Oxford Chiltern Bus Page

Spottings & Jottings

Issue nr 55 - February 15th 2012

Visit the "OXFORD & CHILTERN BUS PAGE " Current archives from October 2002

If you wish to be included on a mailing list where I will advise of any mid-week news please let me know
 malcolmhc@aol.com

 

We I'm trying to get another page out with less of a gap than the last one. I've been very busy with the publication of the Oxford Tube history and the big day is drawing near, 11th MARCH l!

I can now show the various items of publicity and hope that many readers of OCBP will attend and I look forward ot meeting you at The Oxford Bus Museum.

It has been a challenge to get the detail correct and many hours have been given to this project. I am most grateful so many people for the help they have given and the contributions made.

Improvements to routes 2, 8 and 9 from Sunday 19th February

From this date there will be timetable changes on two of the coordinated corridors that serve the north and east ends of the city. details can be found on the Oxford Bus and Stagecoach web sites.

Let the bus pull out

One of the most frustrating things when driving a bus is how difficult it can be to pull out from stop etc.

So very many drivers, including I have to say even the police, seem unaware of the highway code in this matter.

I was therefore pleased to see that Stagecoach Swindon have put the message on its new gold buses, plain for all to see.

I wonder if it makes any difference?

Running days

Dates for your diary 

Amersham & District Motorbus Society


Nearly nine years ago and on 5 October 2003, RLH48 takes a happy group of enthusiasts on a run to Berkhamsted - Malcolm Crowe.

Running Days 2012

Sunday 20 May  SLOUGH based at Brunel Way adjoining new bus station and near railway station.

Sunday 24 June UXBRIDGE based at Chippendale Way, R/0 The Chimes Shopping Centre, as previously

Sunday 19 August HEMEL HEMPSTEAD based at bus station, Waterhouse Street

Sunday 7 October AMERSHAM based at car park near railway station 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Oxfordshire Bus Enthusiasts Society 


The Oxfordshire Bus Enthusiasts Society was formed in June 2010 and aims to provide an informal monthly social meeting in  Oxford for those with an interest in buses. Meetings are normally held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month and normally take the form of a picture  show with local and guest speakers.  A small charge is made to cover the cost of hiring the function room and this is usually around £1 for members per meeting depending on numbers.  For non-members a charge of £2 per head is made.

Next meeting: 21st Feb A talk by John Burch, deputy operations director of the Confederation of Passenger Transport.
"C.P.T. I’ve heard of them but what do they do? " It will feature background on his career in the bus/coach industry as well as a look at the work of the C.P.T.


19.30pm - 21.30pm

Meetings are held in the upstairs function room at:

The Folly Bridge Inn

38 Abingdon Road

Oxford

OX1 4PD

Some limited parking at the back of the pub, also close to bus stops (frequent X3/X13 or 35 routes stop outside)

or a short walk from Oxford City Centre - For directions click HERE 

 
All meetings start at 19.30pm although you are welcome to come along beforehand for food in the bar.

Future meetings are planned as follows:

Upcoming Meetings from March 2012

· 20th March Bristol Omnibus “the green years” – by Mike Walker

· 17th April Society AGM followed by slides from Ian Thompson’s collection.

· 15th May Working on the buses – by Martin Roberts

· 19th June Clydeside Scottish ‘we tried to run a bus company’ – by George Watson

· 17th July Evening Outing, details TBC

A detailed programme of meetings can be found at the following link and we hope many of you will attend future meetings.

http://www.oxbuses.webs.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When readers take copies of pictures from the OCBP site 

 

Some of the contributors to this site have noticed that their pictures are appearing on e-bay sites selling such things.

 

Needless to say this is a theft of copyright and one which I deplore!

 

I would not wish to have to watermark photographs, thereby making them unsalable as such but if this practice continues I shall be left with no alternative. I am sure this would detract from the pleasure so many of you get from the OCBP.

 

May I please ask readers to do two things?

 

1/ If you see any photos on sale please let me know and where they are appearing.

 

2/ If you are someone who has copied and sold photos please desist as this is theft and I will have to take legal action against anyone found doing so.

 

The site is free to all readers and I pay a price to publish the pages which is not passed on.

 

Please respect those freedoms and I hope I may not have to mention this matter again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

The level of contribution to this page by readers remains excellent! Thank you all. 

Malcolm Crowe - Editor - OCBP - February 15th 2012

Spottings

Observations and pictures

From Alexander 

27/1/12

Route 17 was unable to serve Great Clarendon St, Canal St and Cranham St from 10:00 until close of service. 

24/1/12

Due to an accident on the A420 Botley Rd was gridlocked so from 19:09-19:51 the 4/4A/4B/4C, 400 and U1 were terminating in the City Centre and only operating east of the city and the X3, 5 and 13 weren't serving Oxford Rail Stn because the station approach was also gridlocked. Then at 19:51 the X3, 5 and 13 could serve the Rail Stn again and at 20:15 normal service was resumed along Botley Rd. 

From Gavin Francis


CAROUSEL M1432 C432BUV at STOKENCHURCH on 14th MAY 2010 by Gavin Francis
Former Carousel Metrobus M1432 has been exported to Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours.

Attached is a picture of XCT 550 which Heyfordian have now scrapped with Mr Steven Warwick at the wheel! (Yes it is Ed.)

From Adam Green

Adam took some pictures in the recent heavy snow around Hemel Hempstead.


Coach 4369 was Parked up in Queensway, it must have been on the last Coach last night


Centrebus 397 was on the H4 to Hemel Town Centre

From Richard Sharman

Various pictures were sent by Richard. 


X5 and the Oxford Skyline
 

S5/25A head for Bicester
 

Traffic Delays have been caused over the last week or so by Road Works outside the Rail Station.
 

Abingdon Coaches Panther in the City.
 

A new operator running through Oxford on National Express is Your Bus, Nottingham.
 

The 11 plate X5 Panther
 

Elite Departs on the 737
 

Panther arrives in Oxford, illustrating the LED Running Lights
 

RH 809 and loaned J352BSH at depot on January 30th 2012
 

RH Vehicles in the Snow
 

809 and 811 rest at the yard
 

A Gold E400 heads down a snow bound A40
 

Solo 405 on the 63 Service in Hinton Waldrist
 

Citaro on the 280, at least two of the S KNK Olympian batch were also on the 280 this week.
 

X5 meet at Gloucester Green
 

A fairly rare working was 222 on the 300
 

From Marcus Lapthorn 

Richard Wellesley Memorial Transport 

Richard Wellesley Memorial Transport operate a service (RWMT 01), from Buckland to Faringdon on Tuesdays and Fridays only. The bus departs Buckland @ 0930 and on the second Tuesday of each month it continues beyond Faringdon to Wantage. The OCC pocket timetable dated December 2011 shows the bus as going to Swindon, but that is incorrect. On the fourth Tuesday of the month it continues beyond Faringdon to Witney.


The 0959 departure from Faringdon to Wantage on Tuesday 14 February. The bus had a good load on.

Arriva logo

David Percy writes "Nigel Peach's piece about Wycombe, I understand that Arriva Olympian 5831 (G231 VWL) is at Woottens. I believe that it is bound for Yorks at Cogenhoe (Northampton), as is the bus in the attached (camera phone) shot, taken in Jeffs yard at Helmdon, en route to Cogenhoe, stopping off for a steam clean, in full Arriva livery, but with Yorks legal lettering 11/1/2011."

 

Roland Clausen-Thue writes "Just an update on Leyland Olympians for the Oxford Chiltern Bus Page: on Thursday 26 January I caught Olympian 5102 on the lunchtime double-deck round trip on 100/150 from Aylesbury to Milton Keynes and back. The blind still wasn’t working and it had a board in the front window. 5097 had also been entrusted with a long run as it arrived at Aylesbury on the 61 from Luton just after 5102."

Red Rover writes "Freezing cold in Aylesbury bus station with picture to record.  Good to see Arriva investing in their Aylesbury 'minibus' fleet. No fleet number, though......"

 
Pictures of Arriva from various sources.
By Gavin Francis

Arriva 3180 on route 40 at Stokenchurch on February 8th.

Arriva 3197 on route 61 at Luton Airport on January 30th. This bus is listed as for disposal by Arriva so its days must be numbered.
 

Arriva 3452 on route 74 but branded for the Reading services and seen on January 31st.
 
  
Arriva 3458 on route 850 leaves Wycombe bus station on the route for which it is branded on February 6th.
 

Arriva 3838  on route 40 at Stokenchurch on February 9th. Its days in red must now be numbered.
 

Arriva 5159 once the pride of the280 route now working a 61 service at Luton Airport on January 28th.
These were always very comfortable buses to drive and ride on.
 
Pictures by Malcolm Crowe.
 

Scania 3199 is now at Wycombe and was working the new hospital service H1 on January 30th.
 

Arriva 3214 passes 3822 in Wycombe Marsh on January 30th.
 

Arriva 3216 and 3827 in Wycombe bus station on January 30th.
 

Arriva Volvo B6 3299 on an 800 working arrives in Wycombe on January 30th.
 

Volvo 3457 at Cressex depot on January 29th. Shortly after this it was seen on the M40 heading towards London and possibly
to Watford or Luton and a rebuild?
 

DAF 250 6242 at Cressex was once at Enfield when in London service. I think it was waiting for parts and an MOT when seen on January 29th.
 

Earlier in the issue we showed pictures of 3458 with branding, it is seen above before branding in late January.
 

At the depot on a Sunday in January, this ex MK bus, 3532, is seen resting.
 

A short working to Henley will not tax 3825 on January 30th.
 

On its correct route Citaro 3922 leaves Wycombe on a 300 service on January 30th. It seems a busy time for Arriva services!
 

Olympian 5146, recently swopped into Wycombe with 5141, works a 31 service on January 30th. I wonder how long it will be before it gets a repaint?
 

Olympian 5153 poses in the winter sun with a roof corner which looks much the worse for wear on January 30th.
 

Transferred from Arriva in Leicester some time ago now 5162 works a 37 departure to Maidenhead on January 30th.

Carousel's new Mercedes have entered service and we have a number of pictures from various sources.

  
Above pictures by Malcolm Crowe.

 
Pictures by Noel Clarke of Carousel Buses.


Carousel in the snow at Stokenchurch on February 6th by Gavin Francis.


MCV STL10 on the 2A waits time in Stokenchurch on February 6th by Gavin Francis.


Volvo EVL5 leaves High Wycombe bus station bound for Bourne End on January 30th by Malcolm Crowe.


City Sightseeing

Further to the last issue in which a recently acquired ex London Trident was pictured, Gavin Francis has now sent a picture of this bus in London General service.

First Group has revealed a new look to its non London bus fleet. The basic colours remain the same but in a simpler form. The f logo is retained which has been increased in size, it also incorporates local brand names.


First 64035 on route X74 in High Wycombe bus station on January 30th by Malcolm Crowe

In the last issue Steve Warwick mentioned that the old Scania XCT 550 had been scrapped. Gavin Francis found a picture of this coach with Steve driving.


Steve now reports that an ex Tappins coach, 262, has arrived in white for use at the High Wycombe depot.

Hedley Shanks writes "Just a few short lines about our new arrivals on Friday 10th Feb. We have acquired seven Setras of the Crusader fleet from the administrators. I went to Clacton on Friday to collect the first four.

No as follows

EU06 JBX S415GT-HD C48Ft
EU07 FHX S416GT-HD C48Ft
EU07 FHY S416GT-HD C48Ft
EU07 FHZ S416GT-HD C48Ft
EU08 FAA S416GT-HD C48Ft
EU08 FAF S416GT-HD C48Ft
EU08 FAJ S416GT-HD C48Ft

They are absolutely immaculate, and drive superbly. The Setra is still a top class touring coach and is fit for purpose.

There will be a lot of lending of Motts vehicle to the Crusader fleet over the next summer season until we settle down to see how many we are going run on the tour program. We may even put the new Jonckheere into their fleet permanently, the forward bookings are very good considering the company ceased trading for ten days in early December.

Motts vehicles covered all the Christmas & New Year tours with Crusader drivers as we were still trying to secure the Setras off the administrators.

Also on order is another B9R Jonckheere SHV which should be MT12 MTT and another Scania Omniexpress K400EB C63Ft number plate not decided. Both of these should be here by April 1st.

Also coming shortly is our last Dublin Olympian RV580, after T600 MTT (RV502) was put into service last week, this was because N590 NRH was found to have a serious chassis defect which could have question mark on its' future so is long term delicenced.

 


http://www.nationalexpress.com/


Stagecoach in Oxfordshire's National Express Elite 53704 pauses at Stokenchurch to set down two passengers on February 5th.
Picture by Malcolm Crowe.


Stagecoach in Chesterfield is now operating three ex Gloucester Levantes once used on the 444.
59303 is seen leaving Sammy's after working in to London on a 560 service on February 10th. Picture by Malcolm Crowe.


The current order for the 444 is South Gloucester with Volvo/Levantes as seen above by Gavin Francis. 


Tellings golden miller were using this Volvo on the 010 to Cambridge on Friday 10th April. Picture by Malcolm Crowe.


Flights Hallmark were using FB07AAF on the 777 to Stansted on the 1st February in place of the rostered Levante. Picture by Gavin Francis.


Silverdale were using this Volvo FJ07ACO on the 767 service to Nottingham, again in place of the rostered Levante. The date February 1st and picture by Gavin Francis.


Another non rostered coach on the 767 was this Volvo, somewhat still showing National Express just discernable on the front. This was on January 29th.
Picture by Gavin Francis.


A long way from the flash branding, this Selwyn's Levante is passing through Oxford on February 12th and was recorded by Gavin Francis.

Sunday 12th February saw changes to the Airline services to Heathrow and Gatwick. Details are as follows:

Services to and from Heathrow & Gatwick airports are renumbered to make the journey to the airports even simpler.

New Stopping Arrangements

Also from 12th February, the airline will have two additional stops added to the routes to and from Heathrow & Gatwick airports, meaning getting to & from the airports is even easier.

   

 
Gavin Francis took pictures on Sunday 12th of the coaches bearing the new route displays.

New in September were Mercedes-Benz 313CDi's as follows:

951 (BV61 KZN) – V14 OXF

952 (BV61 KZO) – V15 OXF

953 (BV61 KZP) – V16 OXF

954 (BV61 KZR) – V17 OXF

They are used as crew shuttle vehicles.

 

Michael Penn writes "You might be interested in these two photos taken this morning in Luton. They are Volvo B10BLE/Wright R220/322 HCD, now have 3 and 2 seating, formerly operated by Brighton & Hove and City of Oxford and are now employed by Centrebus on a shuttle service for the University of Bedfordshire in Luton. The photographs were taken outside the University’s town centre building in Park Street. The service was previously operated by Three Star using an ex Reading Optare Excel. A photo of this is also attached."

 

More pictures of Oxford Bus vehicles

from Gavin Francis


Not so long for service in Oxford now, one of the older Jonckheeres moves on to stand for a London departure on February 12th.


Citaro 844 waits time in Castle Street on its way to Wood Farm. Somehow 4 doesn't look right, it should 15!!
The date was February 12th.

Pictures by Malcolm Crowe.


A shortage of X90 coaches must have meant the use of one of the new Airline coaches on February 10th.
In fact on several days recently, including the 11th, an Airline Scania has appeared on the X90.


A rather classic shot I believe of nr 12 heading for Oxford. 

Red Rose

New Enviro 200s have been received as follows:

MX61 BAO ADL Enviro 200/ADL Falkirk B**F SFD7E1AR6BGY12492 BODY NR B233/01

MX61 BAU ADL Enviro 200/ADL Falkirk B**F SFD7E1AR6BGY12592 BODY NR B233/02

They have not yet entered service but were delivered in Dec 2011. It is said they are to work in MK.


The two new buses at the depot on February 7th. by Malcolm Crowe. 


Y359LCK having awash and brush up.


A visiting Red Line Olympian.

Oxford
 
Richard Sharman notes that the latest batch of Gold E400's seem to have darker tinted Top Windscreen glass compared to earlier vehicles.
Alex Horwood writes "Attached is a Nu-venture MPD in Chatham on which you can see that a previous operator was Stagecoach and I wondered if it was ex-Oxford?"

	
 

	

	
	
	
	Swindon 

	

	
	
	Launch party of 66 route Gold buses in Faringdon 
	by Marcus Lapthorn

	

	The photos below were taken by the official Stagecoach photographer at 
	the Sudbury House Hotel 66 route Gold bus launch party on Fri 20 January 
	2012.

	

	
	
	
	
	 

	

	
	Where have the old 66 route buses gone to?

	

	
	
	Marcus writes 
	"I took the Gold 66 route bus from Faringdon to Swindon on Thursday 9 
	February to see former 66 route buses in action in the Swindon area."

	

	
	
	

	The new regime 15768 in service on the Gold 66 route in 
	Faringdon.

	

	
	
	

	The old regime, Volvo 20683 still in service on the 65 
	route in Faringdon.

	

	
	 

	
	The old regime, Volvo 20689 looking very tired but still 
	in daily service on the 51 route from Swindon to Cheltenham.

	
	I understand that there are no plans at present to upgrade the type of buses 
	on this route.

	

	
	
	

	Former 66 route MAN unbranded 22621 in service on its 
	new roster, at the Factory Outlet centre on the 8 route from Freshbrook to 
	Swindon

	

	
	
	

	Another former 66 route MAN 22626 in service on its new 
	roster on the 8 route from Freshbrook to Swindon. This one still has 66 
	route branding affixed.

	

	
	
	

	15735 on the 55 route to Chippenham at the Factory 
	Outlet centre.

	

	
	 

	
	18180 leaving Swindon bus station.

	

	I understand that since Thamesdown Transport cut back on its route 23, 
	loadings on the 66 route have, as a consequence, increased.

	
East

	
It is quite sometime since there was a Virgin VT99 
	connecting service from Bedford to Luton Airport. It is now the 99 and uses 
	normal buses.

	

	
	

	Volvo 21165 is seen at Luton Airport by Gavin Francis.

	
South 

	

	
	James May writes
	"Former Stagecoach Oxford Volvo Olympian 16525 (R425XFC) arriving into 
	Fareham bus station yesterday. Olympians are rare on the 69 these days since 
	the Tridents took over a couple of years ago.

	

	
	
	

	
	
	Fareham (Hartlands Rd) 
	on 
	
	12th February, 16525 by James 
	May.

	

	
	A bit of background –

	

	
	Following the introduction of brand new Scania N230UD/Enviro400s on to the 
	Coastliner700 route in March 2010, the existing Tridents were cascaded to 
	other depots around the south. Winchester took many of them, which saw the 
	upgrade of many different cross county routes – one being the 69 from 
	Fareham to Winchester. The Olympians were cascaded onto other services, and 
	this is the first time I’ve pictured an Olympian on service 69 since 2010.

	

	


	

	As mentioned before the Oxford Tube coaches are now used on two commuter 
	services from Bicester to Oxford each weekday morning.

	

	
	

	50211 is seen at Caversfield Turn in the snow on February 7th by Dave Allen.

	

	Don't forget the launch of the book as below. If you can't get along 
	you can order on line - see the second advert.

	

	
	

	

	
	

	

Megabus

	

	The new Astromegas, based at Cwmbran, have entered service and are much in 
	evidence at Victoria. Your editor took a number of pictures shown below.

	

	
	 
	
	 
	
	 

	

	Also there are some minor changes to these latest Van Hool Astromegas to 
	join the Stagecoach empire. Noteworthy are revised arm rests to the seats, a 
	move to the right of the accelerator pedal, not by much but noticeable. The 
	first aid kit for the upper deck is now located on the staircase wall of the 
	rear staircase.

	

	
	

	citylink 54046 reregistered 448GWL and based at the old Rapsons depot was 
	working the M11 to Aberdeen on February 10th by Malcolm Crowe

	

	
	

	Megabus Volvo B9R 53645 was on a Cheltenham working on February 10th when 
	seen by Malcolm Crowe.

	Note that these coaches have limited branding for Megabus services.

	

	
	

	Gavin Francis was about late at night and took this picture of the last 
	Cardiff/Cwmbran service on February 8th worked by 50237.

	

	
	

	Volvo B9R 53639 was headed for Leeds when this picture was taken on February 
	12th by Gavin Francis.

	

	
	

	B12BT 54020 seemed to be riding high when this picture was taken by Gavin 
	Francis on February 12th. 






	


		Alex Horwood writes


		"I 
		took a trip to Wallingford on Tuesday 14th Feb. to pick up some lost 
		property I managed to get photos of 159 mcv evolution bodied dart and 
		104 Plaxton MPD which took a trip to Didcot shortly after the 1650 130 
		working which was my bus home.

		

		Interesting that it seemed to be in better 
		condition than the 57 plate E200 I had on the way there.

		

		I also managed to catch 916 in town which was 
		working the 139.

	

	

	

		
		

		

		
		

		

		
		

	

		

		I have also attached a photo of Mike's travel of Basingstoke Volvo coach 
		which picked up the Thames Valley Leeds United Supporters Club.

		

		Some photos of the MAN ecocity 
		demonstrator are also attached and
		former pink 
		lady on the X32.



	
	

	
	 

	

	
	

	

	
	 

	

	
	
	



	

	Jottings

	
From 
	Ian Brown in Hemel Hempstead.

	
Arriva 
	appoints interim managing director

	

	
	 

	

	
	
	

	
Dave 
	Kaye has been appointed interim managing director of Arriva Malta 
	for six months as managing director Keith Bastow is unable to continue in 
	his role because of ill health, the company said 
	"Mr Kaye will be responsible for overseeing the operations and development 
	of the 285-bus business as part of the 10-year contract Arriva began 
	operating in July 2011."

	
Business 
	development director Arriva Mainland Europe Piers Marlow thanked Mr Bastow 
	for his dedication and commitment throughout his time in Malta and wished 
	him a speedy recovery.

	
"While the 
	circumstances are difficult, we are pleased to have secured someone of 
	Dave's calibre and I welcome him to Arriva. He brings with him a wealth of 
	public transport and operations experience which will be vital as we focus 
	strongly on delivering quality bus services for our customers in Malta.

	
"Working 
	alongside myself, our partners Tumas Group and Transport Malta, Dave will 
	help to continue to guide our Maltese business, and ensure we continue to 
	build on the good progress we have made since starting operations last 
	summer."

	
Mr Kaye said 
	he looked forward to playing his part and making a difference in Malta over 
	the next six months. "Working with the team and 
	our partners to deliver the frequent, reliable bus services the people of 
	Malta deserve is at the top of my list. The bus network underpins the 
	island's economy and we want to both develop and consolidate what is already 
	in place and address those areas where we can change things for the better." 

	
Mr Kaye, 48, 
	joins Arriva with 30 years' experience in the transport industry, having 
	held a number of senior bus and rail positions - most recently as managing 
	director for National Express Group's UK Bus Division and prior to that, 
	chief operating officer for First Group. He is a Fellow of the Chartered 
	Institute of Logistics and Transport and the Institute of Railway Operators.

	
Olympic 
	mission for local bus services? 

	
29 January 
	2012

	
The 
	Glenrothes area may not feature in track, or field at the world’s biggest 
	multi-sports event, but ‘good little runners’ that operate in the town and 
	the surrounding area may be hitting the streets of London during this 
	summer’s Olympic Games.

	
 Stagecoach, 
	the main bus operator in Fife, will be providing buses to supply the huge 
	demand for transport in the British capital as it hosts the games for the 
	first time in 64 years.

	
A massive 
	operation will see the company supply around 5,500 vehicles and 1,350 
	drivers - half the total transport contract requirement for London 2012 - 
	from areas all over the country.

	
But 
	passengers back home have been assured that their services will not be 
	affected, despite the switch of vehicles and their drivers for the games and 
	the Paralympics which will follow later in the year.

	
A company 
	spokeswoman said it was not in a position to confirm the areas from which 
	the vehicles and employees will be sourced. 

	
But she 
	added: “We are honoured to have been selected as 
	a transport provider for London 2012 and we look forward to playing our part 
	in the successful delivery of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.  
	

	
“We will be 
	responsible for a number of contracts as part of our agreement with the 
	London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG). 
	

	
“Around 1100 
	vehicles and 2,700 drivers will be required in total for the main Olympics 
	and Paralympics contract. 

	
“Stagecoach 
	will supply approximately half of this requirement and this will be a mix of 
	new buses, vehicles from our reserve fleet across the United Kingdom and 
	spare vehicles not normally required for use at that time of year. 
	

	
“The 
	remainder of the drivers and vehicles will be sourced from other bus 
	operators as determined by LOCOG. 

	
“Our bus 
	services across the UK will run as normal throughout both the Olympics and 
	Paralympics.” 

	
The company 
	was recruiting for drivers recently, but it is not known if this was in 
	connection with the games.

	
It isn’t the 
	Glenrothes area’s first contribution to the games. Material from Lomond 
	Quarry, outside Leslie, which is owned by the town-based Skene Group, was 
	used in the construction of the Olympic Stadium.

	
Bus stuck in Croxley Green 

	
An 
	
	Arriva Enviro 300 became stuck on the grass near the Artichoke pub, blocking 
	the road, at about 3pm on a recent Friday!

	

	
	

	The Arriva 
	double decker bus stuck on the green in Croxley Green

	
History

	

	
	Edward J. Neal  writes 
	"Great to see the Classic Coaches featured from 
	the 1990s in your last issue..............I am pictured in 
	LDV847........................Still wear the Pullover I am wearing in the 
	photo ??..............................Also I use to drive the Haddenham to 
	Princess Risborough Service which was very scenic but not used !!"

	

	
	

	Edward and that sweater pilots LDV847F

	


	As ever there is much of interest in the last issue and I am pleased that many 
	of you enjoyed the article in the last issue on the history of Classic Buses 
	operation on Sunday Buckinghamshire services using vintage vehicles.

	

	
	Pictureview

	

	
	
	

	Imagine my surprise when I came across this 
	Hants and Dorset Bristol MW coach, FEL751D, in Stokenchurch on February 5th. 
	Malcolm Crowe.

	

	
	
	

	A London United trainer seen passing the old 
	BOAC air terminal in Buckingham Palace Road. It is MV5 and is seen on 
	February 10th by Malcolm Crowe.

	

	
	
	

	Snow Express use this Astromega and trailer for 
	services from London - picture by Dave Allen.

	

	


Links & Publications

	
Todays buses 
	- Oxfordshire 

	
This review covers the 
	September 2010 video by Robin Clare 
	Transport. The issue costs £10 and is well worth this small cost for 
	over one hour of buses and coaches in our area.

	

	The most surprising thing are the changes one can see in only just over 
	18 months and as such viewers will enjoy a pleasant hour or so bringing back 
	memories.

	

	Click on the link above to order your copy now. Oh and do quote the 
	OCBP when doing so. 
	

	

	
	 

	

	Newbury & District History 
	now available

	

	
	

	

	Paul Lacey has now released his long awaited history of Newbury & 
	District.

	

	The book covers the whole history of this fascinating company which 
	although based in Newbury was seen in Oxford, Harwell and many surrounding 
	areas.

	

	
	

	A Guy Arab on the Oxford service and seen at Gloucester Green.

	

	Its coaches were often hired by South Midland who ran between Oxford & 
	London and there was quite a lot of interchange between the fleets, when 
	both owned by Red & White.

	

	The company ran from 1932 until 1951 but its memory lingers on within 
	Newbury and recent changes there reflect this.

	

	The book is exceptionally well researched and contains many photographs 
	plus memories and fleet lists of the company and its constituents.

	

	
	

	One of the constituent companies was Denham's.

	

	
	

	Apart from the archaic Leylands, the company ran some AEC Regals after the 
	war.

	These were rebodied with ECOC/ECW bodies purchased from North Western Road 
	Car, Stockport via dealers.

	They had been new in 1936 on Bristol Jo5G chassis which were rebodied with 
	Brush bodies in 1946 to a similar design.

	Your Editor must have travelled on one of these buses, when in NWRCC 
	service, as a small boy.

	They would have doubtless run on service to Highclere, now well known as the 
	house is featured in Downton Abbey.

	

	The cover price is £25.00 but you can get the publication at a special 
	price of £20.00 for OCBP readers.

	

	Just mention OCBP when ordering from:

	

	Paul Lacey,

	17 Sparrow Close

	Woosehill

	Wokingham

	Berkshire RG41 3HT.