Request for old fleet lists
Dennis Basford writes: (17 February 2010):
Does anyone have a copy of Chesterfield Corporation Transport Fleet List covering the period from say the
mid 1950's until the Stagecoach takeover that I might acquire a copy of please?
Please use the
CONTACT PAGE
to send a message which will be passed on to Dennis.
Pete Watson responds (27 February 2010):
In reply to Dennis Basfords request for old fleet lists, I have attached a table which I’ve compiled showing
the year of purchase of (I hope!) every vehicle from the first horse tram to the 1984 Dennis Falcons, which
may be useful to him. Does anyone have details of purchases from 1984 to the Stagecoach takeover, so that
I can complete the table?
For fleet list 1882-1984 (PDF format)
CLICK
Pete adds that he also has photographs of most of the vehicle types and would be pleased for you to contact him.
(Messages will be passed on from the
CONTACT PAGE.)
And there's more from Pete . . .
Below are a couple of photos I took of a Daimler Fleetline demonstrator taken at the junction of
Highfield Lane and Highfield Avenue on route 27 in the 1960s. The bus carried a nameplate saying “Sir Harry
Secombe” and I remember it was painted two-tone green and had labels on it saying “The Kneeling Bus”. The photo
quality is not very good but I have never seen a photo of it anywhere else so I thought your members may be
interested. I haven’t included it on the table as I don’t have a record of the year it was with Chesterfield.
John Hargreaves adds (1 March 2010):
'Secombe Bus' SDU930G was on demonstration to CCT in July 1970.
Andrew Bagshaw adds (2 March 2010):
In response to Pete Watson stating that he hasn't seen any better pictures of the Park Royal bodied Daimler
Fleetline demonstrator SDU 930G. I have posted two good quality views of this bus both nearside and offside
whilst in service with Chesterfield Corporation Transport in the town centre. However I am sorry but these
pictures are not available for copy and I will trust that no illegal copies will be taken from the Transpire website!
A conundrum from Tony Wilson (23 February 2010)
Here is a bit of a poser in more ways than one. Riffling through the
collection I came across this red Leyland National on hire to
Stagecoach. The picture was taken in May 1996 as it entered New
Beetwell Street from Park Road whilst it operated route 39
(Grangewood-Holme Hall). So far I have managed to discover that it was
originally built and delivered to the Midland Bank at Grantham over
21-years earlier in June 1975, and registered as a bank. Can anyone
cast further information on the bus and why it came to Chesterfield
and where it came from. And indeed maybe where it went to.
Duncan Bingham adds (24 February 2010)
Sorry, I can't answer why Tony Wilson's former Midland Bank National was operating for Stagecoach in
Chesterfield in 1996, but by 2000 it was with Birmingham Omnibus, Tividale (fleetnumber 73 and still
in red), passing to dealer Mike Nash of Cobham in 8/03, and then passing in the same month to Chepstow
Classic Buses who may well still have it, although they never used the vehicle - it was noted in store
at West of England Transport Collection at Winkleigh in 8/04.
Stephen Morris's 'Bus Monographs: Leyland National' advises that Midland Bank took two Nationals in
1975 for use as mobile banks in rural Lincolnshire, although Brian Girling's Bus Lists on the Web website
suggests that the sister vehicle (JHV 611N) was based initially in Whitby. The website also reveals that
Midland Bank (now HSBC) had operated two Ford R series bus chassis (one a 1970 R192 - EGW 993J and the
other an R226 new in 1972 - OLO 928L) as mobile banks.
The last word from Duncan Bingham? (4 March 2010):
Re the query about JYO 751N, the ex Midland Bank National, Bob Gell tells me that it was also used in
service by Felix of Stanley for a short time in the 1990s. Bob seems to remember that at this stage it
was fitted with a Volvo engine and was owned by Volvo at Loughborough, presumably as a demo. This fits
as I have it noted that the vehicle was on loan to Felix prior to the arrival of Volvo M301 KRY.
Perhaps this explains why it was with East Midland - as a demo?
Mark Butler makes a contribution (6 March 2010):
The red Leyland National was based at Chesterfield due to warranty work being
undertaken on the Volvo engined Nationals that were based at Chesterfield from Chesterfield Transport.
Mansfield did have NFN 70M, a white Leyland National, at the same time while the Volvo B6 vehicles went
into Volvo for work & was used regular on Shirebrook Town Service, Service 5 Bull Farm & Ilkeston
College.
From Daniel Sellers (20 February 2010; extra photograph 1 March 2010)
The first picture of the Arriva Leyland Lynx was taken in Macclesfield in 2002, before the
closure of the old bus station and its replacement by a new modern one
at the top of the hill in the town centre. It's an ex- Chesterfield
bus, F66 FKW. This bus was sold to Crosville and was subsequently
taken over by Arriva.
Next are two photo of the now scrapped Pearson's Leyland Leopard,
taken during the Plaxton visit in 2006.
From Tony Wilson (9 February 2010)
In a recent posting Richard Lomas intrigued me with his picture of
Belper bus depot
(HERE).
Lurking in the back of the picture was a vintage
double-decker. So riffling once again through my drawers I have now
found said decker along with another interesting saloon. So herewith
attached are two images taken inside the depot in July 2003. Visible
are Trent 420 a Leyland Titan PD3 built in 1958 with H73RD Willowbrook
bodywork and 417. This single-decker also had a Willowbrook body
DP34F, but on a BMMO SON chassis and mechanics. One could have been
forgiven to be transported back in time with the evocative
surroundings of the building, even though it was 2003. Also attached
is a sister decker number 406 back in October 1967 on duty at Derby
Bus Station. Regrettably both are long gone, that is the bus and the
iconic bus station structure.
From Shayne Howarth (2 February 2010)
At the TRANSPIRE meeting on Tuesday 28th January 2010 some interest was shown in Greg Lilleker’s slide of “Chumbleys” Bedford YRQ / Duple
Dominant 1 RAL 968N (see above: Photograph Greg Lilleker, provided by Andrew Bagshaw). Chumbleys Supreme was later sold to Coopers of Killamarsh who sold RAL 968N in the early 1980’s. She was exported to
Malta and became number Y-585, now EBY 585. The Bedford YRQ is operated by an owner driver. It replaced his father’s bus, a normal control
bonneted Dodge with Zammit bodywork. Attached are photos of the vehicle in 2008 (nearside shot) / 2009 (offside shot) and also upon arrival
in Malta in the early 80’s showing the Dodge which it replaced. The 1980’s photo was provided by the vehicle owner Spiru Pulo from Santa
Venera. She is a pleasure to drive, now fitted with a Cummins 180 engine and a six speed ZF gearbox. It is also believed to be one of few
vehicles still fitted with original Bedford front axle, the rear is a Heaton axle.
Neville Whitmore adds (3 February 2010)
I can confirm that this coach (RAL 968N) was new to Kettlewells of Retford in 1974 (and was probably driven by our webmaster). It was
bought by Chumbleys in 1982 and sold by them in 1984. A very unusual thing (unless anyone knows differently) are the opening windows on
that style of Duple Dominant body (Dominant 1?). They were certainly on the coach in Chumleys time and I suspect from new. Later Dominant
bodies (especially those with bus grant doors) did have similar opening windows and I BELIEVE (subject to confirmation) that Southdown had
some "L" regd Leyland Leopards with similar opening windows.
Oliver Foreman adds (3 February 2010)
Indeed I did drive this coach many, many miles - a workhorse, if ever there was one. In addition to the normal school duties, football matches,
coastal outings, fishing trips and the
dreaded night clubs (including the Aquarius in Chesterfield), this coach was amongst those that I drove all over the country picking up passengers to take them
to various airports on behalf of a travel firm based at Chapeltown, near Sheffield (was it Marina Holidays?). This firm eventually went bust
leaving holidaymakers stranded all over Europe and owing Kettlewell's thousands of pounds, necessitating a reduction in the fleet, which
may be the reason why this coach was sold at a relatively young age.
I am fairly certain the picture below shows a youthful me driving RAL 968N
through New Ollerton, though this coach does not have sliding side windows.
But before you look at the photograph read this . . .
Shayne Howarth replies (5 February 2010)
Spiru Pulo, the owner of EBY 585 (RAL 968N) has viewed the website. He believes that although the photograph of you driving the Bedford in
New Ollerton is of a very similar vehicle, he does not think that it is RAL 968N as it has 10 wheel nuts on the front wheel which leads
him to believe it is a 10mtr coach! Keep looking though your picy’s Oliver, you must have one somewhere!
Your webmaster is humbled. Please ignore this picture
Shayne's account of buses in Malta
HERE
From Colin Sellers (1 February 2010 - put on website 2 February)
Leyland Panther ENU 93H took a spin around its old Chesterfield haunts today. Despite not having been used for three months, it started first spin
From David Gambles (27 January 2010)
You may wish to check out these Chesterfield bus pictures on other websites
HERE
and
HERE.
From Richard Lomas (24 January 2010):
The changes to Sunday services reminds Richard when Chesterfield Transport did tendered journeys to Ripley and beyond. This picture
was taken on Deregulation Day 1986 in Ripley.
Pictures and information of local operators on tendered work may be found on Richard's blog
HERE.
From Andrew Bagshaw (11 January 2010):
The photograph posted by Richard Lomas of Routemaster RM584 further down this page reminded me of Rotherham & District. (HERE)
WLT 584 is actually working for Glynn Peggs Rotherham & District, a small South Yorkshire Independent who
once operated a Sundays only service on the 240 Sheffield to Bakewell route in place of the Mon - Sat South Yorkshire Transport provision
shortly after deregulation in October 1986.
Stevensons of Uttoxeter became a shareholder in the company in 1989 and nine ex London DMS Fleetlines were loaned to Rotherham & District,
two of which are pictured below in Bakewell that year working the 240.
However the ties between the two companies began to weaken and when bus 41 was blown off the road in high winds during the winter of
1989 Stevensons withdrew all its shares in the company and Rotherham & District was left to soldier on with some assistance from East
Midland and Yorkshire Terrier for about 12 months.
Then there was a break for five years before the resurection of Glynn Pegg, this time trading as the Hallamshire Bus Company using a
cream livered Routemaster, a Leyland National, a clutch of ex West Midlands Fleetlines and some hired buses from Dunn Line.
Only one route service 277 Sheffield to Rotherham was operated. Again this operation was only to last just top side of a year or so before
services ceased and Glynn Pegg has so far not returned to the Sheffield bus scene...watch this space!
From Joe Gornall (4 January 2010):
Dennis Bagshaw Coaches is another operator that is no more. Here is his ex-Alder Valley Leyland Leopard
From David Gambles (30 December 2009):
David has come across these three nostalgic photographs and wonders whether or not the first vehicle (600 ERA) was in fact ever owned by Chesterfield
Transport. Anybody know anything about it?
The second photograph appears to be taken at Stonegravels and the third in Hollis Lane. Just look at those cars!
Neville Whitmore responds (1 January 2010): With regard
to the first of David Gambles' pictures, 600 ERA was a caravan at Stonegravels
for many years in the 1980's. I am doing further research but I don't believe it
was ever owned by Chesterfield Corporation despite the green livery, its
Derbyshire registration and the fact that it used to be parked near to the
depot. If memory serves me correctly, it was new to someone in the Peak District
(Hartington rings a bell). It is a Commer/Karrier with a Reading body and was
originally a 14 seater. I also believe that later in its life it was
reregistered (600 ERA would be quite a desirable registration mark for anyone
wanting a dateless Derbyshire one) but I think that it was scrapped a few years
ago.
PG replies (1 January 2010): The second photo found by
David Gambles on the "Nostalgia" page, this is taken inside Stonegravels depot
and is of the Tower Wagon which was retained on after the tramway / trolleybus
network closed, to assist staff make repairs to the depot roof when required.
Judging by the liveries on the buses, the photo is obviously taken just after
the buy-out, but I don't know what happened to it after that.
Richard Lomas writes (29 December 2009):
I noticed an appeal for pictures of EMMS RMs
(HERE).
Below are two photographs I have taken.
The first was taken in Mansfield and the second one at Crich whilst in service. For one or two summers an East Midland RM operated from Chesterfield
(or beyond) to Matlock and then to Crich via Whatstandwell on Sunday mornings. It then did a circular tour from Crich before returning in the late afternoon.
Added by Richard Lomas (3 January 2010): I have found another of RM 584 which operated between Sheffield and Bakewell in the
early days of deregulation.
Andrew Bagshaw adds (11 January 2010): RM 584 is actually working for Glynn Peggs Rotherham & District, a small South Yorkshire Independent who
once operated a Sundays only service on the 240 Sheffield to Bakewell route in place of the Mon - Sat South Yorkshire Transport provision
shortly after deregulation in October 1986. See ABOVE
More Routemasters
HERE
David Gambles writes (24 December 2009):
This photo shows that all over advertising is nothing new!
I can't remember how I acquired it but I suspect it was an official photo taken on behalf of Chesterfield Corporation Transport
and it is dated 1955.
From David Gambles added 23 December 2009
In the new year, David is providing us with a detailed account of his ownership of JRA 635.
To whet our appetites, here it is entering the Piece Hall in Halifax at the 1997 Nocturnal Heart of the Pennines Rally.
More about JRA 635
HERE
From Colin Sellers added 23 December 2009
When I thought of RM's in Chesterfield, I remembered this shot of the Pudsey Bear RM on my street. Bryn & Andrea Stevenson used to fund raise for Children in Need
From Oliver Foreman (with a little help from Neville Whitmore) added 8 December 2009
All three photographs are dated July 2002
B628 DWF was an Alexander bodied Leyland Tiger which was new to East Midland Motor Services photographed alongside Alexander bodied Volvo Olympian
N137 AET which was new to Grimsby-Cleethorpes (and which unusually for Stagecoach has a Cummins engine) painted in traditional East Midland livery
celebrating 75 years of the company. (Not sure if this was a TRANSPIRE evening tour. The driver of the single decker is long standing Transpire member Phil Boot)
The third picture shows ATS 408, the well known Bedford OB operated by Cosy Coaches of Killamarsh shown with Transpire member Neville Whitmore and some friends about to board
the coach at Hardwick Hall for a "Behind the Scenes" tour of the Hardwick estate.
From Tony Wilson added 3 December 2009
The posting on the website
(HERE)
will no doubt stir a few memories of an operation long since departed over a decade ago. So perhaps this image will remind
us of a time when the Peakbus name was applied to a company that chose to create something of a bus war in Chesterfield in the mid-90s. Although they sort
of had a small fleet of their own buses, reliability was perhaps more of a liability and thus we were privy to an interesting selection of vehicles on
loan to help maintain the services. Here hired in from Confidence of Leicester was this former Leicester City Transport (fleet number 55), Leyland
PD3 with MCCW bodywork from 1966 on the way back from Newbold seen here entering Holywell Cross in July 1994.
From Neville Whitmore added 2 December 2009
Quite a few Transpire members have now received their 2010 Calendar (the one free to all members; not the much larger one that is advertised for two pounds),
but if you have not don't worry as it should be on the way to you in the next few
days. Several members have already commented on the two pictures I have included this year and I have been asked for more information about the two
vehicles shown. So here goes.
As you may know, Nathan is away at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston and it is he who usually chooses the photos for the calendar.
So I had to find two suitable ones at very short notice to give to the printers (within a week of the calendar appearing). I quickly searched my own
photo collection and found the two that were used. Both were taken on the same day at the Sandtoft rally in July, but which year? I am not too sure but
I would go for 1988 (any of you out there know differently?)
The Leyland National 2 is almost certainly the vehicle that conveyed the Transpire members, being fleet no. 51 (B151 DHL), but its livery is
interesting, particularly the large CHESTERFIELD fleetname. Notice that it is a BUS seated example, yet the livery is more akin to a coach. Can anyone
explain this livery which was not applied to many other members of the fleet?
Added 13 December:
Thank you very much to former Transpire member David Hargraves for the information regarding Chesterfield Transport Leyland National 51 (B151 DHL)
shown on the 2010 Transpire calendar. The photograph was taken in July 1986 at Sandtoft shortly after it had been painted into the livery shown
which could be regarded as coach livery. Sister vehicle 50 (B150 DHL) was similarly painted at the same time. In August, 50 was fitted with
coach seats and in September 51 was similarly treated making them both more suitable for private hires and long distance work. So it would
seem that the photo on the calendar is quite a rare shot of 51 in coach livery but still retaining bus seats.
The second vehicle is KTF 591, an AEC Regent III which was new to Morecambe and Heysham Corporation in about 1949. In recent years, this has been owned
by an organisation called "Barrels and Bottles" of Sheepbridge so I thought it fairly local to include. However, after the calendar had gone to press, I
discovered that it had been sold to an owner in Morecambe, possibly for use as a PCV. However, on the night of the recent Transpire meeting, this picture excited
at least one member, Brian Hutchinson, who said that he had driven this very bus miles to events such as the Epsom Derby and he had also carried several
cup winning football teams around their home towns. The owner of the bus when it was photographed is unknown (again does anyone out there have
any further information?)
From Tony Wilson (added 27 December 2009):
Found this one of the decker on the Transpire calendar of which Neville has asked for details.
During the 1980s the bus was to be found in the hands of Ebdons a coach and touring company of South East London. At an
earlier stage I am led to believe that it was fleet number 62 with Lancaster (but I could be wrong). Anyhow here the bus was
snapped hard at work on the Round London Sightseeing Tour in April 1984 as it paused on London Bridge to allow the passengers
the opportunity to view the River Thames and especially the Tower of London and Tower Bridge to the left of the vehicle.
From David Gambles added 17 November 2009
Picture from 2004, when we brought an ex Darlington Daimler to Chesterfield to attend the Meadowhall Rally. The Daimler is leading part of the convoy to Sheffield along Knifesmithgate
From Oliver Foreman added 17 November 2009
Probably in the summer of 1993, your webmaster Oliver Foreman is driving Sherwood Forester service 250 through Newark in Marshall's
Leyland Leopard L32 YFR 491R. Photograph probably taken by Neville Whitmore as it is his mother on the nearside front seat. Other Sherwood Forester
pictures
HERE.
In the summer of 1993, Transpire organised an evening tour of the Peak District, stopping at Fox House. Standing in front of Chesterfield Transport Leyland Panther ENU 93H (yet to be
preserved in its previous green
livery) is a youthful Neville Whitmore (actually, does he look any different now?) with Revd. Henry Ormerod, then Vicar of North Wingfield and now
retired to the Cotswolds where he continues his interest in public transport.
This Bedford SB 618 KRA, formerly run by Felix Coaches of Stanley, near Ilkeston, was owned by Neville Whitmore for a time. In this photograph (probably taken around 1990)
Oliver Foreman had persuaded Neville to give the young people of St Nicholas Church, Tuxford (near Newark) a day out to Chatsworth Park, travelling in Neville's precious bus.
And what a splendid time they had! This vehicle is now owned by Fowlers of Holbeach, Lincolnshire.
