Harper brothers Leyland double decker NDF349F waits at the bottom of The Parade, Brownhills, on it’s way to Birmingham on what would now be the 56 route. The Fullelove shelter is in the background, and immediately behind that, the Hussey Arms. I’d say this is early 1970s. Image kindly supplied by Tony Martin.
I’ve had a great image sent by reader and pal of the blog Tony Martin, who knows a thing or two about busses. Tony, you’ll remember, sent the wonderful picture of the Harpers busses at Aldridge, which provoked much recollection from readers.
Harper Brothers busses are remembered with some fondness by many a Brownhillian of a certain age.
Tony said:
Hi Bob,
Here is another photo of a couple of Harper Brothers buses, this time taken in Brownhills.
Tony Martin
I’m not sure what the date is, but I’d say early 1970s: I’m sure I remember getting on these types of bus with me old man. I remember the clippy with the leather satchel and mechanical ticket machine, and the thick cigarette smoke upstairs.
It was spring when this was taken on the slip road by Holland Park, judging by the daffs or tulips in the flowerbed and blossom on the tree between the Fullelove Memorial Shelter and The Hussey Arms. The Hussey has a bold sign displaying the Ansells squirrel logo. It’s early spring, as there are few leaves on the trees.
At the time, the Hussey Arms would have had an illuminated red and orange sign along the length of the side wall facing the camera reading ‘Double Diamond’, a popular but weak keg beer of the day. It’s obscured by the Fullelove shelter.
This bus got about a bit and changed appearance a few times. It can be seen on Flickr in a dark, Park’s of Hamilton livery, and in 1976, in the bright Midland Red colour scheme.
I always love these images – they are very evocative, and prompt much great debate and comment. If you have any, no matter how seemingly mundane, please do get in touch.
That’d be BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. Cheers.