THE M & D AND EAST KENT BUS CLUB

Crich Tramway Museum - 10th July 2004

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Tour report by Colin Hicks. (first published in Invicta November '04)

After picking up in Maidstone and Chatham our coach, which was an uncommon DAF/Ikarus provided by New Enterprise, travelled via the M2, Dartford Tunnel, M25 and then north up the M1 where we had a break at the infamous Watford Gap Services and then into Derby where a visit to the Arriva Depot had been organized where their last Daimler Fleetline was moved for photography, also sharing the site was independent Hawkes Tours with MCW Metrobuses in an allover blue livery.  

Our next visit was about 200 yards further down the road being the depot of Harpurs of Derby, here was an assortment of MCW Metrobuses, Atlanteans and Coaches, all turned out in a smart maroon and cream livery.  On returning to the City Centre, eagle-eyed members spotted a Scania Metropolitan double-decker in the park being used as a mobile home, it turned out to be ex London Transport MD14, the owner told us he had just returned from a trip to Switzerland in the bus!  We then had some time to view the current bus scene at the bus station.

Leaving Derby we had a pleasant trip through the countryside to the pleasant village of Crich , on the way eagle-eyed members spotted an ex Merseyside Leyland Panther being used as a mobile café, and looking in the Trent/Barton depot in Belper a fine collection of their preserved vehicles was seen.  Crich Tramway Village is situated in a quarry at the top of Crich village and the drive up was impressive!

Leaving the coach we were handed an old penny, first time I have been instructed to spend a penny (!), the penny acts as the fare for the tram rides, on presenting it you get a ticket which enables you to enjoy the tram rides available.  A pleasant afternoon was then spent riding and viewing the exhibits and reading all about the history associated with the trams.

On returning to Kent we had a stop at South Mimms, where many coaches were photographed and recorded and those who walked round to the Sullivan Buses yard were rewarded with two ex-Ulsterbus Bristol REs and a new Volvo B7 decker.  With thanks to David Cobb for another enjoyable day and our driver David for getting us back early.

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