Kent, Surrey and Sussex Buses, by Derek M Jones http://derekmjones.fotopic.net/ 12 rows en-gb 60 The Six Sixties around Faversham http://derekmjones.fotopic.net/c1543478.html The Maidstone & District bus company continued to use its traditional system of route numbering up to the autumn of 1973, but from 7th October of that year a new area-based system was introduced that by the end of 1976 had grouped the routes in each area into blocks. Most routes in the Swale area received numbers in the 3xx series, but it was soon realised that East Kent (who had begun to use a similar system in 1971) were already using 3xx numbers in the Dover and Deal areas, so to avoid confusion a separate series of 6xx numbers was introduced for use (initially) in the Faversham area. This collection covers routes numbered in the block 660 to 669, the first of which appeared on 30 December 1973. Saturday 12 July 2008: The Maidstone & District bus company continued to use its traditional system of route numbering up to the autumn of 1973, but from 7th October of that year a new area-based system was introduced that by the end of 1976 had grouped the routes in each area into blocks. Most routes in the Swale area received numbers in the 3xx series, but it was soon realised that East Kent (who had begun to use a similar system in 1971) were already using 3xx numbers in the Dover and Deal areas, so to avoid confusion a separate series of 6xx numbers was introduced for use (initially) in the Faversham area. This collection covers routes numbered in the block 660 to 669, the first of which appeared on 30 December 1973.

Maidstone & District ran a service between Faversham and Stalisfield Green between 16 February 1949 and 2 February 1980. Initially numbered 16, it became 60A on 10 July 1966, and 60 on 5 July 1971, then 660 on 31 December 1973. This photo was taken on 2 February 1980, the last day of M&D operation and the day on which M&D's Faversham depot closed for the last time. In September 1981 Donsway added former London Transport MBA570 (AML 570H) to the fleet, an MCW B47D-bodied AEC Merlin. To begin with this ran with just the route number 660 in the destination glass, By August 1983 this vehicle had been equipped with full destination blinds, using London Transport-style lettering, as seen at Court Street, Faversham. Northbound bus stop (heading towards Faversham), Painter's Forstal, July 1984 Southbound bus stop (heading away from Faversham), Painter's Forstal, July 1984 After repaint into Donsway's unusual red and orange livery, HKJ 256N is seen in Court Street, Faversham in January 1986. Other routes using 66x series numbers in Faversham by January 1986 called at the same stop in Court Street, Faversham. Near Otterden Place, the 660 route passes through an area of woodland. HKJ 256N is seen in the spring of 1986. Near Otterden Place, HKJ 256N seen a few seconds after picture 09. Approaching the terminus at Stalisfield Green in July 1986, AML 570H had by then sustained minor damage to the nearside front skirt panel, which had been repaired but not repainted. A rear view of HKJ 256N, showing signwritten advertising and still carrying a reflective fleet number plate from its time with Maidstone Borough Council. Occasionally Donsway used coaches on the 660, including Plaxton-bodied Bedford YRT SKK 998M, seen approaching Stalisfield Green in summer 1987. By May 1988 HKJ 256N had received Donsway's later grey livery, seen in Court Street, Faversham. After the 1987 hurricane the woodland near Otterden Place was a shadow of its former self, as illustrated by this picture taken in May 1988. In the autumn of 1989 Donsway acquired a second ex-London Transport single-decker, LS235 (THX 235S). The Graveney destination reflects the extension of the route beyond Faversham in October 1986. The final Donsway livery was grey and red, as exemplified by ex-London Buses OV12, a VW/Optare CityPacer minibus, seen in Court Street, Faversham on 14 April 1993. The Donsway fleet and operations were acquired by Chalkwell of Sittingbourne in October 1993, and the 660 was soon being run by vehicles such as former Dormobile demonstrator L775 CKM, an Iveco-badged Fiat minibus. L775 CKM was still in use on the 660 when seen at Stalisfield on 10 May 1996. From 2 April 2000 KCC tendering resulted in the 660 passing to new operator Citibus of Sittingbourne, whose fleet included RIL 7153, formerly F41 XPR, ex Brighton & Hove but new to Bournemouth Tpt. This and the previous photo show RIL 7153 of Citibus turning at Murton Place, Graveney. From 4 February 1980 Donsway Coaches (R.J. Harris) of Dunkirk near Faversham took over the operation of route 660, one of the first independents in Kent to venture into bus operation after a period of almost total dominance of the bus network by the NBC companies East Kent and M&D, and Maidstone Borough Council. The latter was the source of HKJ 256N, a Willowbrook B45F bodied Bedford YRQ, which ran initially in MBC colours modified only by the addition of a navy blue waistband and 661 had its origins with East Kent route 31 between Faversham and Chilham via Shottenden, but from 5 January 1974 it passed to M&D and was renumbered 661. 10.3m Leyland-National SJG 338N squeezes along narrow lanes approaching Shottenden on 2 February 1980. 2 February 1980, the last day of M&D operation of 661, ironically saw an East Kent vehicle used on hire to M&D! SJG 338N turns at the Woolpack, Chilham, slightly closer to the centre of Chilham than Felborough Close which Stagecoach 652 serves today (and other East Kent routes have done for many years). From 1980 the 661 passed to Donsway of Dunkirk, and was eventually curtailed to run only between Faversham and Selling via a loop taking in Boughton and Hogben's Hill either side of Selling. After a spell being operated by Chalkwell of Sittingbourne and Regent of Whitstable, the 661 passed to Westbus of Ashford, who used former National Welsh Leyland-National KDW 339P. Seen near Selling in June 1989. The route to and from Selling involved a circular loop, with the terminal officially at the Sondes Arms, which KDW 339P is seen passing in June 1989. KDW 339P again, at Court Street, Faversham, in December 1991. Westbus withdrew from bus operation in Kent and closed their Ashford depot in the autumn of 1993, concentrating on coach operation from Hounslow (for a while under National Express ownership). After Westbus surrendered the 661 it returned to Chalkwell initially, then passed to Arriva from 14 April 1996. Court Street, Faversham is again the venue, this time showing Arriva 1209 (N209 CKP), a Plaxton-bodied Mercedes-Benz 709D, in the winter sunshine on 5 February 1999.

Published in Kent, Surrey and Sussex Buses, by Derek M Jones

]]> Sat Jul 12 2008 Hawkhurst Bus Station since 1981 http://derekmjones.fotopic.net/c1467594.html A selection of views taken in or near Hawkhurst Bus Station since 1981. Opened by Maidstone & District on 7th June 1950, the bus station - to island layout with departure and arrival platforms on opposite sides - replaced earlier premises in Winchester Road, and also provided garage facilities for an allocation that peaked at around 30 vehicles from 1985. This followed a period when it had been reduced to an outstation, managed from Silverhill, Hastings between December 1980 and January 1982, when vehicles carried "Hastings & District" fleetnames. In 1983 Maidstone & District was separated from Hastings & District, and the garage building at the rear of the site passed to Kent Engineering. The Hawkhurst allocation regained M&D fleetnames and was provided instead from Gillingham and Tunbridge Wells parent depots, parking in the bus station area itself. Kent Engineering withdrew from the site in 1985, allowing the garage building to return to M&D. M&D became Arriva Kent & Sussex in 1998, and continued to operate from Hawkhurst until its closure on 16th February 2008. Saturday 1 March 2008: A selection of views taken in or near Hawkhurst Bus Station since 1981. Opened by Maidstone & District on 7th June 1950, the bus station - to island layout with departure and arrival platforms on opposite sides - replaced earlier premises in Winchester Road, and also provided garage facilities for an allocation that peaked at around 30 vehicles from 1985. This followed a period when it had been reduced to an outstation, managed from Silverhill, Hastings between December 1980 and January 1982, when vehicles carried "Hastings & District" fleetnames. In 1983 Maidstone & District was separated from Hastings & District, and the garage building at the rear of the site passed to Kent Engineering. The Hawkhurst allocation regained M&D fleetnames and was provided instead from Gillingham and Tunbridge Wells parent depots, parking in the bus station area itself. Kent Engineering withdrew from the site in 1985, allowing the garage building to return to M&D. M&D became Arriva Kent & Sussex in 1998, and continued to operate from Hawkhurst until its closure on 16th February 2008.

Leyland-National 3553 awaits departure for Tunbridge Wells in April 1981 A long-term resident of Hawkhurst depot yard, between 1983 and 1995, works office P145 (OFN 721F) was a Marshall-bodied AEC Reliance new to East Kent, and had also spent some time as a publicity vehicle hired to M&D at Hastings Coach Station from 1979 to 1982. The nearside of P145 in September 1983, showing the then white-painted display boards P145, seen ten years later in 1993, by which time the nearside boards and all the aluminium side mouldings had all been overpainted along with the rest of the vehicle in green. Showing headboards for Canterbury-Brighton route 718, operated jointly with Southdown, East Kent Leopard/Duple 8805 (PVB 805S) prepares to leave for Brighton East Kent Duple Dominant-bodied AEC Reliance 8030 (HFN 30L) on summer express service E34, passes Leopard 8807 awaiting departure for Brighton on the 718 route from Canterbury. August 1983 An internal view towards the rear of East Kent coach 8807, showing a Southdown Leopard behind it on the departures platform, where the two vehicles operating on the 718 Brighton to Canterbury service crossed. August 1983 Bristol VRT 5857, with Invictaway advertising, seen in May 1984 Marshall-bodied Leyland Leopard 3450, seen on 18 May 1985 in the overall green version of NBC livery. P32 (GCN 805G), was one of twelve former Northern General Alexander-bodied Daimler Fleetlines acquired towards the end of 1972 for service in the Medway Towns, was converted for use as a tree lopper in 1984, and is seen at Hawkhurst in May 1986. 5889 was one of three Leyland Olympians diverted from Devon General in 1984. Seen in May 1986. 2143 (XCK 219R), a Willowbrook Illustrating the period during the late 1980s when Hawkhurst's vehicle allocation was at its peak, Leyland-National 3551 heads one of three queues of buses parked in the area alongside the passenger platforms. Bristol VRT 5841, July 1986 A general view of the Bus Station with a full contingent of NBC green M&D vehicles in July 1986. P10 (FKM 713L, originally 5713) was one of twenty MCW-bodied Leyland Atlanteans diverted to M&D from Midland Red, and was converted to open-top as a tree lopper in 1988 to replace P32. Seen in August 1989. Dual purpose Leyland-National 3901 (originally numbered 2901) received Maidstone Park & Ride livery in the spring of 1990, and is seen soon afterwards on 24 August 1990 in Hawkhurst Bus Station. Hastings & District, ex Crosville Wales Leyland-National 15 (HCA 975N) leaves Hawkhurst on the 349 which at the time ran through to Tunbridge Wells covering mileage shared with M&D 254. 24 August 1990. Returning to visit M&D premises after acquisition (along with 5827) by Warren, Ticehurst for use on the 254, former M&D Bristol VRT 5825 is seen at Hawkhurst Bus Station on 20 October 1990. A rear view of 5825 laying over between trips on route 254, on 20 October 1990.

Published in Kent, Surrey and Sussex Buses, by Derek M Jones

]]> Sat Mar 1 2008 Hawkhurst Bus Station closedown http://derekmjones.fotopic.net/c1460565.html Hawkhurst Bus Station (owned by Arriva Kent & Sussex and previously Maidstone & District) saw its final departures on Saturday 16th February 2008, before closing down for the last time. A special running day was organised with former Maidstone & District vehicles (and some from other operators) providing free services between 1000 and 1530hrs. Despite extra buses using the station and often heavy traffic congestion where the A229 and A268 cross each other, Arriva, Stagecoach and Countryliner maintained their normal services from the Bus Station and these photos include a couple of examples. Saturday 16 February 2008: Hawkhurst Bus Station (owned by Arriva Kent & Sussex and previously Maidstone & District) saw its final departures on Saturday 16th February 2008, before closing down for the last time. A special running day was organised with former Maidstone & District vehicles (and some from other operators) providing free services between 1000 and 1530hrs. Despite extra buses using the station and often heavy traffic congestion where the A229 and A268 cross each other, Arriva, Stagecoach and Countryliner maintained their normal services from the Bus Station and these photos include a couple of examples.

DH379 (NKT 875) was the first of a large batch of all-Leyland PD2s delivered to M&D in 1951. It is seen leaving the bus station during the morning of the event. VRT 5847 heads for Cranbrook during the morning of the event. A headline on the notice displayed at the Budgens supermarket near the bus station (and itself on the site of the former Davis Coaches depot) One of several non-M&D vehicles to offer free rides for the day was former Maidstone Corporation no.26, a Massey-bodied Leyland PD2A of 1963. Here it turns at Robertsbridge Station. The modern successor to traditional M&D route 84 south of Hawkhurst is the 349 operated by Stagecoach. 35237 awaits the 1335 departure to Hastings. A general view of the departures platform from outside the front of the station, Though not used in service, DH159 (HKE 867) was displayed at the Bus Station for most of the day. It is a 1945 Bristol K6A rebodied by Weymann in 1953, and has been owned by the M&D and East Kent Bus Club for the past 40 years. Reliance S6 turning onto the departure platform The free services included several departures each hour to the parking area at the site of the former Hawkhurst railway station at Gills Green, now an industrial estate. SO277 heads north (the photo was taken from the rear of S6). East Kent Dennis Lancet II JG 8720 arrives at Gills Green East Kent FFN 446, seen at the former Hawkhurst rail station site at Gills Green during the early afternoon SO277, S6 and 2816 lined up at Gills Green Highbridge VRT 5138, now preserved in post-NBC green and cream livery with Unibus-style wrapround adverts, leaves the bus station during the afternoon. SC390 begins its return journey to Maidstone displaying express service route number E8 Recently restored VRT 5847 leaves the bus station carrying the number of the long east-west route 97 (although most journeys serving Hawkhurst ran either to or from Tunbridge Wells, only a few positioning trips going towards Tenterden or Ashford). Alexander-bodied Volvo Ailsa 5385 was one of five such vehicles delivered to M&D for NBC trials at the end of 1975, and now preserved locally. Though not used in service (and still running on trade plates), Panther 3132 was able to make an appearance to take part in the convoy of departures arranged after 3pm. SO277, a 1959 Park Royal-bodied AEC Reliance, leaves the bus station towards the end of the day's event. Leopard 2816 leaving the Bus Station Countryliner managed to maintain their two departures per hour (a 254 to Tunbridge Wells and a 304 or 305 to Hastings) around the half hour even though traffic congestion in Hawkhurst was quite heavy at times The departures platform at Hawkhurst Bus Station, looking towards the rear of the site. The arrivals platform, looking towards the rear of the site At the end of the afternoon, the site returned to its normal quiet allowing some general pictures to be taken A final view of the site taken around 3.45pm

Published in Kent, Surrey and Sussex Buses, by Derek M Jones

]]> Sat Feb 16 2008 Eastonways of Ramsgate http://derekmjones.fotopic.net/c1257793.html The original Eastonways business traded from 1960 to 1978, but Eastonways Ltd is more recent having started in 1988 and has steadily expanded since then to operate a substantial network of bus services in and around the Isle of Thanet. This collection covers both incarnations, including some colour shots dating from around 1970 that I acquired a few years ago. Monday 16 April 2007: The original Eastonways business traded from 1960 to 1978, but Eastonways Ltd is more recent having started in 1988 and has steadily expanded since then to operate a substantial network of bus services in and around the Isle of Thanet. This collection covers both incarnations, including some colour shots dating from around 1970 that I acquired a few years ago.

K822 NKH at Birchington, Square, 11 April 2007 L226 SWM ex Warrington, at Bethesda Medical Centre, Palm Bay, Margate, 11 April 2007 L227 SWM ex Warrington, at Bethesda Medical Centre, Palm Bay, Margate, 11 April 2007 K987 SCU, King Street, Ramsgate, 11 April 2007 K564 NHC, King Street, Ramsgate, 11 April 2007 K990 CBO, Minster Village Hall, 11 April 2007 200 OPA, AEC Reliance / Duple Britannia (new 1960), at Victoria Parade, Ramsgate, c1970 8000 MD, Bedford VAS1/Plaxton (new 1962), at Victoria Parade, Ramsgate c1970 HJA 624, ex North Western RCC AEC Reliance/Burlingham (new 1955), at Victoria Parade, Ramsgate, c1970 RCG 621 ex-Aldershot & District AEC Reliance/Weymann (new 1957) at Victoria Parade, Ramsgate c1970 YKR 223, ex Maidstone & District AEC Reliance / Beadle (new 1957), at Victoria Parade, Ramsgate c1970

Published in Kent, Surrey and Sussex Buses, by Derek M Jones

]]> Mon Apr 16 2007 Renown & Cavendish http://derekmjones.fotopic.net/c1231428.html Two associated companies, long-established Renown Coaches of Bexhill and recently-established Cavendish Motor Services both use a livery very similar to that of the former Southdown Motor Services, bringing attractive green and cream buses back to Sussex, both within and east of the area traditionally served by Southdown. Wednesday 14 March 2007: Two associated companies, long-established Renown Coaches of Bexhill and recently-established Cavendish Motor Services both use a livery very similar to that of the former Southdown Motor Services, bringing attractive green and cream buses back to Sussex, both within and east of the area traditionally served by Southdown.

P691 RWU Gildredge Road, Eastbourne, 19 August 2006 P697 RWU, Gildredge Road, Eastbourne, 19 August 2006 S794 XUG Heathfield High Street 12 March 2007 FN54 FLC Heathfield High Street 12 March 2007 SN04 EFL Phoenix Causeway, Lewes, 12 March 2007 Cavendish R117 RLY at Stone Cross, Red Lion, 18 March 2006 Cavendish Routemaster CUV 324C approaching the Red Lion at Stone Cross, East Sussex, 18 March 2006

Published in Kent, Surrey and Sussex Buses, by Derek M Jones

]]> Wed Mar 14 2007 Countryliner in Kent & Sussex http://derekmjones.fotopic.net/c1231422.html Guildford-based Countryliner and its sister companies have expanded their bus operations across the south east from eastern Hampshire to the Weald of Kent. This collection covers the Sussex operations including routes 304 & 305 into Kent. Wednesday 14 March 2007: Guildford-based Countryliner and its sister companies have expanded their bus operations across the south east from eastern Hampshire to the Weald of Kent. This collection covers the Sussex operations including routes 304 & 305 into Kent.

P686 RWU, Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, 6 June 2006 K864 LGN, Haywards Heath Rail Station, 6 June 2006 V247 BNV, Haywards Heath Station, 6 June 2006 V257 BNV, Haywards Heath Station, 6 June 2006 R414 XFL, Haywards Heath Station, 6 June 2006 YJ05 WCF Burgess Hill, Church Road, 6 June 2006 AE06 VPY, Old Steine, Brighton, 19 August 2006 X602 AHE at Battle Abbey 9 March 2007 Ex Brighton & Hove N414 MPN at the junction of Battle Road and West Ridge, Hastings, 9 March 2007 X906 RHG Hawkhurst Bus Station, 9 March 2007 R412 XFL, Bannister Way, Haywards Heath, May 2006

Published in Kent, Surrey and Sussex Buses, by Derek M Jones

]]> Wed Mar 14 2007 Regency Route 729 http://derekmjones.fotopic.net/c1170565.html Introduced in 1977, route 729 between Tunbridge Wells and Brighton was initially worked jointly by Southdown and Maidstone & District, and for a while the branding "The Regency Route" was used. The 729 was the successor to earlier routes 119 (which ran from 1936 until 1977) and 122 (providing hourly journeys through to Gravesend from 1948 until 1970, before being reduced to run north of Tunbridge Wells only, and then renumbered 322 in 1974). During the 1970s and early 1980s the 119 and then the 729 used the Green Line terminus in Lime Hill Road, Tunbridge Wells, shared with Green Line 704 (and later 705/706). Operation of the 729 was later shared by Brighton & Hove (from 1986), Stagecoach (as successor to Southdown) and Arriva (as successor to M&D), and the route was renumbered 29 in April 2004 when doubled to half-hourly. Brighton & Hove took over the Stagecoach workings from 25 September 2005 and the Arriva working from 23 April 2006. Friday 29 December 2006: Introduced in 1977, route 729 between Tunbridge Wells and Brighton was initially worked jointly by Southdown and Maidstone & District, and for a while the branding "The Regency Route" was used. The 729 was the successor to earlier routes 119 (which ran from 1936 until 1977) and 122 (providing hourly journeys through to Gravesend from 1948 until 1970, before being reduced to run north of Tunbridge Wells only, and then renumbered 322 in 1974). During the 1970s and early 1980s the 119 and then the 729 used the Green Line terminus in Lime Hill Road, Tunbridge Wells, shared with Green Line 704 (and later 705/706). Operation of the 729 was later shared by Brighton & Hove (from 1986), Stagecoach (as successor to Southdown) and Arriva (as successor to M&D), and the route was renumbered 29 in April 2004 when doubled to half-hourly. Brighton & Hove took over the Stagecoach workings from 25 September 2005 and the Arriva working from 23 April 2006.

Arriva Kent & Sussex 3602, Churchill Square, Brighton, March 1998 Arriva Kent & Sussex 6204, Phoenix Causeway, Lewes, August 2005 Arriva Kent & Sussex 6208, Lewes Bus Station, 24 September 2005 Arriva Kent & Sussex LS22, Uckfield Bus Station, April 2002 B&H 278, Uckfield Bus Station, August 1988 B&H 693, Church Road, Tunbridge Wells, June 1986 B&H 703, Uckfield Bus Station, May 1990 B&H 764, Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells, August 1997 B&H 779, Mount Pleasant Rd, Tunbridge Wells, 11 June 2005 M&D 2836, Old Steine, Brighton, May 1987 M&D 5114, Churchill Square, Brighton, 14 May 1977 M&D 5204, School Hill, Lewes, August 1987 M&D 5891, Lewes High Street, August 1988 M&D 5892, Churchill Square, Brighton, 7 October 1995 M&D 5895, Old Steine, Brighton, August 1988 Stagecoach 20626, Meadow Road, Tunbridge Wells, 11 June 2005 Stagecoach 20834, Lewes Bus Station, 25 August 2005 Southdown 241, Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells, 24 September 1993 Southdown 1321, Old Steine, Brighton, November 1988 Southdown 277, Falmer, 24 September 2005, recreating former service 119 on the section between Brighton and Lewes Southdown 34, Old Steine, Brighton, August 1987 Southdown 652, Phoenix Causeway, Lewes, January 1987 Southdown 671, Lewes Bus Station, August 1987 Southdown 692, Mount Pleasant Road (Railway Station), Tunbridge Wells, April 1990 Southdown 709, Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells, December 1990 Southdown 709, Old Steine, Brighton, May 1990 Southdown 710, Uckfield High Street, May 1990 Southdown 728, Lime Hill Road, Tunbridge Wells, April 1982

Published in Kent, Surrey and Sussex Buses, by Derek M Jones

]]> Fri Dec 29 2006 East Kent in Dover in the 1980s http://derekmjones.fotopic.net/c1050908.html The colourful East Kent fleet in the harbour town of Dover included vehicles in contract liveries for the ferry and hovercraft operators Sealink, Seaspeed (later Hoverspeed) and others, as well as their own services. Sunday 13 August 2006: The colourful East Kent fleet in the harbour town of Dover included vehicles in contract liveries for the ferry and hovercraft operators Sealink, Seaspeed (later Hoverspeed) and others, as well as their own services.

The sizeable garage at Russell Street, Dover, still in use today, is seen as it appeared in 1986, having regained red-painted lettering after a period when the letters were painted light blue in line with NBC policy of the 1970s. Second-hand acquisitions by East Kent for Dover Harbour work in 1984 were ex-London Country Leyland-Nationals. 1067 ex-LNB67 is in Sealink livery at Dover garage in 1986. Another former London Country National, 1127 (ex-LNB27), at Market Square in late 1985. Ex-London Country LNB56, later East Kent 1156, turns into Priory Station in 1989, carrying the later blue, white and red livery (the red stripe subsequently being altered to yellow). One of East Kent's first and largest batch of Nationals (there were 26 in all registered EFN 159-184L), 1162 as it became in 1987 is seen at Market Square, a terminal long-since abandoned due to pedestrianisation of the area. 1201 (RJG 201G), seen at Dover Priory Station in 1981, was an AEC Swift with Marshall body converted to B44D from B51F when transferred to docks shuttle work. P&O Normandy Ferries were taken over by Townsend Thoresen in 1985, but P&O's parent company then took over Townsend Thoresen in March 1987. The Herald of Free Enterprise disaster saw to it that it was the Townsend Thoresen brand that disappeared, and P&O eventually became the main ferry operator using the harbour. In 1981 East Kent and M&D together acquired a batch of Fleetlines from Southdown, of which most went into service with East Kent. 7324 gained P&O livery and is seen in 1984 at Pencester Road yard. 1343 (PJJ 343S) at Biggin Street in the autumn of 1985, when contracts to Tilmanstone Colliery were still running. 1429, a Ford A/Wadham Stringer minibus, was delivered in 1979 for use on services to William Harvey Hospital at Ashford, but by 1985 was displaced to private hire and spare duties. Seen at Waterloo Crescent, autumn 1985 An ex-Maidstone & District single-deck Fleetline, 1824, in Sealink livery at Priory Station in 1981. 1843 was another single-deck Fleetline, this time 1843 (ex Potteries 143) carried Seaspeed livery for the service from the Priory Station to the Hovercraft terminal at the western end of the Harbour One of the first six VRTs purchased by East Kent in 1976, 7043 seen at Pencester Road in spring 1984 7656 in National Holidays overall advert livery 7663 at Pencester Road on 564 to Aycliffe in 1986, shortly before minibuses were introduced on Dover town routes 8121 ex M&D 4121 Pencester Rd spring 1984 At the start of the 1980s two of the once-large fleet of Guy Arabs remained in East Kent ownership. GFN 928, by now withdrawn from service as a towing vehicle after several years as an open-top bus, is seen parked in a yard then used by EK at Bulwark Street near the Western Docks AEC Regent Vs saw their last use on regular stage services in 1981, but remained in service for contracts until the mid-1980s. Standing on the site of the present Magistrate's Court Rooms, five MFN-F Regents await their afternoon duties.

Published in Kent, Surrey and Sussex Buses, by Derek M Jones

]]> Sun Aug 13 2006 Blue Rambler of Cliftonville http://derekmjones.fotopic.net/c1015831.html One of the last family-owned traditional seaside coach operators, Blue Rambler of Cliftonville near Margate, Kent ran a smart blue and cream liveried fleet until 1990, including petrol-engined Bedfords (SB3's and a rare VAM3) well into the 1980s. Saturday 8 July 2006: One of the last family-owned traditional seaside coach operators, Blue Rambler of Cliftonville near Margate, Kent ran a smart blue and cream liveried fleet until 1990, including petrol-engined Bedfords (SB3's and a rare VAM3) well into the 1980s.

Published in Kent, Surrey and Sussex Buses, by Derek M Jones

]]> Sat Jul 8 2006 Coastliner 700 http://derekmjones.fotopic.net/c1007807.html Buses on Coastliner 700 operated by Stagecoach and previously Southdown and Brighton & Hove, between 1986 and 2006 Friday 30 June 2006: Buses on Coastliner 700 operated by Stagecoach and previously Southdown and Brighton & Hove, between 1986 and 2006

18521 turning from Avenue de Chartres into Cathedral Way, Chichester on 10 June 2006 18521 in Cathedral Way, Chichester on 10 June 2006 Southdown 256, Pool Valley, Brighton, 24 April 1986 Southdown 258, Old Steine, Brighton, April 1987 Southdown 678, Old Steine, Brighton, November 1988 Brighton & Hove 695 at Cornmill Roundabout, Portsmouth, July 1986 Southdown 275, Kingsway, Hove, August 1989 Southdown 225, Grand Avenue, Hove, August 1989 Southdown 308, Old Steine, Brighton, August 1989 Brighton & Hove 717, South Street, Worthing, May 1990 Stagecoach Coastline 238, Palmeira Square, Hove, 7 August 1993 Stagecoach Coastline 312, Commercial Road, Portsmouth, August 2001 Stagecoach Coastline 344, Grand Avenue, Hove, June 1998 Stagecoach Coastline 580, The Hard, Portsmouth, 15 May 1993 Stagecoach Coastline 231, Palmeira Square, Hove, 7 August 1993 Southdown 227, Kings Road, Brighton, June 1990 Southdown 222, Old Steine, Brighton, March 1992 Stagecoach Coastline 243, Clarence Pier, Southsea, September 1999 Stagecoach Coastline 307, Havant Bus Station, May 2000 Rear view of 18520 at Pool Valley, Brighton 19 August 2006 18520 leaving Pool Valley, Brighton 19 August 2006 34517 at Pool Valley, Brighton 19 August 2006 17067 was transferred from Stagecoach in Hampshire's Andover depot to Worthing in June 2006. Seen in North Street, Brighton on 19 August 2006 Rear view of 16309 at South Street, Worthing, April 2006 16310 passing Unicorn Gate, Portsmouth, August 2001 16322 is about to turn from Church Road into Grand Avenue, Hove on 22 April 2006 34518 at Marine Parade, Worthing, April 2006 16357 at Marine Parade, Worthing in April 2006

Published in Kent, Surrey and Sussex Buses, by Derek M Jones

]]> Fri Jun 30 2006 East Kent http://derekmjones.fotopic.net/c995043.html Buses and coaches of East Kent Road Car Company between 1976 and 1993 Sunday 18 June 2006: Buses and coaches of East Kent Road Car Company between 1976 and 1993

East Kent XJJ 651V - Thanet garage Kent Engineering ex-East Kent GFN 561N Westwood Depot, Margate East Kent NFN 81R Charing, School Road East Kent RFN 963G Margate Road, Westwood East Kent P191 (XKO 41A) ex PFN 873 AEC Regent V carnival display vehicle, Westwood depot, Margate East Kent JJG 904P in Marinair livery, Newington, Ramsgate East Kent NFN 88R Monkton, Ramsgate East Kent CJJ 676W Lenham Square

Published in Kent, Surrey and Sussex Buses, by Derek M Jones

]]> Sun Jun 18 2006 Surrey Independents http://derekmjones.fotopic.net/c994658.html Independent bus and coach operators in Surrey Sunday 18 June 2006: Independent bus and coach operators in Surrey

East Surrey OPC 35R at Caterham Station East Surrey GGR 344N Cowden, Kent East Surrey UGB 14R at Brasted, Kent East Surrey J752 PPM East Grinstead High St Memory Lane TCD 376J Brockham, Surrey Safeguard 200 APB Guildford High St

Published in Kent, Surrey and Sussex Buses, by Derek M Jones

]]> Sun Jun 18 2006