Independent Bus Services On the Isle of Wight

Description

Independent Bus Services On the Isle of Wight breaks new ground. Several books have been written about Southern Vectis and early bus operators up to 1919 but this is the first illustrated story of independent bus operators and manufacturers on the island to cover the period from 1895 to 1986. Mark Chessell, whose parents were born and brought up on the island, has spent many years researching this subject. He has discovered that there have been more than fifty firms operating local bus services. Some were in business for little more than a few months while some others (e.g. Seaview Services Ltd., Shotters of Brighstone and Wavell’s Enterprise Bus Service) were an important part of the overall transport system for over twenty five years.

Tracing the key phases of growth and decline the author provides an analytical and highly readable account of this aspect of island transport that has been largely forgotten. The book is profusely illustrated with over 120 historic photographs, most of which have never been published. These provide a fairly detailed picture of the types of vehicles the independent operators used and show the evolution of bus design. Some of these are particularly rare and include a beautiful image of Daimler wagonette DL 45 that operated a pioneering motor bus service from Newport to Carisbrooke in 1904. Most of the photos are black and white but there are also approximately ten colour photos.

This hardback coffee table book contains 144 pages and measures 25cm x 28cm. It is printed on glossy art paper and the photographs (some full page) have been reproduced to a high standard with informative captions. The book is approximately 50% text and 50% illustrations, including several maps and drawings. There are detailed chapters on the Island’s two most important bus manufacturers (LIFU and Harry Margham and Sons Ltd), a “Snapshot in Time” chapter for 1928 and two extensive photo galleries. In addition there are several appendices including brief details of the known operators, the sale of operators’ route licences, and some examples of early timetables.

It is hoped that this book will appeal both to people interested in Isle of Wight local history and bus enthusiasts.

ISBN 9780957369207

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