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The Brown Bus - A Moore

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thamesweb	The Brown Bus - A Moore	Lead	[-]
Posts: 1635 (05/02/06 05:10:06) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Tags : None A common sight in the 1960s and 70s - A Moore's 'Brown Bus' waiting in River Street before setting off again for Dedworth. Having obtained some photos of their coaches, we have started a story about Moore's Imperial bus service in Windsor. Known as the 'Brown Bus,' many Windsorians would have used the service to get to school, the swimming baths or to and from the shops and probably have happy memories of the Bedford bus illustrated above, VPT 17, which was used for a number of years, often to be seen in Clarence Road and Dedworth Road. The other pictures of Imperial buses that Moores used in and around Windsor are linked here: The Brown Bus Anyone any memories that they can share?
malcolmlock	Re: The Brown Bus - A Moore	#1	[-]
Posts: 1 (06/30/07 08:12:48) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Moores Buses ran well into the 1980s. The last service was the A bus out to Dedworth on the night of Saturday 24th January 1987. The Windsor Express carried an article and photo of this in its edition of January 30th 1987. The buses, although old and quite uncomforable, were well regarded by Windsorians as the team of drivers were well known and always chatty and helpful. We lived at that time along the Dedworth Road and the late night bus would often stop right outside the house to drop off our daughters on their way home. The depot was in Firs Avenue off Hatch Lane behind the Bricklayers Arms. Houses now occupy the site.
abarnettcda	Re: The Brown Bus - A Moore	#2	[-]
Posts: 3 (10/08/07 22:43:40) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I have fond memories of the Brown Bus. From 1950 to 1955 I took the Brown Bus mornings and afternoons from Clewer to Thames Street on my way to and from the Grove School in Slough. The fare was a penny ha'peny each way. I was only five when I started and my Mum would put me in the care of the conductor every morning and he would make sure I got in the proper queue for the Slough bus at the station. By the time I was six I could even take buses and trains to my Grandmother's place in Brentford. I remember one afternoon when the bus was crowded and one of the passengers who was standing was drinking a half pint bottle of milk and he somehow managed to spill some of it into the brim of a lady's hat who was sitting. Nobody, not even the milk drinker noticed it except me. I sat paralized with mirth watching the milk swish around the brim of this lady's hat. The milk drinker got off and still the milk was swishing around without dripping. This lasted until the lady went to get up from her seat and tilted her head forward and the milk poured over the head of the person in the seat ahead of her. The fracas that erupted when this occurred served to waken me from my paralysis and I started laughing quite loudly. To this day I think everyone on the bus thought it was me who had somehow pulled a prank.
thamesweb	Re: The Brown Bus - A Moore	#3	[-]
Posts: 1635 (10/09/07 01:13:25) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	A great story!! When I asked if anyone had any recollections, I hadn't expected anything remotely as funny as that! Many thanks.
padon806	Re: The Brown Bus - A Moore	#4	[-]
Posts: 15 (10/19/07 12:50:05) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	We had a dog named Boxer who rode the bus from Tudor way to the castle and back everyday .They actually put it in the newspaper. I rode it to school at Princess Margaret Rose school. P Webb
Pat Larkin	Re: The Brown Bus - A Moore	#5	[-]
Posts: 400 (10/30/07 03:34:32) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	The Brown Bus played a big part in my life from the time I moved to the Prefabs in Hilltop Road. I'd catch the bus from the little wooden bus shelter at the start of it's journey, to the top of Peascod St. It used to stop opposite The Parish Church, we girls would run across the road hoping to catch the Green Line bus going in the opposite direction, to take us to school. Sometimes, though, we'd get off at Crosses Corner and walk to school thus saving a few pennies which we'd spend on the return journey in the sweet shop. I always bought the same thing - 'Chocolate Creme Bar'. Sometimes, after waiting for The Brown Bus at Crosses Corner on the return journey, it would come along totally full - oh, the disappointment....we'd have to get a Thames Valley to The Wolf Pub and walk all the way up the hill - then, as we reached the top of the hill, the Brown Bus would be there, waiting to go back to Windsor.....ugggg.
Pat Larkin	Re: The Brown Bus - A Moore	#6	[-]
Posts: 400 (10/30/07 03:44:11) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	My first school was Clewer Green.At the top of the lane and turning right, I was told by my brother, that Tony Moore lived in that bungalow/house. I remember seeing two tall boys and my brother telling me that one was Tony and the other his brother. I still, to this day, don't know if he was right - I can remember, though, that they seemed so tall to me - well, I didn't grown past 5'1", so anyone was 'tall'.I believe that A Moore also had a removal company.I'm sure we hired them back in 1960 to take us from Albert Street in Windsor, to Polegate in East Sussex.My husband, Tony and his huge alsation dog, Duke, sat on a chair in the back of the lorry and the driver left the half-door open for them. I can still see them sitting there as we reached our destination!!!! Thankyou A Moore and Co......we're still down here, but in Eastbourne. Last Edited By: Pat Larkin 06/22/08 05:17:40. Edited 1 times.
padon806	Re: The Brown Bus - A Moore	#7	[-]
Posts: 15 (10/30/07 11:17:59) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Hello again Pat. Dont you just love this site .I am sure we rode that little brown bus together.Do you remember the bus driver named Ron. Love Pauline (Webb)
Pat Larkin	The Brown Bus - A Moore	#8	[-]
Posts: 400 (10/31/07 09:59:46) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I've just read your message, Pauline.I didn't realise this could be picked up in the US.....that's if you're still there.You probably did travel with me on The Brown Bus.The queues were so long and the bus was usually full from the time it left the first stop.I remember too the steps up into the bus.Weren't they steep, or was it me?I remember the driver stopping to pick up passengers even though the bus was full.They very rarely left anyone behind and somehow we all squeezed in.Coming from Hilltop, through the bungalow estate and stopping near Vale Road on the Dedworth Road, most times, no one could get on.My friend would wait for the bus, see me,yet couldn't get on, it was then that we decided to cycle to school.The Brown Bus was different from Thames Valley in that it was more friendly and local, it was 'our bus' and we knew the drivers.I can't remember any names now, but have some good memories of my bus trips.It was an everyday part of life then.Something we all took for granted I suppose, they turned up in all weathers and if our bus overtook a Thames Valley bus, we'd all cheer, well, the kids would anyway.Happy memories...
Pat Larkin	The Brown Bus - A Moore	#9	[-]
Posts: 400 (10/31/07 10:13:40) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Is there a museum/workshop or garage in Dedworth, where we could come and see the Brown Buses? If there is, where is it - when are the opening times? It would be smashing to get into a Brown Bus again, even if it's not working. (Pauline, you knew me as 'Tricia', but I think you realised from my 'piece' who I was/am).Wasn't The Brown Bus the one I used to catch when I lived in Mansell Close? I'd walk through St.George's Close and into the next 'part' - Tudor Way perhaps.The bus drove through Hanover Way then near to "Specto" and down Vale Road, turning right at the bottom and driving down Maidenhead Road, going to Windsor the 'back way'...well to me it was.At one time, the bus drove up Peascod Street and stopped just behind the Queen Victoria Statue. (I think). That was when we rode the bus together Pauline - probably.....
thamesweb	Re: The Brown Bus - A Moore	#10	[-]
Posts: 1635 (10/31/07 12:57:16) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	*Quote:* through Hanover Way then near to "Specto" The former Specto works has recently been demolished having been empty for several years.
padon806	Re: The Brown Bus - A Moore	#11	[-]
Posts: 15 (10/31/07 17:26:00) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	my mum worked at spectos for years .Her name was Elsie W ebb
Status	The Brown Bus	#12	[-]
Posts: 6 (11/01/07 05:46:03) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I went to Clewer Green School in the 1960s, and can remember being curious about the sounds of machinery and engines being revved from within the Moores workshop that backed onto the school field. My memories of using the service start in 1971. Just as others have remarked the buses were invariably full to bursting. The school day (Windsor Grammar) finished at 3:50PM, if you didn't manage to get on the 4:00PM bus by the doctors in Clarence Road then you may as well start walking back to Dedworth as the subseqent buses would be completely filled at Crosses Corner. Apart from timing, there were two other issues before successfully boarding the Brown Bus. Firstly, the PMR Girls School used to be in Vansitart Road then, so to be seen running for the bus was so uncool, best to walk exceedingly fast and think your keeping your dignity! The second was the posse from the King George VI Club. There was never any question of trying to push infront, but the senior citizens seemed have perfected a menacing attitude as they waddled across to the Stop. I am still haunted by the vision of baggy tights and elephantitus ankles ascending the bus steps ahead of me! I used to get off the bus in Foster Avenue. There was a story in the Local Paper after the bus brakes failed there and it ended up in the front garden of a bungalow!
Pat Larkin	Clewer Green - way back when.	#13	[-]
Posts: 400 (11/02/07 06:45:07) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	(Status), Clewer Green - well, Pauline and I trod those floors many moons before you were born, didn't we? - but, what a great, great school.I started there when I was 3 and a half, (1944), and left in 1952 - I cried all the way home, and, I had to pass A. Moore and Sons, so remember it all very well. Mrs. Robinson was in the 1st year,Mrs.Fazey, (who wore 2 pairs of glasses when she played and sang at the piano in the big classroom),then Miss.Brown, Miss Joblin,Mr.Burroughs,Mr. Holly and last, but best-of-all, Mrs. Davies.We all loved her,she was the finest teacher you could have wished for.I think of her a lot these days,what an excellent lady.Thanks to The Brown Bus site, it's got my grey cells working and remembering what a lovely life I had in Dedworth.Lovely memories and thankful for them.
Pat Larkin	Re: Clewer Green - way back when.	#14	[-]
Posts: 400 (11/02/07 06:54:58) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I worked at Specto, as did my Dad, my Uncle Roger, my Brother, Ted, and my Mum, (Tea lady). I didn't have a clue that the building had been demolished. Mr. Danek, who started 'Specto', was a Czech gentleman.He employed my Dad as one of the very first engineers on opening the factory.Specto projectors, 8/16mm, were famous, world-wide, as were their cine cameras and tape recorders.A great engineering factory,where local families worked and 'sang' together.I say 'sang' because in the front office, (reception), the lady there had, not only a Tannoy system for announcements and telephone-call requests, she had a gramophone - well, record player - we'd take in our 78's and she'd play them.My favourite then was Pat Boone singing 'Love Letters in the Sand' and she'd play it over and over again for me.The factory hands would sing the words, but alter the names and include their own workmates' names in the songs.I loved working there, upstairs in Sales.We had good fun and good working conditions too.Mr. Danek sadly died, but his wife took over the running of the factory. I remember your Mum, Pauline, she was lovely.
Pat Larkin	Re: Clewer Green - way back when.	#15	[-]
Posts: 400 (11/02/07 07:08:11) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Status - PMR girls, this applied to my school too, I mean, not running for the bus....At Windsor Grammar School for Girls, or The County Girls' School, (or, as we who attended called it 'The County Cow Shed', (no disrespect intended to any 'old girl' reading this), we were not encouraged to run for buses and, should we have to, to make sure that our berets were held on top of our heads. We could be given a 'Minor Offence' if reported by a prefect to the Head Mistress, Miss Shawcross, if seen, outside school, minus a beret!! Also, no eating in public or on the bus.....I felt more secure on The Brown Bus because there were no prefects living on Hilltop at that time, so I could eat my 'Fry's Chocolate Creme'......but I'd finish it off before getting off at Hilltop, just in case.
exred	Remember Ron ?	#16	[-]
Posts: 29 (11/18/78 12:02:59) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Who can remember big Ron who used to drive the bus down Peascod St , he had a flat cap , handle bar moustache , glasses and always had a cigarette on , he lost alot of weight in later years .He lived across the road from me in St Andrews Cres and was a game old boy , i can remember i was sitting in the driving seat of Windsors 100ft aerial ladder fire appliance at the top of Peascod St and Ron came round the corner and clipped my rear light with his bus ( we had a gentlemans agreement and went our merry way ) .Bless him he's gone now .
thamesweb		#17	[-]
Posts: 1242 (06/22/08 14:50:10) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Yes, I remember him. I used to think as a schoolboy that his handlebar moustache was a sign that he was an RAF pilot in his youth...
Pat Larkin	Big Ron	#18	[-]
Posts: 197 (06/23/08 00:12:20) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I've re-read all the Brown Bus stories, and feel I should remember Ron.......I'm forming a picture in my head, but can't quite get there!! I wonder if A. Moore kept photos of the crews in the black and white days? Are they still a company does anyone know....if so, perhaps there's a website. The terrific noise of the bus engine when starting off from the top of Wolf Lane does stick in my mind. What a row - but, on a cold, frosty morning, it gave off a bit of heat, so the best seats were at the front in those days, noise or no noise. How those engines coped with Thames Street and the 'Hilltop' area, I'll never know......The bus didn't go up 'Hilltop' because I don't think it could've made it, walking was hard enough, but, we were all fit 'up there' - I think! I have to admit that I didn't know the last bus stop at the bottom of Thames Street, (and turn left), was 'River Street', live and learn from The Forum! I looked at the pic. of the bus, then read the paragraph underneath. Last Edited By: Pat Larkin 06/23/08 00:14:32. Edited 1 times.
Dorrit	Adventures of the little brown bus!	#19	[-]
Posts: 1 (07/13/08 09:44:27) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	It's all a bit Enid Blyton this... but I was tickled to read tales of the bus I remember well as being very important to us. We travelled often on this warm and cosy, friendly old bone shaker from St Andrew's Crescent. The bus used to pass as we sat in quite a gang of small children playing on the pavements ( as you did!). We used to time life by the passing of the bus. Later, I moved to Clarence Road, and could walk into town, but until then the brown bus connected us Hydes with the delights of Windsor town - the baker's Dexters, and Bradley's, and Caley's and so much more. Happy days.
Pat Larkin	Caleys, Bradleys.....	#20	[-]
Posts: 233 (07/15/08 10:42:49) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Caleys - gone, but what about 'Bradleys'......????? Enid Blyton, maybe, but you have fond memories of the old 'brown bus' all the same Dorrit, like hundreds of others in Dedworth/Windsor. I love the picture of the bus down by the carpark, at the bottom of Thames Street. That one, to me, is 'my' bus.....it dates from the 50's and that's the one I remember most of all. Edit by Editor Just to save you checking the other pages, here is the bus image again Last Edited By: thamesweb 07/22/08 07:11:46. Edited 1 times.