Ambassador Travel 884 (CAH 884Y) in Mildenhall - 20 Jun 1989 (89-22)

Tuesday 20 June 1989 (1945) – Originally new to the Eastern Counties Omnibus Company as their LL884 (CAH 884Y) in November 1982, this Eastern Coachworks bodied Leyland Leopard passed to Ambassador Travel when ECOC was split up in September 1984. It was seen at King Street, Mildenhall running 30 minutes late when working the 1700 departure of National Express service 096 from London (Victoria) which I think was only operated as far as Holt rather than Cromer as shown on the destination blind.

I never considered this design of coach body built by Eastern Coachworks particularly handsome. It had recently been repainted without the inclusion of the matt black painted areas traditionally applied to the recessed area below the front windscreen, around the windows and along the skirt which certainly made it look different. Note that the Ambassador Travel name was carried at the top of the leading side window rather than near the front wheel which also visually gave a larger expanse of white.

The lay-by area had just been newly surfaced with block paving and the sand used in the process could be seen lying around.