul Lea for 40 years’ service, but said he was no longer a modern' manager and should give up from the end of May 2018, which N & P quoted. & P then showed under PK2013729 SI a new application for Portsmouth City Coaches Limited Director(s): Michael John Elkin 6 HOMER CLOSE, GOSPORT, PO13 9TL Operating Centre: The Bus Garage, Clovelly Road, Southbourne, PO10 8PE Authorisation: 15 vehicle(s) Transport Manager(s): Michael Elkin but that application was refused by the Traffic Commissioner on 16 July 2018. Subsequently N & P PH2013809 SI showed Portsmouth City Coaches Ltd Director(s): Michael John Elkin 86 HOMER CLOSE, GOSPORT, PO13 9TL Operating Centre: Downley Road, Havant, PO9 2NJ Authorisation: 10 vehicle(s) Operating Centre: Portsmouth Road, Fishers Pond, EASTLEIGH, SO50 7HF Authorisation: 2 vehicle(s) Transport Manager(s): Michael Elkin. As Michael Elkin has not yet got his licence, Emsworth and District are continuing until the end of July. Michael Enkin is the son of long time former member Chris Elkin. Van Hool coach YJ05PVY was reregistered R60RUB in 4/18. Another of the ex Eavesway Coaches has been re-registered V1FOR, 4/18 but it is not known which one. The previous V1FOR has reverted to VU02UVM. Ex Stagecoach Pointer Dart J552 GCD was sold to a group of Stagecoach employees 5/18. Pointer Dart T527 AOB ex Arriva, ex Bournemouth East Lancs Dart R475 NPR & Pointer Dart VU02UVM were sold to T. Wigley, Barnsley 5/18. Withdrawn 5/18 were: ex Metroline Pointer Darts R171 VLA and R173 VLA, and ex Stagecoach Alexander bodied Mercedes 709D N731 RDD. Still in stock (they were previously given as sold) are AML 32H and B999 CUS. Sold late 5/18 or 6/18: Pointer Darts HW54 BUV, ex Isle of Wight, ex First Y462 JAE, ex Bournemouth East Lancs bodied Darts M452 LLJ, P991 AFV, and 452 UEB Ex Countryliner Pointer Dart KP51 SYA was sold 6/18. Red Mini Pointer Dart M3 KFC was seen being driven at speed northbound along the B2177 through Waltham Chase on Wednesday 30/5/18. This bus had been a regular on West Sussex contract routes. It is former Go Ahead London Y831TGH. Arrivals during June were R622 MNU a Volvo Olympian/Northern Counties new to Arriva Midlands ex Eastville Coaches, Bristol (Licence revoked). This is probably Portsmouth City Coaches Ltd and TYD 911W, a Duple bodied Leyland Leopard ex Safeway of South Petherton in Somerset. As this is in preservation it presumably belongs to Michael Elkin. Withdrawn 6/18: Ex Bournemouth East Lancs Dart R524 YRP and G624 BPH, a Northern Counties Bodied Volvo Cltybus. R622 MNU is licenced and no doubt replaces the Volvo Citybus. Sold 7/18 is: KV51 KZJ, a sister vehicle to KV51SYA above. Acquired 7/18 (presumably by Portsmouth City Coaches Ltd) is: SFZ 595 Volvo B10M/Jonckheere C51F.from Seaford & District. It is however completely devoid of registration plates, which have presumably been retained by Seaford & Dist. The News Portsmouth has reported many items of news recently, predominantly affecting First. It was reported that a Havant Councillor had stated that First was extending their route 15 from Fort Cumberland Road to the Hayling Ferry for a trial period. A link on the Hayling side would be provided by a community bus. They then reported on the demise of two Saturday services to Whiteley Shopping Centre a significant district and large shopping centre north of the M27 midway between Portsmouth and Southampton. The Centre financially supported a route W1 from Fareham to Whiteley and a W2 from Warsash on Saturdays. The News reported on the withdrawal of the W2 from 7 July but followed by stating the centre also runs a W1. This route, in fact, ceased on 16 June being the respective termination dates of their contracts. Subject to significant loadings a W3 and a W4 would have been introduced. Unfortunately this exciting venture has bitten the dust. Whiteley only has a weekday service from Fareham roughly every two hours.

mailto:[email protected]

Next on 18 July the News advised First bus routes through Portsmouth are set to have route changes and a reduction in frequency. Despite some reservation from a First spokesperson, two significant route changes have been given. Route 7 will now terminate in Winston Churchill Avenue (in the university area) rather than going through to South Parade Pier. Its frequency will reduce from every ten minutes to every twelve. (editor’s note This change can save six buses. There are two ironies. The section between Wecock Farm and Waterlooville is duplicated by Stagecoach route 39. That was recently changed from ten minutes to twelve. The 7 is served by named buses as The Star. Such routes normally have their buses changed every 4 ½ years or so because of infrastructure provided by Hampshire County council . They could be due for early withdrawal and a reduction in the requirement of six buses would be financially beneficial). Service 17 will be withdrawn from Chichester Road and onwards into Tipner, and instead run to Ocean Park, a retail development in east Portsmouth which was served by the recently discontinued subsidised service 19. The abandoned Chichester Road was once a trolleybus route, and the Tipner estate is now completely abandoned. Tipner has long been a potential housing development area! The highly probable other changes will be reported next time. Finally on 20 July Hampshire’s subsided services under threat was published. There are seven routes in south east Hampshire run by First and Xelabus which are currently under review. The only route quoted is First’s route 11 between Fareham and Alverstoke. The article’s accompanying photograph shows passengers alighting from a step entrance bus. Sadly we do not full information at this time! Stagecoach The area to the south and east of Chichester is an intensive market garden area involving several large companies, whose remote locations seem to justify special bus services. We have already given details of Stagecoach route 25 from Portsmouth to Barfoots, Sefter Farm at Pagham. This route is licenced as a public service and takes a unique route through Portsmouth. Recently a route A has been seen on a similar routing which goes through the centre of Portsmouth but is not so licenced. It runs to Natures Way Foods at Runcton about 16.45. I have seen it three times recently. Each time with a larger bus from a Pointer/Dart to an Enviro 300 and then an Enviro 400. The latter two, at least, were Portsmouth based and the 25 is run by Chichester. Neither Stagecoach nor Natures Ways websites mention the route but there must have been about 40 on the Enviro400. The route not being quoted on the firm’s website is surprising. They advise of the 600 Chichester- Bognor service passing there premises. Post Brexit they could be in critical need of employees Further to last time, N & P had – Licences Revoked Without a Public Inquiry PH1025995 SI VISION TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL LTD Director(s): PETER RAYMOND SHARPE UNIT 11 KENWOOD BUSINESS PARK, NEW LANE, HAVANT, PO9 2NT Registered Bus Services running under this licence have also been revoked with immediate effect. Thanks this time to all contributing members.

August 2018 Solent Omnibus Club 3

3April 2018

Xelabus hybrid J18 XEL. © Robert Winkworth.

BAILEY’S BUSES (PORTSMOUTH) LIMITED, PORTSMOUTH, HAMPSHIRE. BUS SERVICE.

LAKESIDE EXPRESS New service from Thursday 1/6/17. Two journeys each way, Mondays to

Fridays except bank holidays, using a dockside bus. Outward: SOUTHSEA, HOVERCRAFT

TERMINAL – The Hard – NORTH HARBOUR, LAKESIDE 1000. Return: NORTH HARBOUR,

LAKESIDE 1000 – The Hard – SOUTHSEA, HOVERCRAFT TERMINAL. No fares are charged

because the service is funded by Lakeside 1000. JOHN KIRBY,

WHEELER’S TRAVEL LIMITED, NORTH BADDESLEY, HAMPSHIRE.

Mutiny Festival, Cosham, Portsmouth.

The contract for buses linking the camp site on Farlington Playing Fields with the Festival

on King George V Playing Fields, Cosham, on Spring Holiday Weekend 2018 was awarded

Wheeler’s Travel Limited, North Baddesley, Hampshire. The Festival was planned to take

place on Saturday 26/5/18 and Sunday 27/5/18, with buses linking it with a special camp

site on Farlington Playing Fields as well as Bank Holiday Monday. The Monday service was

to have benefitted Festival patrons who chose to stay on the Sunday night and return home

on the following day. However, Sunday’s events were cancelled after two people died with

drug-related problems, and 13 others treated at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham, for

various reasons.

Buses used included P3 WTL in a pink livery. ROBERT SMITH & SHAUN DANIELS.

Golden Anniversary 2019

FESTIVAL 50 UPDATES ~ Roger Watts.

The 1969 fleet book will try to include Southern Vectis (as a one-off, and would not re-define our current geographical area of interest) as well as

CPPTD, GFOC, H&D, SCT and SMS (see item below regarding photos). Does anyone have any skill at obtaining sponsorship?

We will use the October 2018 meeting to prepare for 2019. It will be the occasion of “The Secretary’s Photographic Competition”, the object being

to select photos for the 1969 fleet book. All photos in the book should be taken before 31.12.69, to illustrate the fleet lists, and can be purchased

photos. We will need one d/d and one s/d (or coach) for each featured operator (see note 1 above), plus a photo for the cover. Unlike the

categories listed above, the cover photo need not have been taken in 1969, and can be one of a relevant (c.1969) vehicle at a rally, a route

recreation, etc. if desired, this category MUST be “all your own work”. If you are unable to bring the photo(s) on the evening of the October

meeting they must be posted to the Secretary to arrive before the end of September 2108. Full rules are available by post or e-mail from the

Secretary Roger Watts.

Other 50th News ~ Barry T.

You will see from the diary section that next February the photographic competition will be a one off with the title ‘One every decade’. Members

can enter one photograph for each decade of the club’s existence with five trophies up for grabs. Rodney Barnes will run the competition.

Clive Wilkins is busy organising a day trip to an operator using a vehicle of an appropriate age, just as we did back in the early days of the club. Keep

Saturday 13th July 2019 clear in your diaries (date subject to confirmation).

Bob Gray has supplied minutes and other documents relating to the final years as OS Southern Branch and the early years of SOC which we will

publish in the 2019 specials.

Geoff Burrows has offered to write several articles for publication in a number of the 2019 specials.

Chris Drew has designed a new corporate identity which will launch in January 2019 across all platforms and take us forward beyond 2019. It is

looking very exciting.

James Woodcock has very kindly taken up the challenge of coordinating the six special 2019 publications. Closing date for entry into the January

edition is mid-October 2018. We need to fill six editions, so we look forward to your stories, photographs and reminisces - they can be as long or

short as you like. No need to worry about grammar, punctuation or spelling as we have an editing team ready and waiting. We would especially

welcome new contributors and items from those members living away from the area and unable to attend meetings. With fifty years to cover surely

everybody must have a story, photographic diary, press cutting, fleet history or personal reminisce to share. Remember these publications will only

be distributed to members and not made available to the wider public. Either contact James direct or use me as a post box.

2018 "FoKAB" Running Day - Adrian Willats provides a pictorial review.


"Buses and Model Railways Part 4" - Adrian Willats goes to Dorset for another varied selection of miniature buses & coaches.

This time my selection comes from the annual exhibition of the Weymouth Model Railway Association, giving me a pleasant train journey to Upwey and

an easy walk to the Wey Valley School.


3April 2018

20th October 1967

MORE THAN 100 coaches are on show at the E. J. Baker and Co. Ltd.

premises at Bordon, Hants, in an exhibition which closes tomorrow. Among

them is a Bedford VAL 70 with a Plaxton Panorama 1 body, specially

designed for Continental touring, with 44 reclining seats. It will be operated

by Coliseum Coaches Ltd., West End, Southampton and its cost is just

£10,000.

FLEET RECORDS FOR HAMPSHIRE BUS, PILGRIM COACHES AND SOUTHDOWN. Robert Smith

HAMPSHIRE BUS COMPANY LIMITED [1983-1991].

221 (J621 GCR) Withdrawn 12/10 by United Counties Omnibus

Company, Northampton (14494). Mike Nash, Dorking, Surrey

(dealer) 1/11., 1. J Cooper & Sons Limited T/A J Cooper & Sons,

Killamarsh, Derbyshire, 1/11. Fitted with new dash panel using

Plaxton Paramount components by 13/7/15. 222 (J622 GCR) Pilkington’s (Accrington) Limited T/A King Travel, Accrington, Lancashire, 9/10, ex-AH Hardwick, Carlton (dealer). David Elliott & Paul Richman T/A Stanway’s Coaches, Rode Heath, Cheshire, 9/15. Reregistered DEZ 9717 in 9/15. 801 (F135 SPX) Stagecoach (North West) Limited, Whitehaven, Cumbria (135), 2/2/97, ex- Ribble Motor Services Limited, Preston (135) on transfer of Morecambe operations. Allocated to Morecambe 2/2/97. Given Stagecoach Lancaster fleetnames 2/97. Repainted in Stagecoach livery but with broader stripes 9/98. Registered office moved to Carlisle, Cumbria, 24/5/99. Allocated to Lancaster 2/7/00 on closure of Morecambe depot. Renumbered 27035 on 6/1/03. Withdrawn 9/06. Geoffrey P Ripley, Carlton, South Yorkshire (dealer), 10/06. Travelspeed Limited T/A Northern Blue Buses, Burnley, Lancashire (35), 11/06. Geoffrey P Ripley, Carlton, South Yorkshire (dealer), 18/7/08. Adrian Morton T/A Morton’s, Chineham, Hampshire, 9/08. Registered office moved to Little London, Hampshire, 4/11. Morton’s Travel Limited, Little London, Hampshire, 7/12 (change of entity). Correction and clarification of previous reports. 802 (F136 SPX) Stagecoach (North West) Limited, Whitehaven, Cumbria (136), 2/2/97, ex-Ribble Motor Services Limited, Preston (136) on transfer of Morecambe operations. Allocated to Morecambe 2/2/97. Given Stagecoach Lancaster fleetnames 2/97. Repainted in Stagecoach livery but with broader stripes 7/97. Registered Office moved to Carlisle, Cumbria, 24/5/99. Allocated to Lancaster 2/7/00 on closure of Morecambe depot. Renumbered 27036 on 6/1/03. Converted to B62F by 7/03. Allocated to Reserve 8/06 and withdrawn 9/06. Geoffrey P Ripley, Carlton, South Yorkshire (dealer), 10/06. Travelspeed Limited T/A Northern Blue Buses, Burnley, Lancashire (36), 11/06. T Wigley & Son Bus Limited, Carlton, South Yorkshire (dealer), 7/08. Correction and clarification of previous reports. 803 (F137 SPX) Stagecoach (North West) Limited, Whitehaven, Cumbria (137), 2/2/97, ex-Ribble Motor Services Limited, Preston (137) on transfer of Morecambe operations. Allocated to Morecambe 2/2/97. Given Stagecoach Lancaster fleetnames 2/97. Repainted in Stagecoach livery but with broader stripes 10/98. Registered office moved to Carlisle, Cumbria, 24/5/99. Allocated to Lancaster 2/7/00 on closure of Morecambe depot. Renumbered 27037 on 6/1/03. Allocated to Reserve 8/06 and withdrawn 9/06. Geoffrey P Ripley, Carlton, South Yorkshire (dealer), 10/06. Travelspeed Limited T/A Northern Blue Buses, Burley, Lancashire (37), 11/06. T Wigley & Son Bus Limited, Carlton, South Yorkshire (dealer), 7/08. Philip James Leyland T/A Platinum Coaches, Fulwood, Lancashire, 9/08. Judith & Ian Glyn Thomas T/A Thomas Rhondda, Porth, Rhondda Cynon Taf, later in 9/08. South End Caravan Park, Walney Island, Cumbria, 10/14, as non-PSV. 3392 [later 392] (VPR 491S) Withdrawn by 9/15 by David Loveless Hoare T/A Chepstow Classic Bus, Chepstow. 3711 (UFX 852S) Julian Patterson, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, 4/14, for preservation, ex-Konectbus Limited, Dereham. Julian Patterson moved to Hunstanton, Norfolk, by 9/14. Coastal Red Limited, North Runcton, Norfolk, 10/14. Refurbished and painted in Coastal Red livery in 10/14 for use on closed contract services.

FIRST HAMPSHIRE & DORSET LIMITED.

Subsequent Disposals. 34044 (P244 UCW) Eastville Coaches Limited, Bristol, 2/16, ex-Alpha Recovery Limited, Dudley (dealer).

SOUTHDOWN MOTOR SERVICES LIMITED [1915-1992]

87 [later 2087] (KPM 87E) Unidentified dealer, Strabane, County

Tyrone, Northern Ireland, by 12/94, ex-Voluntary Services, Belfast

(playbus). David Patrick Mulpeter T/A Seaford & District Motor

Services, Seaford, East Sussex, 5/10, for spares. European Metal

Recycling Limited, Newhaven, East Sussex (dealer), 6/15, for

scrap. Correction of previous reports.

97 (AYJ 97T) Mike Nash T/A British Bus Sales, Cobham, Surrey (dealer), 6/17, ex-A Davey, Hounslow (preservation). 98 [later 2098] (OCD 768G) Christopher L Pearce, Worthing, West Sussex, 1/17, for preservation, 1/17, ex-John Barley, Mark S Terrill & David Start, Brighton (preservation). Carl English, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, 8/4/18, for preservation. 99 [later 2099] (OCD 769G) Ensign Bus Company Limited, Purfleet, Essex (dealer) 5/86, ex-Brighton & Hove Bus & Coach Company Limited, Hove (2099). Elsa Group Autonegozi SRL, Torino, Italy (non-PSV), by 10/17. Being converted to “Street Food” mobile food shop during 10/17. Elsa Group Autonegozi SRL was not established until 2007. Further information would be very welcome. 101 [later 2101] (OCD 771G later 7145 BT, 1685 HF, 1652 KS, AL 7337) Rebecca Reaville T/A Grow-with-us, Airdrie, Alberta, Canada, circa 5/15, as non-PSV, ex-Horizon Coach Line Limited, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. All seats removed and converted to mobile shop selling children’s clothes circa 5/15. 152 (C452 OAP) Scrapped 9/17 by Frederick Woolley T/A Woolley’s Coaches, Llanedwen. 154 (C454 OAP) R Davies & Sons Limited, Kingswinford, West Midlands (dealer), 9/17, for 196 (EUF 196) Unidentified preservation group, unknown address, 8/16, for preservation, ex-Richard Newman, Ryde, (preservation). 258 (JWV 258W) Still owned by Used Coach Sales Limited, Warrington (dealer), 22/2/18. 276 (JWV 976W) Ian Graney, Oxford, Oxfordshire, 5/15, for preservation, ex-Eric StC Stobart, Wimbledon Village (preservation). 308 (F308 MYJ) WB Chambers & Son, Langley, Kent (fruit farmer) (non-PSV), 26/7/16 for staff transport, ex- Philip A Blair, Upham (preservation). 383 (TCD 383J) Unidentified owner, Colchester, Essex, by 13/10/16, as a mobile caravan in blue and yellow livery, ex-Christopher L Pearce, Worthing (preservation). Noted on 13/10/16 at Marks Tey, Essex, traveling eastbound on the A120 towards nearby Colchester. Subsequently seen parked at King Edward Quay, The Hythe, Colchester. This vehicle may be associated with a houseboat moored on the River Colne nearby. Further information would be appreciated. 410 [later 3210] (410 DCD later PRX 207B, BHM 288 PHJ 301B, 410 DCD) Converted to FO39/30F by Eric Stobart, Wimbledon Village (preservation) in 7/14 when he sold the roof to Southdown Motor Services Limited, Chichester, West Sussex, for spare parts for 409 (409 DCD). 422 [later 3221] (422 DCD later AOR 157B, 422 DCD) Converted to FO39/30F in 12/13 by Eric Stobart, Wimbledon Village (preservation). Thus 422 was FO39/30F when acquired by Nicolas Pope, Pulborough (preservation), in 12/13 and Philip A Blair, Upham (preservation), in 6/15. Stobart sold the roof of 422 separately to David Patrick Mulpeter T/A Seaford & District Motor Services, Seaford, East Sussex, in 7/14 for the repair of 272 (BUF 272C). 510 (UUF 110J) Hampshire Bus & Coach Preservation, Winchester, Hampshire, 6/17 for preservation, ex-Philip A Blair, Upham (preservation). 537 (WUF 537K) David Patrick Mulpeter T/A Seaford & District Motor Services, Seaford, East Sussex, 1/17 as preserved vehicle, ex-Mark S Terrill, Lewes (preservation). 573 (GNJ 573N later IUI 2138, GNJ 573N) David Patrick Mulpeter T/A Seaford & District Motor Services, Seaford, East Sussex, 1/17 as preserved vehicle, ex-Mark S Terrill, Lewes (preservation). 586 (PUF 586R) Walsh C of E Junior School, Ash, Surrey (non-PSV), 9/16, ex-Philip A Blair, Upham (preservation. Converted to a static library and painted red with a white band by an unidentified contractor before delivery on tow to the school on 31/10/16. Formally opened as a static library on 7/11/16. 604 (UWV 604S) Robert Pain, Milton, Keynes, Buckinghamshire (preservationist), 7/16, for spare parts, ex-Dart Pleasure Craft Limited, Totnes (2), who had used it for spare parts since 10/09. 607 (UWV 607S) Converted to O43/31F in 6/15 by David Loveless Hoare T/A Chepstow Classic Bus, Chepstow, when the roof was transferred to UFX 856S.


614 (UWV 614S) Steve Salter, Plymouth, Devon, 10/16, for preservation, ex-Dart Pleasure Craft Limited, Totnes (1). On loan as PSV to Derek Gawn T/A Mendip Mule; Jurassic Mule, Evercreech, Somerset, 5/17 to 9/17. 615 (UWV 615S) David Patrick Mulpeter T/A Seaford & District Motor Services, Seaford, East Sussex, 29/7/17 as preserved vehicle, ex-Simon Holman, Worthing (preservation). Collected by David Patrick Mulpeter on 12/8/17. 619 (UWV 619S) Oscar Soria Rosina, Pinto, Spain, 6/11/07, ex-Simon Munden Coach Sales. Bristol (dealer), as publicity vehicle for corporate clients. Reregistered H 2726 BBC in 11/07. 623 (UWV 623S) Carl Romer T/A Romeround, Bear Cross, Dorset, 2/9/17, ex-Mortons Travel Limited, Little London. 648 (AAP 648T) David Patrick Mulpeter T/A Seaford & District Motor Services, Seaford, East Sussex, 1/17 as preserved vehicle, ex-Mark S Terrill, Lewes (preservation). 673 (273 AUF) Painted in Southdown style livery, but with East Kent dark plum red instead of Southdown apple green, in 12/17 by Jeremy Cooper et al, Shaddoxhurst (preservation). 684 (EAP 984V) Philip A Blair, Upham, Hampshire, 3/17, for preservation, ex-Hampshire Bus & Coach Preservation, Winchester (preservation). Lee Hawkes, Cowes, Isle of Wight, 5/17, for preservation. Given advertisements for various Isle of Wight sponsors in 5/17. 699 (EAP 999V) Erin’s Snug Irish Pub & Restaurant, Madison, Wisconsin, USA, by 10/13, as party bus, ex-Acme Construction Company, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, USA (non-PSV). Painted red with appropriate lettering by 10/13. 708 (PUF 138M) Wacton Trading, Bromyard, Hereford & Worcestershire (dealer), -/95, ex-Brian Birks, Abingdon (preservation). Unidentified owner, Pécel, Pest County, Hungary, by 4/17 (probably many years later). Noted in 4/17 derelict in plain but faded red near Pécel Railway Station. It looked as if some conversion work had been started on the bus but not finished. Identified from Park Royal body number 60665 and Ribble fleetnumber1608 displayed inside the bus. Further information would be very welcome. 1011 (A811 CCD) Reregistered UDF 211 in 4/16 by Ian Lloyd-Owen, Maidenhead (preservation), so that it can emulate a Black & White vehicle. 1306 (ANJ 306T) David Patrick Mulpeter T/A Seaford & District Motor Services, Seaford, East Sussex, 1/17, as preserved vehicle, ex-Nigel Pulen, Brighton (preservation). 1650 (MUF 650 later A2908, Y-1579, DBY 306, DBU 573) Reregistered MUF 650 on 4/4/14 by Paul F Jefford, Market Rasen (preservation). 1748 (548 BUF) TC Robins, Leatherhead, Surrey, 3/08 for preservation, ex-Southdown Historic Vehicles Limited, Worthing (preservation). Stored on the premises of A Elliot & G Burtenshaw, Chichester, West Sussex. David Patrick Mulpeter T/A Seaford & District Motor Services, Seaford, East Sussex. Placed in store pending a decision on the future of this vehicle. Correction of previous report.

South Yorkshire depot open day and Sheffield

bus station ~ Robert Martin.

For some years I have compiled vehicle histories for various

companies, primarily for Southdown Enthusiasts' Club (SEC).

Regrettably, health problems have forced me to reduce my

workload. These reports include my last for Hampshire Bus

(1983-1991) and Southdown (1915-1992). The final report for

Pilgrim Coaches was sent over a year ago.

Thank you all for your patience and the help you have given

me over the years. All other fleets that I have compiled

records for, eg First Hampshire & Dorset, First Hampshire,

Provincial (all manifestations), Red Admiral (both versions),

City of Portsmouth Passenger Transport Department.

Robert Smith

I know we are all sorry to lose such a valuable and informative

column. The editor and committee would like to thank Robert

for all of his hard work in keeping the records and allowing the

SOC to publish them.

Barry T.


3April 2018

The Royal Blue coach played a big role in my childhood and is still held in high esteem by the many travellers who remember them. For my family, it was holidays in Devon or Cornwall, visiting relations in Somerset and on one occasion, a trip to Bognor Regis which was the first time I recollect coming across the word ‘RELIEF’ in a blind box. From the distance of half a century, the glasses definitely have a rosier tint to them. But the truth is, a journey from London to Penzance took all day to do. All the romance of seeing that fabulous livery on a hump backed Bristol LS has to be tempered with the thought of a hot, noisy eight hour journey, albeit with several stops, with a six year old who was too excited to sit still and his older brother who’s one aim in life was to wind him up and get him in trouble. Also, travel sickness was far more prevalent then….but let’s not draw to much attention to that problem. Since 2002, the Thames Valley and Great Western Omnibus Trust have been re-enacting journeys on Royal Blue/Associated Motorways services once a year. In the beginning, the trips were short..ish and concentrated on the west country services. In 2005, a more ambitious project was tried. In running from Victoria Coach Station to Penzance it ran over the same roads as the journeys taken in my childhood. In 2009, the trip was to start at Penzance and not finish until Aberdeen which must have stretched the sinews of both the coaches and the drivers. Since then, starting points have ranged from Oxford and Northampton, Buckinghamshire and Victoria Coach Station, all ending up somewhere in the south/south west. This year was a three day event starting at Victoria Coach Station. Day1: The convoy left VCS at 10.30 on Friday 15th June and followed the Southdown route as far as East Grinstead where it turned right and picked up the joint Southdown/Royal Blue route towards Bournemouth. Most of this part of the route was over the A272 but there was a fly in the ointment. The main drag through Midhurst had been closed to traffic for resurfacing the week before which was to mean a diversion north to Haslemere and then back to Petersfield to regain the A272. As I had chosen to set up for shots near the Benbow Pond at Cowdray Park, I was able to see them all come passed and then cut back around Midhurst and get in front of them again and take from a second position I had found by the old barn at the Cheriton crossroads. The overnight was in Winchester. Day2: The journey recommenced towards Bournemouth and then onto Barnstable via the original Elliott Brothers route. The day was meant to end at Tiverton but it was extended to Exeter where with the kind permission of Stagecoach South West the convoy made a last visit to the coach station which was to be closed for redevelopment on the 16th of June. I couldn’t give a whole day to this part of the tour so chose a place on the A31 in the New Forest and set up my ladder! Day 3: From my point of view, this was the marathon day. They left Tiverton at 9a.m. and I left Hill Head at 6a.m. to meet the convoy at Ilfracoombe. The route was via Barnstaple, Ilfracoombe with a stop for lunch at Watermouth Castle. The passage moved on, via Coombe Martin and across Exmoor to Dunster and thence to Minehead. After a 30 minute stop the final leg to Taunton got underway. This was the point where the tour stopped and drivers and coaches went their separate ways home. I was lucky enough to be able to leapfrog their route and take shots from 5 different locations. Seriously thinking of cadging a lift on one of the coaches next…..depending that is, where they’re going.

The Royal Blue Run 2018 ~ Chris Drew


© All photographs Chris Drew


3April 2018

Two years later at Petersfield Station ~ Rodney Barnes

This year Petersfield has provided just half the buses seen in 2003

when this series started but the survey time this year has reverted

to the traditional 1500-1600. This year has seen the demise of

Emsworth and District who have surrendered their West Sussex

contracts so that routes from Chichester and Midhurst are now

operated by Stagecoach. Stagecoach’s four buses in Petersfield

came from three different garages, Portsmouth, Chichester and

Winchester. Not bad for a small Hampshire town! The only

noteworthy fact to be found is that the five route numbers total

over 1.000I

The 94 town service is in the hands of local small operator

Wheeldrive on a modified service. The vehicle on the service was

SN09EMV a VW minibus with low floor provision. No origin of the

vehicle could be traced except it was registered in Edinburgh,

Stagecoach had four assorted journeys within the hour. It was not

that long ago since Stagecoach ceased to operate its Petersfield

outstation on the industrial park having previously had a purpose

built garage which originated from its predecessor, Southdown.

In numerical order of Southdown’s route number, route 37 to

Havant, a route that has received credit in one selection of

Britain’s best bus journeys, was operated by a 12 year old Trident

with Alexander design bodywork, 18517, almost the last to be built

to this style. It is now registered NDZ3017 and was formerly

GX06DXR. It started its life on Stagecoach’s 700 route along the

coast from Portsmouth to Brighton. This bus is Portsmouth based.

Next up is the 67 to Winchester which was operated by a bus of the

same batch 18520, a similar bus to 18517 but based at Winchester

The bus an hour earlier had turned at Alresford, to return to

Petersfield so at to create another Winchester school day journey.

The next bus is the 92 to Midhurst, a West Sussex supported route

which was taken over when Emsworth and District surrendered the

route earlier this summer. The same occurred with route 54 from

Chichester which does not reach Petersfield in the hour.

Stagecoach South has recently acquired two additional Optare

Solos, thirteen years old. The bus on route 92 was 47645, a

recently reinstated Solo with a 58 registration, one of a number

historically at Chichester.

The high numbered 737 between South Downs College and Lindford

to the north is a variation number of the 37 and is a school day

journey. This was the surprise of the day with 26165, one of the

Enviro MMCs E20Ds which was new within the last year.

Numerically it is the last in a batch of 20 and is unbranded. The

batch is allocated to Portsmouth, primarily to serve route 23.

We have the situation at Petersfield where the train really is king.

There were as many train departures as there were buses. Apart

from the local bus, the routes invariable run to other market towns

whilst the train serves the nearest major centres of Portsmouth

and Guildford as well as London three times an hour.

Reflecting on recent years at Petersfield, we have seen the loss of

several operators. Those no longer in existence include Minerva

Accord, Countryliner, Brijan and Velvet, with the end of Emsworth

and District as we know it due in the next week or so. Added to

casual visits from Richardson and Go Ahead, a lot has changed

over the years. In should though be noted that Xelabus operates in

from Bishops Waltham for a couple of journeys on Wednesdays and

Saturdays, a route which was Brijan’s, before they folded.

Facts and Figures in order; 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2003.

Venue……………Petersfield Railway Station Date……………..Tuesday 3 July 2018; Thursday 26th April 2016 Thursday 13 February 2014, Wednesday 4 January 2012 Wednesday 9

September 2009 Monday 23 April 2007 Wednesday 23 March 2005 Monday 17 March 2003 Time…………….1500-1600, 1525-1625, 1525-1625, 1525-1625, 1525-1625, 1500-1600, 1500-1600, 1500-1600 Number of Journeys ………….…6, 10, 7, 9, 14, 8, 11, 12 Number of different buses…….5, 8, 6, 7, 12, 7, 10, 10 Median Age….March 2008 (10 years 4 months) May 2006 (9 years 11 months)…May 2001 (12 years 9 months) August 2000 (11 years 5

months) .April 1997 (12 years 5 months) January 1996 (11 years 3 months) October 1995 (9 years 5 months) October 1995 (7 years 5 months)

Oldest Bus…… Stagecoach Trident 18517 NDZ3017 originally GX06DXR; Stagecoach 16502 NDZ3020 (ex R503UWL)Go South Coast Volvo Olympian 4751 M751HDL,Countryliner Pointer Dart SLF P307HDP Countryliner Pointer Dart L719OMV Stagecoach Leyland Olympian 14953 F603MSL.Stagecoach Volvo Citybus 15204 F304MYJ Stagecoach Leyland Olympian 14973 J623GCR

Newest Bus ...Stagecoach 26165 (SN67WWK) E20D MMC, Wheeldrive Renault minibus PN07RVJ Stagecoach Trident 18518 NDZ3018 Stagecoach Trident 18518 GX06DXS Richardson Travel Mercedes Vario YN57PYJ Countryliner Mercedes Sprinter BU04UTP Stagecoach Mercedes Vito 60002 SW03OYB, Minerva Accord Renault GK52HLC

Number of liveries………….……2, 4, 4, 3, 5, 3, 5, 5 Percentage of low floor……….100%, 71%, 83%, 71%, 17%, 28%, 20%, 20% Most distant destination………Havant, Havant, Havant, Havant, Havant, Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Southampton


Petersfield in days gone by.

Southern Motorways JNK 991N

at Petersfield Station on route

3 to Midhurst.

© John Bulman

Buses

Chassis

No % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %

2018 2016 2014 2012 2009 2007 2005 2003

Trident 2 40 4 50 2 33.3 2 28.6

Volvo Olympian 2 25 1 16.7 2 28.6 3 25 2 28.6 1 10 1 10

Dennis Dart 1 20 1 12.5 2 33.3 2 28.6 5 41.7 3 42.9 4 40 3 30

Optare Solo 1 20

Volkswagen 1 20

Renault 1 12.5 1 10 2 20

DAF DB250 1 16.7

Scania Omnidekka 1 14.3

Volvo B10M 2 16.7 1 10 1 10

Optare Metrorider 1 8.3

Mercedes Vario 1 8.3 1 10

Leyland Olympian 1 14.3 2 20

Mercedes Sprinter 1 14.3

Mercedes 709D 1 10

Mercedees Vito 1 10

Volvo Citybus 1 10

Bodies

Alexander 2 40 4 50 2 33.3 4 57.1 6 50 5 71.4 5 50 6 60

Enviro 2 25

Plaxton Pointer 1 12.5 2 33.3 2 28.6 4 33.3 1 14.3 1 10

Renault 1 12.5

Northern Counties 1 16.7 2 20 1 10

Optare 1 20 1 16.7 1 8.3

Envieo MMC 1 20

Volkswagen 1 20

East Lancs 1 14.3

Plaxton Cheetah 1 8.3

Koch 1 14.3

Mercedes 1 10

Rohill 1 10 2 20

Autobus 1 10

Operators

Stagecoach 4 80 6 75 3 50.O 4 57.1 6 50 5 71.4 7 70 7 70

Emsworth and District 1 12.5 1 16.7

Wheeldrive 1 20 1 12.5

Go Ahead South 1 16.7 1 14.3

Velvet 1 16.7

Countryliner 2 28.6 5 41.7 2 28.6

Richardsons 1 8.3

Brijan 1 10 1 10

Minerva Accord 2 20 2 20

Type of Vehic le

Double Deck 2 40 6 75 4 66.7 5 71.4 3 25 3 42.9 2 20 3 30

Single Deck 1 20 1 12.5 2 33.3 2 28.6 8 66.7 3 42.9 5 50 4 40

Minibus 2 40 1 12.5 1 8.3 1 14.3 3 30 3 30

Analysis of


3April 2018

As I needed to catch up with a friend who lives in Buckinghamshire, as we pass on magazines and other stuff to each other

and the bags of same had grown heavy, we arranged to meet in Guildford for a few hours on 20 November 2017. Kevin

was coming from Burnham via Reading on the train, while I drove to the Onslow Park & Ride facility and waited for him

there. He could then ride out from the station on the service 400 bus, put his bag for me in my car and collect mine for

him later on. The weather was dull but - at this stage anyway - still dry, so we divided our time between the bus station,

a footbridge over the railway, some bus stops outside the library and a suitable 'eatery' to keep us going!

As will be seen from the photographs, a variety of liveries can be seen, even if

you don't wish to leave the immediate vicinity of the bus station! Arriva fleet

colours adorn the little minibuses currently on service 38, together with larger

buses of their fleet. "Old" Stagecoach livery was seen on vehicles working

former Green Line route 715, with their buses on Park & Ride duties being in a

rather noticeable pink! The fleet livery of the Buses Excetera operation is a

light blue and white, with some of their vehicles carrying this while others,

possibly only recently acquired, sported overall red or white "liveries". The

Guildford-Aldershot service has "Kite" branding and logos on current

Stagecoach livery - perhaps someone could explain any link with that route and

kites, or is it just some 'whizz' idea dreamed up by yet another youngster in

marketing? Finally, I must not forget the smart cream and red Safeguard fleet, whose buses busily come and go in the

midst of everything else mentioned here! A notable independent survivor in these days of big groups, the company

celebrated its 90th year in business a few years back having been founded in 1924. It has remained family owned

throughout and its buses certainly present a smart image as they go about their business on city routes.

"Grey skies in Guildford..." Adrian Willats picks a dull November Monday to catch up

with a friend - and the bus scene!


Four Buses Excetera vehicles are seen - in three different colour schemes! Two pink Park & Ride buses wait for departure

while a more traditionally liveried sister works the 715 to Kingston. On the previous page are shown the "Kite" branding

referred to in the text, together with one of the 17-seater Mercedes minibuses on service 38. An interesting day, always

nice to catch up with a friend I don't see very often and we stayed dry until we were ready to leave!


3April 2018

First Bus Hampshire & Dorset ~ Robert Smith & John Kirby.

REPAINTED VEHICLE. Painted in yellow and red Jurassic Coaster livery in 5/18: 37997 Painted in First UK Bus Urban livery in 6/18: 44916 ALLOCATIONS.

Fleet No. Date From To Note

32701 23/5/18 Hoeford Withdrawn



32757 7/6/18 Southampton Hoeford


32766 7/6/18 Southampton Hoeford Lilac livery

63186 30/5/18 Hoeford Southampton


INITIAL DISPOSAL. 32043 (W813 EOW) Geoffrey P Ripley, Carlton, South Yorkshire (dealer), 29/5/18.

FIRSTSOLENT BUS SERVICES. W1 (FAREHAM – WHITELEY) (PH0006159/427) Both directions: Withdrawn on close of service on Saturday 16/6/18. End of contract with Whiteley Shopping. W2 (WARSASH –WHITELEY) (PH0006159/442) Both directions: To be withdrawn on close of service on Saturday 7/7/18. End of contract with Whiteley Shopping. Mutiny Festival, Cosham, Portsmouth. The contract for buses linking the camp site on Farlington Playing Fields with the Festival on King George V Playing Fields, Cosham, on Spring Holiday Weekend was not awarded to First Hampshire & Dorset this year. The successful applicant was Wheeler’s Travel Limited, North Baddesley, Hampshire. Road Works in Eastney Road, Eastney, Portsmouth. Eastney Road (south of the staggered crossroads with Bransbury Road and Devonshire Avenue was closed to traffic between 0930 and 1530 from Tuesday 29/5/18 to Thursday 7/6/18 (except Saturday and Sunday) and between 0930 and 1245 on Friday 8/6/18 for resurfacing by Colas Limited. The southbound carriageway was done during the first week, and northbound during the second week. Bus services were affected as follows. Tuesday 29/5/18 to Friday 1/6/18 1 (PORTSMOUTH – SOUTHSEA – PORTSMOUTH) (ANTICLOCKWISE), 2 (PORTSMOUTH – PAULSGROVE) & 17 (SOUTHSEA – TIPNER) Diverted from Highland Road via Henderson Road and Bransbury Road to Eastney Road. 1 (PORTSMOUTH – SOUTHSEA – PORTSMOUTH) (CLOCKWISE), 2 (PAULSGROVE – SOUTHSEA) & 17 (TIPNER – SOUTHSEA) Not affected. Monday 4/6/18 to Friday 8/6/18 1 (PORTSMOUTH – SOUTHSEA – PORTSMOUTH) (ANTICLOCKWISE), 2 (PORTSMOUTH – PAULSGROVE) & 17 (SOUTHSEA – TIPNER) Not affected. 1 (PORTSMOUTH – SOUTHSEA – PORTSMOUTH) (CLOCKWISE), 2 (PAULSGROVE – SOUTHSEA) & 17 (TIPNER – SOUTHSEA) Diverted from Eastney Road via Bransbury Road and Henderson Road to Highland Road. Road Works in Festing Road, Southsea, Portsmouth. Festing Road was closed to traffic between 0800 and 1700 from Monday 18/6/18 to Friday 22/6/18 for resurfacing by Colas Limited. Bus services were affected as follows. 1 (PORTSMOUTH – SOUTHSEA – PORTSMOUTH) (ANTICLOCKWISE) & 17 (SOUTHSEA – TIPNER) Diverted from St. Helen’s Parade via Eastern Parade, St George’s Road and Cromwell Road to Eastney Road. 1 (PORTSMOUTH – SOUTHSEA – PORTSMOUTH) (CLOCKWISE) & 17 (TIPNER – SOUTHSEA) Diverted from Eastney Road via Cromwell Road, St George’s Road and Eastern Parade to St Helen’s Parade. Unusually for a road resurfacing project, bus services were diverted continuously from 0800 on Monday 18/6/18 to 1700 on Friday 22/6/18 instead of just during the road closures. Road Works in Museum Road, Southsea. Museum Road was closed to traffic between 0800 and 1600 from Monday 4/6/18 to Wednesday 6/6/18 and between 0845 and 1145 on Thursday 7/6/18 for resurfacing and line painting by Colas Limited. Bus services were affected as follows. 7 (SOUTHSEA – WECOCK FARM) Diverted from King’s Road via Landport Terrace and Hampshire Terrace to St Michael’s Road. 7 (WECOCK FARM –

SOUTHSEA) Diverted from Lord Montgomery Way via Hampshire Terrace and Landport Terrace to King’s Road.

Giorgos Kollias ~ A note from Athens.

In the 1960s Leyland were busy in the export market, amongst the deliveries were twenty Worldmaster LERT2/1 bodied by Biamax B23D+47. They were operated by ASPA. This was the second batch of Worldmasters delivered but the first LERT2/1 chassis. Above is 820 in service on route 7 and below a press cutting of 832 in the process of being scraped.


20th December 1927 Amongst the recent orders which have been received by Guy Motors, Ltd., from municipal authorities, Southampton Corporation has placed its sixth order.

Stagecoach South News

Fleet No. Registration Vehicle From To Notes

15585 GX59 JYS Portsmouth Merseyside

15586 GX59 JYT Portsmouth Merseyside

15598 GX10 HBG Portsmouth Merseyside

15599 GX10 HBH Portsmouth Merseyside

15804 GX12 DXS Portsmouth South West

15805 GX12 DXT Portsmouth South West

15984 YN64 XSL Scania E400 Winchester Awaiting allocation

15986 YN64 XSO Scania E400 Winchester Awaiting allocation

15987 YN64 XSP Worthing Portsmouth

15988 YN64 XSR Worthing Portsmouth

15989 YN64 XST Worthing Portsmouth

15990 YN64 XSU Worthing Portsmouth

15991 YN64 XSV Worthing Portsmouth

15992 YN64 SW Worthing Portsmouth

16931 SP03 EUJ Volvo B7M Portsmouth For disposal

16933 SP05 FKG Volvo B7M Portsmouth For disposal

16934 SP05 FKH Volvo B7M Portsmouth For disposal

16935 SP05 FKJ Volvo B7M Portsmouth For disposal

17698 MW52 UJE D. Trident Portsmouth For disposal

19063 MX56 FPS AD E400 Portsmouth Reserve

20968 R968 XVM Winchester Manchester

27655 GX10 KZH Worthing Portsmouth

34518 GX04 EXM Reserve Chichester

34524 GX04 EXU Dart SLF Portsmouth For disposal

34608 NK04 NPP Reserve Portsmouth

34633 GX54 DWC Dart SLF Portsmouth Reserve

34690 PX06 ELC Dart SLF Portsmouth For disposal

36920 YX63 GYC Andover Chichester

37271 SL64 HXF Chichester Reserve

37273 SL64 HXH Chichester Reserve

37275 SL64 HXK Portsmouth Reserve

47049 YK04 KVW Optare Solo Winchester For disposal

52618 S458 BCE Volvo B10M Winchester For disposal

52619 S459 BCE Volvo B10M Portsmouth For disposal

52657 V907 DDY Volvo B10M Winchester For disposal

52658 XYK 976 Volvo B10M Winchester For disposal


3April 2018

Bob Gray with MUF 488

on route to the Alton bus

rally. © Chris Drew.

If you think drivers have problems using one ticket machine in this country spare a thought for the drivers in Kyoto, Japan.

This photograph shows the various ‘slots’ located alongside the drivers cab. Imagine the dwell time as passengers

contemplate their options!

Fare is paid as you get off the bus. Fares for the single fare

area is Y230. For a fare that is outside the single fare area,

take a look at the number displayed on your ticket and pay

the fare that corresponds with that number on the front of

the bus. Buses do not have change so if you are paying by

cash, bring along sufficient number of coins (Y1000 bills can

be exchanged with fare box machine).

Hampshire Chronicle.

FAMILY had the bus ride from hell after almost being locked in a depot over night after the driver failed to check that vehicle was empty.

Martin Leigh says the experiences has given his daughters nightmares.

The Leigh family from Gosport, had spent the day in Winchester after father Martin, 54, had been to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital to receive

the results of a scan on his foot.

After a day out in the city, the baker from Albert Street, his wife Kayleigh, 30, and their daughters Phoebe, five, and Amy, nine, jumped aboard

what they thought was the 5.10pm 69 stagecoach bus to Fareham.

The Leighs settled in on the top deck for what they thought was going to be a long bus ride home.

However, after the bus left Waltham Chase, it began to speed up and eventually ended up at the Botley Bus park, although the Leighs didn’t realise

this at the time.

“ The bus stopped and the driver got out. We thought maybe he just needed the toilet or was changing over.

“He then came back and we pulled into what looked like an industrial estate.”

The driver then got out and locked the bus, trapping the family inside.

A Stagecoach spokesperson said: “We are extremely disappointed and concerned at the circumstances in which a family were left on one of our buses

returning to the Botley bus parking yard.

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