Once a familiar sight on local roads, the light green Harpers busses. This one is taken outside Aldridge Post Office in 1974 by reader and friend of the blog Tony Martin, who kindly supplied the picture.
We’ve talked about Harpers busses here on the blog a lot over the years – many of us have fond memories of catching these distinctive green double deckers and coaches to popular local destinations, like Birmingham, Lichfield and Cannock.
I think most of us smile at the memory of the Clippies, hopping on via the rear door, and the thick fug of smoke on the top deck.
Well, Philip Burton has recently been in touch and asked me to see if any readers can help with the following call for historical material, ephemera and memories of this once-iconic local bus company, for his friend Brian.
Philip wrote:
Hi Bob,
I have a friend, Brian Yates who is writing a book which is almost complete on the history of Harper Brothers, but he is looking for any information, memories or photos to help him tell the story.
Brian would like to publish it this year if he can – would it be at all possible to help him out and put his request out on your blog?
Any memories, photos and stories, anything that could help me to tell the story.
Contact Brian on byates08 at sky dot com
Cheers
Philip
If you feel you can help, please don’t hesitate to contact Brian on the above dress, or comment here and I’ll pass your messages on.
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 937 route (I think). 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.