Chesterfield Online Forum
General Category => Old Chesterfield => Topic started by: Pete on January 26, 2012, 07:27:16 PM
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Another familiar sight when I was a schoolkid
(http://www.ichesterfield.co.uk/images/bransons-coaches.jpg)
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They used to pigk us up from old Calow C of E school (opposite Calow Church) ant take us swimming to Bolsover Baths. If we were really lucky in summertime, we went to Ringwood baths (open air).
Happy days :D
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All trips as a kid used to be by Branson's. Last time I went with them was Isle of Wight in the late 80s. Dave who ran the trip formed Nova Tours.
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We used to do the taxi servive for Nova.
I once mentioned to Dave about some photos that my late dad had took a good years ago.
They were of a coach that caught fire at Wadshelf. (Just before the brow of the hill before the descent to the Highwayman)
Dave told me he was driving it.
I'm trying to get in touch with Dave to verify this, the name on the coach is Wray & Sons, Harrogate ?
I've also contacted the coach company, they might like a copy of the photo's, or not :)
I've dug the photo's out and scanned them.
These have never been published online.
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My dad used to drive part-time for Bransons whilst he was also working as a driver on East Midland Motor Services. At that time (late '40s early 50s) it was owned and operated by two sisters (J & T as in J T Branson). Here are a couple of photos of him:
(http://i39.tinypic.com/rbieqa.jpg)
My Dad (circled) and some colleagues on an evening tour (obviously before strict drink driving rules)
(http://i40.tinypic.com/maz1uu.jpg)
On an EMMS 'road staff' day trip - circled is my Mum and Dad, who met whilst Mum worked as a clippie (romantically entwined staff were called 'budgies'!) He once told me that the most feared job as a driver was taking road staff out on day/evening trips - everyone was a critic. Having said that he had numerous safe driving awards and was regarded as Chesterfields' depots no1 driver - still miss him terribly, even after 14 years - RIP Dad :(
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Do you recognise these folks?
(http://www.ichesterfield.co.uk/images/bransons1.jpg)
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Bransons were always used by my school for trips (Manor School literally round the corner from Bransons).
Years later I used them to ferry folks to dinner dances in the Peak District. Business was always done on trust via one of the Misses Branson, no deposit, and bill settled up after the event. Incredible really, and an unthinkable way of doing business these days.
:)
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I've seen Dave and mentioned the coach in the photo's. Coincidence.
His coach that he was driving caught fire in around the same area though.
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Do you recognise these folks?
(http://www.ichesterfield.co.uk/images/bransons1.jpg)
Just saw this and although it's a few years old thought I'd reply.
I believe that they are Len Branson and his wife Flo. Len was the son in JT Branson and Sons. Flo was one of my Grandad's sisters and was originally a Wain.
the garage site and Len & Flo's bungalow are now an apartment block.
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Nev
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Cheers for sharing that alphanov and welcome to the forum.
Good photo - good memories !!
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Welcome to chesterfieldonline alphanov :)
The Branson family must have been in business a long time judging by that bus.
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Welcome to chesterfieldonline alphanov :)
The Branson family must have been in business a long time judging by that bus.
Thanks for the welcome. :)
I've been lurking for a while.... ;D
Yes JT Branson was in business for quite a while.
John Thomas Branson (born 1876) was originally a waiter before he started in the coach business. I've no idea when the business started up and, unfortunately, all those who may have that information are no longer with us. I reckon Transpire may be able to assist with that though....
He had three children Leonard (Len), Evelyn and Louis. Len was the "and son" in the business. After Len's death in 1973 the business continued with Evelyn and Louis running it. I remember going with Len to Plaxtons to pick up the new coaches when they replaced some of the fleet.
Regards
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Nev
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A shot of the premises.
(http://www.ichesterfield.co.uk/images/bransons2.jpg)
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Thanks for the welcome. :)
I've been lurking for a while.... ;D
Yes JT Branson was in business for quite a while.
John Thomas Branson (born 1876) was originally a waiter before he started in the coach business. I've no idea when the business started up and, unfortunately, all those who may have that information are no longer with us. I reckon Transpire may be able to assist with that though....
He had three children Leonard (Len), Evelyn and Louis. Len was the "and son" in the business. After Len's death in 1973 the business continued with Evelyn and Louis running it. I remember going with Len to Plaxtons to pick up the new coaches when they replaced some of the fleet.
Regards
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Nev
Please feel free to join in on the topics you will be made welcome - ;)
It sounds as if you had an interesting childhood centered around the coaches :)
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Hi Nev, welcome to the forum. Its good to have another member on board as new contributions are always welcome and add some diversity :)
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A shot of the premises.
(http://www.ichesterfield.co.uk/images/bransons2.jpg)
My sister lived at the house joined on just off shot to the left in the 1980s/90s
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This smart Bedford coach of Bransons turned up at Felley Priory, Underwood for a garden open day whilst I was visiting back in the day. Only just joined the forum!
Tony.
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Hi Tony, welcome to chesterfieldonline (y)
I'm afraid some of the pictures in this thread got 'corrupted' when we moved to a new host.
There's some cracking local facebook groups for old photos etc if you're not already aware ;)
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Welcome Tony from another Tony. Always glad to have a new member aboard :)
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Welcome to the Forum :)
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When I was a kid we only ever went on the odd organised day trip to the seaside and if a Bransons coach turned up we thought it was our lucky day as they were always the newest and poshest coaches at that time.
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As children we thought we were on holiday if we were taken to the Queens Park or Matlock :) How times have changed!
Do Bransons still take day trips?
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As children we thought we were on holiday if we were taken to the Queens Park or Matlock :) How times have changed!
Do Bransons still take day trips?
I don't want to make you sound silly but Bransons have been defunct for at least 20 years and more. They were the posh ones I seem to remember as a kid - or I thought they were posh.
Lovely coaches clean and modern or so it seemed at the time to me as a kid.
Sadly missed :(
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I don't want to make you sound silly but Bransons have been defunct for at least 20 years and more. They were the posh ones I seem to remember as a kid - or I thought they were posh.
Lovely coaches clean and modern or so it seemed at the time to me as a kid.
Sadly missed :(
Not at all scimitar I didn't know they had gone - haven't used coaches for years so well out of touch with who is around or not.
Who if anyone provides the coach trips these days ?
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Well Johnson's do as for the first time in many years we went on a bus trip yesterday - very good they were as well with wheelchair friendly bus!
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Hello! I've just joined this forum as Bransons fans may like to know that an old Bransons coach is currently being restored by Johnsons/Redferns at Mansfield Woodhouse. I don't know if it will be finished in Bransons colours or if it will become part of their "Dukeries Coaches" heritage fleet.
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Welcome to the forum wollygobble :)
I assumed that all of Branson's coaches had long since perished, so its good news that one is in preservation at least!
Would love to see some photo's eventually.
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Welcome to Chesterfieldonline wollygobble :)
It's nice to know that some people are still prepared to 'take the time'/'spend the money', on restoration projects.
Hope it works out well for them (y)
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Some lovely photo's and descriptions from yesteryear bus history here: If you decide to share any it would be polite to ask the provider first.
http://www.sct61.org.uk/index/operator/ce
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Welcome to the forum wollygobble :)