El ans of old buses have
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been having a lean time of it in aid late so here's a heart warming story from Hastings, and it even features a hero called Harold.
Fortunately, on this occasion the apple of Harold's eye is a 1928 open-top Guy bus rather than a lethal arrow fired by a Norman. (Don't mention that war—ED) Harold Williams—a name with an apt historical ring if ever there was one—is conductor of this fine passenger vehicle, owned by the Hastings Bus Preservation Group.
On this occasion, Harold together with his splendid beard and patriotic undershorts, took the old gal to a veterans' day out at the Amberley Chalk Pit Industrial Museum near Arundel, West Sussex.
The oldest bus on the day, and winner of a £1,000 award from the Eastbourne Historic Vehicle Club, was a 1914 Tilling Stevens petrol electric open topper that used to do the rounds at Worthing.
One can almost hear the merry laughter of those long ago holidaymakers as the conductor dinged his bell and the bus moved off alongside the thronged promenade heading fora kaleidoscope of pierside delights, romances and thrills. Fair brings a tear to this old rheumy eye.