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Throughout the years bus companies have had to cope with harsh winter weather, Provincial being no exception. However, snow is relatively rare on the south coast of England so just to prove it does snow down here, I have included these photos showing Provincial buses at work in snowy conditions. I have personal memories of the harsh winter of 1962-63 and remember how bad the road conditions were at this time, but I don't remember the buses not running, maybe I am looking through rose tinted specs ! My thanks to David Whitaker and Stephen Didymus for their help in providing the photographs.
In the early 1970s, Guy Arab IV
71 (SCG 623) in the revised livery, emerges from Redlands Lane Fareham onto the
A27
Photo: Fred York
On January 2nd 1971, also in Redlands Lane, but travelling in the opposite direction, is Seddon Pennine IV 51 (RAA 19G).
Ex Tynemouth and District , Pickering bodied AEC Regent 37 (FT 4221) is in the same spot as Guy 71 above. I have memories of one of these having trouble getting moving from the West End terminus in St Michaels Grove in deep snow. Photo: Fred York
AEC Regent 12 (FHO 604) in Gudge Heath Lane Fareham in the mid 1960s. Photo: Fred York
Iveco minibus 120 (D120 DRV) seen here circa 1986/87 in Fareham bus station. Photo: Fred York
On 2nd January 1963, former demonstrator AEC Regent 48 (JML 784) is about to be recovered from a ditch in Brookers Lane by a Royal Navy crane. This scene was in the vicinity of the Wych Way Inn. Photo: David Whitaker
Rear view of the same incident. Photo: David Whitaker
48 about to be placed back onto the road by the Navy crane. Photo: David Whitaker
Redlands Lane Fareham again, AEC Regent 34 (BOR 766) on route 1 to Gosport Ferry. Photo: Alan Lambert
The snow in West Street Fareham has obviously been very deep, judging by the way it is piled up in the gutter. Rebodied AEC Regal 23 (CG 9606) is on Route 18 to Knowle Hospital. Photo: Fred York
Also in a snowy West Street Fareham, Ruston And Hornsby engined No 14 (270 MHO) is on its way to West End. It is followed by an ex Southampton Guy Arab. Photo: Alan Lambert
Guy Deutz 76 (941 EOR) is
heading along West Street Fareham after just passing the Railway Station
approach, date unknown.
Photo Copyright : Mal Saltmarsh
No. 61 (CHO 449C), recently
re-numbered from No.33 is also passing Fareham Railway Station, the date is
probably circa. January 1971.
Photo Copyright : Mal Saltmarsh
This photo shows a Guy Arab that was to become Provincial 49 (FCR 447) in very wintry conditions on Witts Hill Southampton.
Snowy Days At Hoeford
This section of photos were all taken at Hoeford
AEC Regent 45 (DAA847) on 31st December 1962. This was at the start of the exceptional winter of 1962-1963. The first snow fell on Boxing Day but did not really thaw until March 1963. Photo: A J Whitaker
These two photos of AEC Regals were taken on December 8th 1967. Photos: A J Whitaker
It looks like a thaw is underway, judging by the amount of slush and water on the ground. With a Guy and AEC in the background, Guy-Deutz 74 (GHO 595) is parked outside the garage.
CPO 313, a Ford 10 based estate car which was in use from early 40's until replaced by a Thames pickup in 1958. This photo was taken in 1942. Photo: David Whitaker
This photo was taken in wartime, and shows a number of AEC Regents. Photo: Bob Gray Collection
Painted in the revised livery introduced in the early 1970s, is 41 (FCR 446). This bus was later renumbered 26. The date is probably 2nd Jan 1971. Photo: Fred York
Withdrawn ex Nottingham AEC Regent 64 (ETV 778) is seen here around 1962/3, in the company of another withdrawn Regent probably 39 (FT 4222) which was also withdrawn by then. Photo: Alan Lambert
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