Hedingham Omnibuses (pre 2012)

Wednesday 21 February 1990 – Market Day in Bury St. Edmunds. For many years, before the opening of the bus station in St. Andrew’s Street, Angel Hill was the focal point for quite a number of services operated by the independent bus and coach companies. The vehicles in this view were operated by Colin Petch of Hopton (MMJ 538V); David Clarke of Elmswell; H C Chambers and Son (G760 VRT); and Hedingham (BNO 703T).

Wednesday 21 February 1990 (approx. 1200) – Market Day in Bury St. Edmunds. For many years, before the opening of the bus station in St. Andrew’s Street, Angel Hill was the focal point for quite a number of services operated by the independent bus and coach companies. The seven vehicles in this view were operated by Coach Services (Thetford) (XNA 337X); another but unidentified vehicle of Coach Services; Colin Petch of Hopton (MMJ 538V); Hedingham (BEV 105X); H C Chambers and Son (G760 VRT); Premier Travel (KUB 546V); and Hedingham (BNO 703T).

Wednesday 16 February 1994 – In past years on the market days in Bury St. Edmunds (Wednesdays and Saturdays) there were numerous independent coach operators that provided services to the town from the villages over a wide area. Most services arrived by mid-morning returning home in the early to mid-afternoon. In between many of the vehicles could be seen parked up at Ram Meadow coach park. As well as the service vehicles there were also other visiting coaches to be seen. Vehicles in this photograph are, from left to right: Rules Coaches of Boxford FBJ 713T, a Plaxton Supreme IV bodied AEC Reliance 6U3ZR new to the company in July 1979. Rule’s operated a service from Boxford. Hedingham and District Omnibuses L196 (H48 NDU), a Leyland Lynx new in July 1990 as a demonstrator. It had worked service X16 from Chappel. Hedingham and District Omnibuses L200 (J295 TWK), a Leyland Lynx new in February 1992 as a demonstrator. I believe it had worked a service from Clare. Thompson Coach Hire (M A & D J Rogers) of Framlingham VYU 565, a Jonckheere bodied Volvo B10M new to NAT Coaches of Leeds in February 1980 registered VBD 360W. (Next in line but out of shot parked further back than the other vehicles in the line was Coach Services of Thetford OHO 238T, a Plaxton Supreme bodied Ford R1114 new to Marchwood Motorways in January 1979. It would have operated any of a number of regular market day services). West Row Coach Services (Taylor-Balls) JGV 335V, a Plaxton Supreme bodied Bedford YMT new to Morley’s Grey Coaches in December 1979, which had operated their service from Lakenheath and Mildenhall. Belle Coaches (Shreeve) of Lowestoft D22 XPF, a LAG Panoramic new to Sussex Leamland (Travel) Limited in October 1986. Burton Coaches of Haverhill D282 XCX, a Plaxton Paramount bodied DAF SB2300 (featuring the low driving position) new in April 1987 to Brown of East Grinstead. Coach Services of Thetford E383 EUT, a Plaxton Paramount 3200 bodied Bedford Venturer YNV new to Wainfleet Coaches of Nuneaton in October 1987. It would have operated any of a number of regular market day services.

Wednesday 16 February 1994 – In past years on the market days in Bury St. Edmunds (Wednesdays and Saturdays) there were numerous independent coach operators that provided services to the town from the villages over a wide area. Most services arrived by mid-morning returning home in the early to mid-afternoon. In between many of the vehicles could be seen parked up at Ram Meadow coach park. As well as the service vehicles there were also other visiting coaches to be seen. Vehicles in this photograph are, from left to right: On the extreme left is Burton Coaches of Haverhill D282 XCX, a Plaxton Paramount bodied DAF SB2300 new in April 1987 to Brown of East Grinstead. Belle Coaches (Shreeve) of Lowestoft D22 XPF, a LAG Panoramic new to Sussex Leamland (Travel) Limited in October 1986. West Row Coach Services (Taylor-Balls) JGV 335V, a Plaxton Supreme bodied Bedford YMT new to Morley’s Grey Coaches in December 1979, which had operated their service from Lakenheath and Mildenhall. Coach Services of Thetford OHO 238T, a Plaxton Supreme bodied Ford R1114 new to Marchwood Motorways in January 1979. It would have operated any of a number of regular market day services. Thompson Coach Hire (M A & D J Rogers) of Framlingham VYU 565, a Jonckheere bodied Volvo B10M new to NAT Coaches of Leeds in February 1980 registered VBD 360W. Hedingham and District Omnibuses L200 (J295 TWK), a Leyland Lynx new in February 1992 as a demonstrator. I believe it had worked a service from Clare. Hedingham and District Omnibuses L196 (H48 NDU), a Leyland Lynx new in July 1990 as a demonstrator. It had worked service X16 from Chappel. On the extreme right is Rules Coaches of Boxford FBJ 713T, a Plaxton Supreme IV bodied AEC Reliance 6U3ZR new to the company in July 1979. Rule’s operated a service from Boxford. There were seventeen PSVs parked here at the time. There was also another row of vehicles parked facing the row seen in this photograph, the roof tops of two Eastern Counties double deckers can just be seen above the Burton Coaches vehicle.

Wednesday 16 February 1994 – In past years on the market days in Bury St. Edmunds (Wednesdays and Saturdays) there were numerous independent coach operators that provided services to the town from the villages over a wide area. Most services arrived by mid-morning returning home in the early to mid-afternoon. In between many of the vehicles could be seen parked up at Ram Meadow coach park. As well as the service vehicles there were also other visiting coaches to be seen. Vehicles in this photograph are, from left to right: Simonds of Botesdale 460 UEV, a Plaxton Supreme bodied Bedford YNT new to Kinch of Mountsorrel in September 1981 registered TRY 6X. It would have operated any of a number of Simond’s regular services. The Eastern Counties Omnibus Company Bury St. Edmunds garage was close by in Cotton Lane and Ram Meadow was regularly used for additional parking. Two Eastern Coachworks bodied Bristol VRs are VR147 (GNG 713N) and VR281 (VAH 281X) new in January 1975 and October 1981 respectively. Coach Services of Thetford NLH 288, a Plaxton Supreme bodied Ford R1114 that had been new to Excelsior, Bournemouth in April 1980 registered HFX 419V. It would have operated any of a number of regular market day services. Hedingham and District Omnibuses L88 (REV 188R), a Duple Dominant bus style bodied Bedford YRQ new to the company in November 1977. I believe it had worked a service from Clare. Richard W Chenery of Dickleburgh D411 OSJ, a Mercedes-Benz O 303 coach which had been new to Hirst Coaches of Holmfirth in June 1987 registered D351 CBC. It had also carried the registration GIL 1682 along the way. Windmill Coaches (P A Poulsom) of Colchester G421 WFP, a Bova Futura FHD12-290 new in April 1990. Belle Coaches (Shreeve) of Lowestoft NJI 9245, a Plaxton Paramount bodied YMT that had been new to Shreeve’s related company Classic Coaches (Lowestoft) Limited in March 1985 registered B44 LUT. There were seventeen PSVs parked here at the time. There was also another row of vehicles parked on the left facing those in this photograph, two of these may just be seen on the extreme left. They are Rules Coaches of Boxford FBJ 713T (a Plaxton Supreme IV bodied AEC Reliance 6U3ZR new to the company in July 1979. Rule’s operated a service from Boxford) and Coach Services of Thetford E383 EUT (a Plaxton Paramount 3200 bodied Bedford Venturer YNV new to Wainfleet Coaches of Nuneaton in October 1987. It would have operated any of a number of regular market day services).

Thursday 22 February 1990 (1000) - Hedingham Omnibuses L85 (GPV 685N) seen on Angel Hill, Bury St. Edmunds soon to be working service 357 to Clare. It is a Willowbrook bodied Bedford YRQ new in January 1975.

Thursday 22 February 1990 (1000) - Hedingham Omnibuses L85 (GPV 685N) seen on Angel Hill, Bury St. Edmunds soon to be working service 357 to Clare. It is a Willowbrook bodied Bedford YRQ new in January 1975.

Tuesday 2 August 1994 – Hedingham Omnibuses L88 (REV 188R), a Duple Dominant (bus) bodied Bedford YLQ new in November 1977. It was seen passing through the village of Nayland in Suffolk when working the 1225 service 84 from Sudbury to Colchester.

Tuesday 2 August 1994 – Hedingham Omnibuses L88 (REV 188R), a Duple Dominant (bus) bodied Bedford YLQ new in November 1977. It was seen passing through the village of Nayland in Suffolk when working the 1225 service 84 from Sudbury to Colchester. Hedingham acquired the business of W Norfolk and Sons in 1991 and the former Norfolk property can be seen on the left.

Saturday 3 April 1993 – Parked at Ram Meadow coach park in Bury St. Edmunds Left: Hedingham and District Omnibuses L96 (NFX 446P), a Plaxton Supreme bodied Bedford YMT new to Shamrock and Rambler (National Travel South West) in July 1976. Centre: Mulleys Motorways FIL 4345, a Duple Dominant bodied Bedford YMT new in May 1981 registered RRT 111W. Both were parked between trips on their regular services into Bury (as was Beestons Coaches of Hadleigh Leyland National PJI 4708 on the extreme right edge of the Photograph) Next to the Mulleys coach is F697 PAY, a Caetano Optimo bodied Toyota Coaster operated by B. J. S Travel on a visit to the town although I didn’t record any further details about the company. The coach was new in March 1989 to Hanmer of Southsea.

Wednesday 23 August 1989 - Hedingham Omnibuses L103 (BAR 103X) seen travelling down the High Street in Halstead when working the 1620 service 89 from Great Yeldham to Braintree. It is a Plaxton Bustler bodied Leyland Leopard new in February 1982.

Sunday 29 August 1993 - Hedingham Omnibuses L103 (BAR 103X), a Plaxton Bustler bodied Leyland Leopard new in February 1982, seen at the garage in Sible Hedingham.

Sunday 29 August 1993 - Hedingham Omnibuses L103 (BAR 103X), a Plaxton Bustler bodied Leyland Leopard new in February 1982, seen at the garage in Sible Hedingham. In the background (left) is a trio of Leyland Lynx buses. Furthest away L150 (F150 LTW), Lynx 1 model, new in August 1988. Centre is L200 L196 (J295 TWK) new in February 1992 as a demonstrator. Nearest the camera is L196 (H48 NDU) in July 1990 also new as a demonstrator. The latter two are Lynx 2 models. Under cover on the right is L139 (FCY 287W), a Duple Dominant (bus) bodied Bedford YMQ new to South Wales Transport in October 1980.

Thursday 17 August 1989 - Hedingham Omnibuses L116 (HAR 116Y), a Plaxton Paramount 3200 Express bodied Bedford YNT new in February 1983, seen travelling down the High Street in Colchester. The Town Hall stands behind.

Tuesday 27 May 1997 (approx. 1345) - Hedingham Omnibuses L136 (D136 XVW), a Plaxton Derwent bodied Bedford (YMP or YMQ) new in June 1987, seen in Saffron Walden bound for Haverhill on service 59.

Sunday 29 August 1993 - Hedingham Omnibuses L140 (FCY 288W) seen at the garage in Sible Hedingham. It is a Duple Dominant (bus) bodied Bedford YMQ that was new to South Wales Transport in October 1980. Standing behind are East Lancs bodied Leyland Atlanteans L188 (CBV 307S) and L186 (CBV 305S) which were new to Blackpool Transport in October 1987. They came to Hedingham with the acquisition of Norfolk’s of Nayland in 1991.

Saturday 22 April 1989 - Hedingham Omnibuses L148 (WPH 135Y) seen at Santon Downham having brought a party of walkers taking part in a charity forest walk. It is an Eastern Coachworks bodied Leyland Tiger that was new to London Country as a Green Line coach (TL35) in August 1982 and was acquired from Kentish Bus in 1988. In February 1994 it was re-bodied with a new East Lancs EL2000 bus body. Follow these links to see front and rear photographs of the bus as is passed through the village of Nayland: www.ipernity.com/doc/davidslater-spoddendale/50487600 www.ipernity.com/doc/davidslater-spoddendale/50487598

Tuesday 2 August 1994 (1307) – Hedingham Omnibuses L148 (WPH 135Y) passing through the village of Nayland in Suffolk when working the 1240 service 84 from Colchester to Sudbury. It is a Leyland Tiger that was new to London Country as a Green Line coach (TL35) in August 1982 fitted with an Eastern Coachworks coach body. Hedingham acquired the vehicle from Kentish Bus in 1988 and in February 1994 had the chassis re-bodied by East Lancs as seen here. To see a photograph of the vehicle in its original form follow this link: www.ipernity.com/doc/davidslater-spoddendale/50487602